Ryan report debate - Unacceptable behaviour

IT has become more usual to question the relevance of the Dáil and its formalised, inflexible and infrequent sittings than is healthy for a modern democracy.

Sadly, it is impossible, after last Thursday’s pitiful performances not to have a degree of sympathy with that point of view. A long-overdue debate on the Ryan report had been deferred to make room for a meaningless no-confidence debate.

When the Ryan debate began various party leaders made the usual statements of contrition and shame but as soon as their contributions ended they left the chamber. Did they not think their presence — as our representatives — was as important as their views? This is the cynicism that undermines the little faith we have left in our political system. To deepen the insult they refused to meet some of the victims who had marched to Leinster House. How can our politicians imagine this is acceptable, that it does not demean their profession?