McDonald vilified for political expediency

Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett (‘McDonald suspended from Dáil for two days,’ November 14) in adjourning Dáil Éireann after a suspension lasting four and a half hours due to a sit-in by Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, said he regretted very much having to take this action but it was necessary to avoid “further reputational damage to the institution”.

Deputy McDonald’s action was unparliamentary, brought about out of frustration at what she perceived to be evasive answers to questions she raised on water charges by Tánaiste Joan Burton, but to suggest that it brought reputational damage to the Dáil is surely a disproportionate overstatement. The reputation of that institution has been well and truly holed below the moral waterline by unscrupulous ministers and TDs as is evidenced by the Moriarty, Mahon and McCracken Tribunals.

Since her election to the Oireachtas and her presence and performance on the Public Accounts Committee, Ms McDonald has raised considerably the reputation of the Dáil, that institution which continues to be cheapened by the constant vilification of Ms McDonald and her party for political expediency.