Basic courtesy is absent from Dáil proceedings

The first role of the new Dáil, on March 10, will be the appointment, in secret ballot, of the ceann comhairle. I propose Katherine Zappone.

There is a need for transparency and equality, with so many independents elected to serve as teachta dála.

Zappone embodies Irish societal renewal in the 21st century — gay, a feminist Irish citizen born outside the State, an academic and human rights activist, who proposed to her long-term partner, Ann Louise Gilligan, live on RTÉ TV, on the day Ireland voted for same–sex marriage legislation. She has been a member of the Seanad, so is no stranger to the workings of the Oireachtas.

Those of you who read my blog regularly will know of my disappointment at the level of personal barracking that went on in the 31st Dáil, especially towards the end, with the speaker struggling to keep control.

The party leaders continued this in the televised debates, basically talking and shouting over each other.

The ceann comhairle has a replica of the bell of St Patrick, which is meant to be used to restore order, but which today just adds to the din.

To move business along, the basic rules of common decency and courtesy must be restored in the Dáil. Therefore, part of Oireachtas renewal has to be a strict ruling that if the ceann comhairle stands up, all deputies must remain seated and ‘dún do bheal.

Gerry Molumby

Nottingham

UK