The Dáil was suspended this morning after heated exchanges between Minister of State Seán Fleming and People Before Profit TDs Paul Murphy and Bríd Smith.
During a debate on a PBP motion on neutrality and the triple lock, Minister Fleming pointed towards the PBP members and said: “I have listened to Putin’s puppets over there today. And this is an issue of Putin’s puppets versus the people of Ireland… And that’s what you are – you’re puppets for Putin, and you’re on the wrong side of history.”
At that point, a clearly irate Deputy Murphy got to his feet and shouted across the Dáil chamber.
This led to Fine Gael TD Michael Ring, who was chairing the debate, to demand the People Before Profit TD resume his seat.
After ringing the Dáil bell to restore order, Deputy Ring raised his voice to Deputy Murphy: “You had your opportunity. And you’re going to get ten minutes at the end [of the debate].”
Deputy Murphy cited standing orders to be allowed to speak but this was ruled out of order by Deputy Ring.
Deputy Smith then intervened and addressing Minister Fleming said: “I want you to withdraw that accusation that we are puppets of Putin. Withdraw it now.”
Minister Fleming responded: “Well all I can say is that I did not direct my comments at any individual…”
Deputy Ring ordered both Paul Murphy and Bríd Smith to sit down and refused to take any points of order.
The row continued unabated for nearly three minutes until Deputy Ring suspended the House for five minutes.
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