Sinn Féin’s persecution complex should not interfere in our democratic process – Mulherin

SF forces suspension of Dáil Eireann only two weeks after Mary Lou debacle

Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Michelle Mulherin, has accused Sinn Fein of using Dáil Eireann to once again further its cynical political agenda. Deputy Mulherin was speaking after Sinn Fein TD, Aengus O’Snodaigh forced the suspension of Dáil Eireann on three occasions today.

“Instead of dealing with the busy end of year legislative programme, the Dáil has been suspended for three times today while Sinn Féin indulges in its wildly misplaced sense of victimhood.

“Sinn Féin’s behaviour does a disservice to the public who elected TDs to debate and pass legislation. For the second time in two weeks this has become impossible because of the bully boy antics of Sinn Féin. I would be concerned that as we get nearer to a general election, these antics will become a more regular event.

“Sinn Féin is clearly intent on presenting itself as being on the wrong end of an institutional bias. The Party has alleged that the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil is biased against them and have threatened to put down a motion of no confidence in him. And it regularly accuses a national media group of having an agenda against them.

“Perhaps Sinn Féin has found that this notion plays well with its party base, but it should never allow its political agenda to undermine our democratic institutions.

“Today’s incident comes only a fortnight after a stunt by Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald which led to Dáil Éireann being suspended for the day, resulting in the delaying of the passing of the Social Protection Bill. This highly cynical, and to some degree effective ploy, was designed to deflect attention away from the Party’s treatment of abuse victims.

“I find it highly frustrating that Deputy O’Snodaigh and his party colleagues have ignored the independent advice of Leinster House officials, including the Clerk, who checked the Dáil record and advised the Ceann Comhairle that no allegations were made against any members of the House.

“No doubt, Sinn Féin will try and use this incident to further their claims of an institutional bias against them. I would advise members of the public to take this nonsense with a very large pinch of salt.”