Name-calling in the Chamber
Timmins said name-calling undermines respect, democracy and the Chamber’s authority, and urged Deputies to avoid it. The Taoiseach agreed and supported his appeal.
I want to bring up the issue of name-calling that I have witnessed in this Chamber. It is an unwelcome and unnecessary part of debate. It actually is a reflection on the person themselves who does the name-calling and demonstrates that they do not have the language to deal with the issue. It shows a total lack of respect for the other person and, hence, a lack of respect for our democracy. It also lessens the authority of this Chamber, contributes to bringing politics into disrepute, and sets a bad example. I ask that people think before they speak, before they resort to name-calling.
Comment on this
It is not quite within my domain, but I agree with Deputy Timmins and support him in his endeavour regarding the avoidance of name-calling.