Dispute over protest allegations
Senators Wilson and O’Neill dispute whether O’Neill made allegations about Senator MacSharry’s presence at a protest; repeated demands for withdrawal are rejected, and the Chair rules the exchange out of order.
On a point of order, earlier on the Order of Business, Senator Pat O'Neill made some serious and unfounded allegations about Senator Marc MacSharry regarding the protest that took place in Sligo town last night.
Comment on this
I did not make any allegations. I asked was he present.
Comment on this
I ask the Senator to withdraw those comments.
Comment on this
No. I am not withdrawing any comment; I asked if he was present.
Comment on this
I ask the Senator to withdraw the comments.
Comment on this
Why is the Senator interested in whether he was there?
Comment on this
Why does the Senator not ask him later?
Comment on this
He was not here. Therefore, I asked the Senator if he would find out for me. Did the Senator make a call to him out of courtesy? Does he know if he was there?
Comment on this
I tell the Senator what I will do next week. I will ask him then.
Comment on this
I ask Senators to respect the Chair. I gave many Senators a lot of latitude in the House today. We are 15 minutes over time. When I give latitude, I get less respect. In future, when Senators come in late, I will say they were not here in time. Let the Leader respond and let us have order in the Chamber.