2 days Ago
As the latest instalment of serial chaos is brought to us by Donald Trump’s creative department, in the form of “another fine mess”, our own team of Dáil drama virtuosos put the finishing touches to one of their own. If, at times of national emergency – with livelihoods on the line – we expected our politicians would rise above the parochial and see the national and global pictures, we were mistaken. In the face of Mr Trump’s tariff thunderbolt, our TDs could not put the country first and focus on the greatest threat we have faced since the IMF came banging on our door.
Instead, hours of debate had to be devoted to a futile attempt to oust Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy. With so much at stake, for the Dáil speaking-rights row to take centre stage represents another appalling misreading of the public mood. This shameful waste of time will be seen as another two-fingered salute to the public, every bit as offensive as Michael Lowry’s original smirking insult.
Traditionally, we have shown ourselves alert to danger, recognising that we either grow or disintegrate under duress. At times of great risk, rushes of blood to the head were never allowed to dominate agendas – but not any more. With €58bn annual exports in pharmaceuticals to the US in peril, as well as 32pc of total goods exports to the US market, the Dáil chose uproar instead of standing together.
While in Strasbourg, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was warning that “all options are on the table” in response to Mr Trump’s tariff threats, party leaders in Dublin were letting themselves and their country down spectacularly. There was no sign of resolve or conviction in Dáil Éireann. Instead, there was a collective shrinking to the occasion Ms von der Leyen was signalling to Washington that although the EU does not want an economic conflict, it has the “power to push back”.
At the same time, in our parliament, those charged with protecting our future were squaring up and throwing tantrums. The bloc will “approach from a position of strength”, given the size and economic power of the EU”, Ms von der Leyen said. But there was no sign of resolve or conviction in Dáil Éireann.
Instead, there was a collective shrinking to the occasion. Tánaiste Simon Harris made a lunge towards leadership, saying the “time for shouting, whooping and hollering is over”, but instead of sounding authoritative, there was something a little hollow in his pleading. It was, after all, the misguided deal he and Taoiseach Micheál Martin did with Regional Independents that caused the meltdown.
It was “regrettable” that some parties followed the lead shown by Sinn Féin, he said. Had he and the Government a better grasp of statecraft, no such distractions need have arisen. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke of the “breathtaking failure” of Ms Murphy.
But what will have truly knocked the wind out of voters was the Dáil’s insensibility to the fact that when a show of unity was badly needed as Mr Trump’s “Liberation Day” dawned, we were treated to another farce..
