Dail scenes a warning to voters of climate change perils

Climate change is very much on the agenda for the election.

Indeed the threat to voters is so great that a political public health warning may be required. The evidence of the change for the worse is everywhere. Noise levels are escalating and there is a hot air problem. Election promises are polluting the atmosphere.

All this was clear during Opposition Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil yesterday. Hopefully, word has reached the Paris gathering on climate change by now.

Fianna Fáil's Robert Troy referred to the summit in the French capital and noted Barack Obama had spoken about the need for this generation to act on climate policy.

"It is a challenge and an opportunity for all of us to do what is right,'' he said, solemnly. His Fianna Fáil colleagues nodded gravely. And then Troy read from a long speech about the Government's policy on wind turbines, with no sign of a question to Minister for Energy Alex White.

Noise levels and the political temperature rose. Heated exchanges polluted the air, as Government TDs demanded that he ask a question.

"Can we have the deputy's script, please ?'' asked Fine Gael's Noel Harrington.

"This is a speech,'' said party colleague Bernard Durkan, with emphasis.

The failure over many decades to deal with the climate change issue affecting the body politic became increasingly obvious. Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen tried to lower the temperature.

“The deputies should listen to what he is saying,’’ Cowen advised. “He is trying to put the question.’’

Independent TD Mattie McGrath believed Government TDs were afraid of an earthquake. “The deputies opposite do not like standing their ground,’’ he declared.

Cowen was worried about a storm. “There are a few windbags over there,’’ he declared.

Durkan rose to his feet. “On a point of order, can I ask the deputy to circulate his speech?’’ he asked.

Points of order

Leas-Cheann Comhairle Michael Kitt said no points of order were allowed during Opposition Leaders’ Questions.

Finally, a question surfaced. Troy demanded to know if the Government was still committed to onshore wind energy as a source of alternative energy.

“If so, communities across the country expect the publication of the new guidelines about the size of turbines,’’ he added.

Adopting a statesmanlike tone, White said he understood Troy’s opening remarks about the importance of the Paris summit.

He told Troy the policy on energy efficiency must be advanced. Troy looked like somebody with endless energy, clearly unaffected by the air and noise pollution in the chamber.

There will be more of this between now and when Taoiseach Enda Kenny goes to the Park to get the election underway. And then it will intensify as the political climate worsens.

You have been warned, dear voter.