Oneupmanship backfires in Dáil's passion play

DÁIL SKETCH:TEMPER, TEMPER! After a sombre, almost lifeless debate on the Lisbon treaty on Wednesday, there was plenty of passion on display in the Dáil yesterday.

There was even the use of the F-word, albeit in a parliamentary fashion and apropos of nothing to do with the fiery row that eventually emerged.

Fine Gael's Richard Bruton made indirect reference to the Taoiseach's infamous F-word rendition in relation to consumer price rises when he referred to the "fleecers" following the survey by the National Consumer Agency that people in the Republic were paying more for their groceries.

It was all very mild though compared to the "arrogance", "insult" and "outrageous behaviour" that was expounded on about the much sought-after Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern.

Essentially the row boiled down to some one-upmanship that backfired somewhat and left egg on faces on both Government and Fine Gael sides.

Fine Gael spokesman on children Alan Shatter is due to introduce Private Members' legislation in the Dáil next week on victims' rights.

The Minister was making a pre-emptive strike by announcing his legislative proposals on the same issue at a press conference.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan struck the match on a row that turned into a blaze when she answered Charlie Flanagan's question about when victims' rights legislation would be published.

The Tánaiste said the Minister for Justice was giving a press conference about the issue at the time and she was "surprised" Deputy Flanagan was still in the chamber.

The same deputy thought it a "bit mean to gazump the House" on the issue. Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue attempted to divert the issue by calling Deputy Michael Ring. "Deputy Ring, Deputy Ring, Deputy Ring . . ," he repeated endlessly, but Deputy Flanagan was not to be derailed.

The Minister should be in the House for the renewal of the anti- terrorism legislation. It was a "disgraceful" way to treat the House and procedure.

"Deputy Ring, Deputy Ring, Deputy Ring . . . for the 20th time Deputy Ring . . ," said the Ceann Comhairle, but his usually successful repetition of the name of the next deputy to be called did not work. Deputy Ring had to be called for about the 30th time before he succeeded.

However, when Minister of State Barry Andrews stood to introduce the motion on the Offences Against the State Act, Deputy Flanagan was on his feet.

The Opposition only agreed to the debate because the Minister himself would be there.

Deputy Shatter was on his feet, outraged that the Minister was giving a press conference on his issue.

Another suspension followed when Fine Gael refused to allow the debate to continue.

This time, though, Mr Ahern sat in the chamber, but still left the motion to his junior Minister and sat, serenely smiling.

It was too much for Deputy Shatter. "The most cynical and manipulative act of politics I've seen in 25 years," he said, pointing the finger.

The House was suspended again for 30 minutes, amid opposition calls that the Minister should deal with the issue. It was a delegated function, said the Ceann Comhairle. Cue more outrage.

When the Dáil returned Mr Ahern took the motion. The Opposition were gleeful.

Just another Dáil day.