Independent TD Violet-Anne Wynne has made history by becoming the first TD to bring her baby into the Dáil for a vote.
The Clare TD, formerly of Sinn Féin, arrived into the chamber with her baby daughter, Collins, and stood at the back before taking her place for a series of votes.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl interrupted proceedings to say Ms Wynne had made history by bringing the baby in for a vote.
There was sustained applause and cheers from an almost full chamber for Ms Wynne. Mr Ó Fearghaíl said to laughter and further applause that “Baby Collins is the first actual baby to join us here”.
After the first vote on the passage of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which was passed by 74 to 64 votes, Ms Wynne was approached and congratulated by Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman and a number of TDs including Independent TD Marc MacSharry, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns.
Lots of photos were taken of the TD and her baby daughter, her sixth child, as she sat for the votes, the child sitting placidly in her mother’s arms amid the loud cheers and laughter.
