Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett challenged Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald to move a motion of no confidence in him during a heated procedural row in the Dáil.

The Dublin Central TD accused Mr Barrett of being “grossly unfair” in the distribution of time for Opposition TDs to question Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

When Mr Barrett said he could not account for length of replies, she said he could. She accused him of having an “utterly outrageous” attitude.

Mr Barrett retorted: “I have to say your attitude is equally outrageous.”

She complained that he gave FF leader Micheál Martin 40 minutes in exchanges with the Taoiseach, which Mr Barrett rejected. When he asked Ms McDonald to show respect for other TDs who had questions to ask, she said she would like a degree of respect shown to her.

“I am showing respect to you,” said Mr Barrett.

“I believe you are not,” she replied.

“Okay. Put down a motion of no confidence in me then,” said Mr Barrett.

“I just might,” she replied.