Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has accused Fine Gael of “gerrymandering of the lowest type” in a row over the extension of a deadline for nominations for the role of Leas Cheann Comhairle.

Mr Healy-Rae, who slapped the bench in front of him in anger, said three nominations had been made when the deadline was reached and Fine Gael had not entered a nominee for the position.

It had been understood Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil had reached an agreement that Fianna Fáil Donegal TD Pat “The Cope” Gallagher would be given the role. Independent Mattie McGrath and Sinn Féin’s Seán Crowe have also been nominated.

The Kerry TD warned the Government “that if I see you putting in a nominee it will be a dirty start to this Government’s work”.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams asked why the issue was not being dealt with this week.

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald told the House that the issue had not been on the order paper, had not been discussed at the whips' meeting and she understood the Government chief whip "asked for an extension and it was granted by the Ceann Comhairle".

“That’s not true,” Mr Healy-Rae roared as he slapped the bench.

No discussions

The Ceann Comhairle said: “I had no discussions with anybody about the extension of the time. I had no discussions whatsoever.” He said it was not a matter for the Ceann Comhairle to decide when or how the Government elected a Leas Cheann Comhairle.

Ms Fitzgerald withdrew her remarks saying: “I totally correct what I said in relation to the Ceann Comhairle’s office.”

Mr Healy-Rae had said a deadline had been set and asked how could the Government justify extending it.

“Is this to allow further nominations to be put in?” he asked the Tánaiste. “Is it to facilitate yourselves and your own party and you missed the deadline?”

He said: “This is not a good way to start politics. This is gerrymandering of the worst type.

“This is a disgrace what you’re doing,” he said.