Speculation among politicians about a November general election is “doing serious damage” and “undermining credibility in leadership”, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl has said.
His remarks come ahead of the return of the Dáil on Wednesday after the summer recess.
Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman have all maintained they intend the Coalition to run its full term which would indicate the election will not take place until early 2025.
However, there has been rampant speculation in political and media circles that an election will be called after the budget for November.
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Mr Ó Fearghaíl pointed to the position of the three Coalition leaders and said: “A multiplicity of other politicians serving and retired have talked about November. These people who talk about that are doing serious damage to the body politic”.
He told The Irish Times the speculation is “doing nothing other than undermining credibility in leadership”, adding: “And above and beyond everything else we need to have trust and credibility in our leaders.”
Mr Ó Fearghaíl also said the media is “constantly speculating” on the timing of the election and there is an “extraordinary” number of commentators with “hostages to fortune”.
The Kildare South Fianna Fáil TD – who is in recovery from cancer – confirmed he intends to return to the Dáil after the election.
He said: “My health is quite good. The Constitution provides that the person in situ as Ceann Comhairle at the time of the election can be automatically returned.
[ Ceann Comhairle interview: ‘What is happening in this country of ours?’Opens in new window ]
“My view at this stage is that I would avail of that constitutional provision if I continue to be in good health because I remain animated by the challenges that face us in Co Kildare and in the country as a whole.”
He said he would like to continue to contribute to try to build “a better country”.
Seeking a third term as Ceann Comhairle is “not on my agenda”, he said, continuing: “If people want to come and ask me about that, that’s fine, but I personally will not be seeking the nomination.” Mr Ó Fearghaíl said he does not anticipate that happening and he’d be “more than happy to hand” to a “progressive and reforming” successor.
He said it would be “tremendously disappointing” if today’s return to the Dáil saw the scenes of unrest outside Leinster House that occurred on the first day back last September. A mock gallows was brought by protesters and some politicians required Garda assistance to enter the Oireachtas complex.
Mr Ó Fearghaíl said the Garda and Oireachtas team are “ready to deal with whatever may happen” and added: “Democracy needs to be treasured and nurtured and we don’t need a repeat of the onslaught on that democracy that we saw last year.”
The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday when it is expected to hear from Government chief whip Hildegarde Naughton on 29 Bills earmarked for priority publication as part of the autumn legislation programme.
These include laws allowing for a pause in maternity leave for serious illness and legislation to provide for the use of facial recognition technology by the Garda.
Minister for Children, Mr O’Gorman, is set to brief colleagues on new childminding regulations – due to come into force later this month – which will see Tulsa-registered childminders able to apply to be part of the National Childcare Scheme system of subsidies for parents.
Minister for Education Norma Foley, along with Mr O’Gorman, are also expected to bring a memo on a new curriculum for preschool children, which, if approved, will take effect in September next year.
Minister of State for Agriculture Pippa Hackett is due to bring the National Organic Strategy to Cabinet with the aim of doubling that land being farmed organically from over 5 per cent currently to 10 per cent by 2030.
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