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How to end the Dáil's never-ending Punch & Judy Show ... Should we ban cameras?

This recently-elected TD thinks it might be a good idea…

DÁIL PROCEEDINGS (AS we’re all well aware) are regularly interrupted by heckling TDs — with Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett having to castigate rowdy deputies on pretty much every day the chamber is sitting.

The rows have become increasingly intense in recent months — as you may recall, the Dáil was suspended three times in the space of one hour before Christmas, as Tánaiste Joan Burton and Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald clashed on abuse claims.

In an interview with TheJournal.ie this week, recently-elected Independent Michael Fitzmaurice suggested a novel move that could put an end to the problem — banning the web and TV cameras.

Watch:

Video TheJournal.ie / YouTube

As Fitzmaurice put it…

I’m a hurler on the ditch. I’m in the corner, you know, where I sit — and I look across at all the different stuff that’s going on and I think we need to maybe think of new ideas for a while, and it might tame the whole situation.

What do you think of his idea?


Poll Results:

No way. Cameras are essential for accountability. (1195)
I'm sick of looking at them. Make it so. (291)
It could make TDs more productive. Maybe. (255)
I don't know/care. (199)

Read: It could be nine months before Independents agree on policies — Michael Fitzmaurice

Read: Shane Ross says his new alliance will ‘absolutely uproot politics in this country’

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