Government Chief Whip Mary Butler has slammed the treatment of Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy in the Dáil yesterday.

There were chaotic scenes of shouting, interruptions and allegations of misogyny on Tuesday as weeks of tension over the speaking rights row boiled over during Leaders’ Questions.

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy fielded interruptions and tried to continue Dáil proceedings as opposition TDs took to their feet and objected to the Government’s proposals.

Speaking on ‘Déise Today’, Minister Mary Butler described it as “abusive” and “bullying” behaviour which was also “misogynistic”.

“People visiting the Dáil yesterday were horrified and shocked,” she said.

“It was appalling. What we saw yesterday were scenes which marked a new low.”

She added: “The focus from day one of this new government has been to get the job done. The focus from the opposition party has been to undermine.”

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