Political tensions will rise when Dáil resumes with election looming, Ceann Comhairle says

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl has said the temperature will be “a little bit higher” when the Dáil resumes in mid-September with political tensions already building.

The Dáil and Seanad will adjourn later on Thursday for their summer recess and are expected to return on Wednesday, September 20th.

Following the final Leaders’ Questions session on Thursday ahead of the ten-week break, Mr Ó Fearghaíl said he was conscious that “we are at a point in the electoral cycle where tensions are beginning to build”.

“Certainly when we come back in September the temperature, I suspect, will be a little bit higher than it is now,” Mr Ó Fearghaíl said.

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“I want to say to members please look after yourselves during the summer break. The cynics will think we’re off on our long holidays as they will always do. You know and I know that people will be working assiduously in their constituencies.

“Maybe take a little bit of time away from your phone. If [Independent TD] Danny [Healy Rae] was here I would be advocating that to him in particular…but please spend time with your family and with your loved ones. We’re not going through a dress rehearsal here. If you don’t do it now, you won’t get the opportunity to do it in the future.”

The Ceann Comhairle said it had been a “very interesting couple of months” with three presidents addressing joint sittings of the Oireachtas since December 1st - US President Joe Biden, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

Mr Ó Fearghaíl thanked the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, members of the Government and leaders of the Opposition parties for their help, support and courtesy over the course of the year.

He said he also wanted to extend good wishes to a number of Oireachtas members who are unwell at present and hoped to see them “all back fit and well in September”.

Mr Ó Fearghaíl also thanked Leinster House staff and journalists, who he said “keep a careful eye on us” and “play an essential role on behalf of the public”.

The Tánaiste thanked the Ceann Comhairle and Leinster House staff for their, “courtesy, cooperation, tolerance and patience”.