During a recent afternoon in the Dáil, with only a handful of TDs in attendance, an unexpected revelation came to light. Richard Boyd-Barrett, it appears, has a considerable following in Malaysia. This intriguing fact was shared with the parliament by the Ceann Comhairle, after a lunch meeting earlier that day.
Visits from foreign dignitaries, a common occurrence in his role, often necessitate hosting lunches, dinners or, at times, a quick round of canapés. Recently, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, despite the constant demands of his position, had the pleasure of entertaining the Speaker of Malaysian House of Representatives and his entourage in the chamber.
Intriguingly, this high profile figure revealed during his visit that Boyd-Barrett had quite the reputation in Malaysia. His speeches given in the Dáil had been widely circulated and appreciated in the Southeast Asian country, making the Irish Deputy a household name.
With a trace of amusement, the Ceann Comhairle then suggested to the audience of TDs that should the people of Dún Laoghaire ever decide they no longer require Boyd-Barrett’s expertise, there might well be a seat waiting for him in the Malaysian parliamentary ranks – such is his popularity there.
While waiting his turn to discuss the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institution Abuse Bill, a rather taken-aback Boyd-Barrett could only muster a bashful smile in response.
The speaker from Malaysia responded enthusiastically, with a smile and a nod, as well as a lively thumbs-up, towards the TD from People Before Profit, catching his attention. Richard’s accomplishment brought joy to the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, who was spearheading the discussion.
In response to this unexpected recognition, RBB expressed his gratitude to his admirers from Southeast Asia, particularly the Malaysian contingent. There was a touch of awkward amusement as he acknowledged their compliments, and although he did not deny his widespread popularity in Malaysia, he chose not to elaborate further, adding an element of mystery.
Despite the light-hearted exchange, the focus swiftly returned to the pressing issues at hand within the Dáil, specifically the mounting political tension surrounding the Government’s stance on immigration. The latest developments were seen by the Sinn Féin leader as an opportunistic manoeuvre by a Conservative party eager for a confrontation with the EU or others over immigration policies, in the midst of election season.
She also highlighted the diplomatic dispute between Ireland and the UK regarding the return of asylum seekers who initially arrived in Ireland via Northern Ireland. She criticised the Government’s mishandling of the situation, describing their approach as ‘chaotic’, full of ‘contradictions’, and contributing to ‘confusion’ on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Mary Lou McDonald was fiercely critical of the Government’s approach to immigration control, likening it to a ship adrift at sea without a course, saying there was no limit to the disarray. During a period calling for tranquillity, she detected instead a sense of anxiety, and called for clearer directions.
However, Taoiseach Simon Harris was resolute in asserting there was indeed clarity within the Government’s approach. When this was questioned, he reiterated his stance adamantly.
As political discussions promise to continue for some time, Mattie McGrath was less engrossed in Anglo-Irish affairs and expressed his desire to discuss local issues. Specifically, he addressed the recent disturbances in Co Wicklow, where local law enforcement clashed with demonstrators protesting the proposed housing of asylum seekers at Trudder House.
The leader of the Rural Independents criticised your immigration policy, accusing it of triggering severe dissent and intense questioning about An Garda Síochána’s actions, notably in last week’s incident in Newtownmountkennedy. The leader proclaimed lifelong backing for An Garda Síochána, despite the Taoiseach urging him to condemn the act.
Apparently, Simon Harris’ contributions in the Chamber might have gone overlooked – his swift speaking pace, soft voice, and tendency to veer from the mic made his points difficult to grasp. An exclamation from the Opposition of ‘Speak Up!’ was not unexpected, breaking into his answer during a business discussion.
Mattie McGrath expressed concern over the gardaí, emphasising the need to back them, maintaining that they cannot operate efficiently without public support. He added, however, that their steps in maintaining order were worryingly similar to the disquieting actions reminiscent of Northern Ireland’s RIC and B-specials.
He suggested that he has inside knowledge of the actual events that unfolded in Newtownmountkennedy which, to him, evidently paints an unsavoury picture of the gardaí. Harris and his colleagues expressed unanimous disapproval of these statements. McGrath’s remarks were deemed “appalling” by the Fine Gael Minister of State Neale Richmond. Following interruptions from the communist left, the Independent TD for Tipperary requested permission to speak.
He urged the Government to consider revising its handling of the accommodation proposal, criticising the actions of sending a large group of migrants to live in tents under harsh conditions, unsuitable for the environment, and without local community evaluation. Furthermore, the area is just a short distance from the Taoiseach. Harris, TD for Wicklow, acknowledged his awareness of the location.
McGrath pleaded with the Taoiseach to consider the discord fuelled among the Irish populace and An Garda Síochána, whose job it has been for years to safeguard them and, moreover, wanted to continue doing so. His plea continued, despite fierce objections from TDs across the board.
Drew Harris and his group adopting extreme measures are alarming, as observed by Mattie, who adorns a charming Tricolour ribbon with a harp positioned centrally, giving the constant impression of bracing for an unexpected mid-year St Patrick’s Day parade.
Simon Harris didn’t spend much time conversing with him.
“In this Assembly, I believe it is improper to refer to the An Garda Síochána members as a brigade.”
“Indeed!” articulated the representatives.
“These individuals have pledged their allegiance to An Garda Síochána. You should be ashamed,” agued the Taoiseach. “And show your disapproval of the assaults on the gardaí.”
“You’re the one to be ashamed,” countered an enraged McGrath, softly uttering “disunite and rule” before taking his seat.
The assembly was then directed to the next item on the agenda by the Ceann Comhairle, the lunch meeting with the Malaysian Speaker seemed like a distant event.