The atmosphere in the Dáil settled down on Wednesday as politicians began to rejuvenate after the strenuous elections. The Prime Minister and key political leaders displayed signs of wanting to cease the excitement temporarily, even though the counting process was under way in South Ireland and Northwest Midlands. However, the Rural Independents attempted to intensify the atmosphere. They believed any Prime Minister responding to their queries was an impending humiliation. Simon Harris did not disappoint them.
Their main altercation reached a climax, concluding in loud, indignant cries, with the Deputy Speaker threatening a house suspension. The prime incident occurred when a furious Michael Collins, co-leader of the Roaring Independents for Independent Ireland, scorned at Harris, advising him to refrain from visiting west Cork. The Prime Minister snapped back, “I don’t need your authorization.”
Independent Ireland performed well in the elections, which may shed light on why the representative for South West Cork was particularly argumentative. However, it doesn’t take much to provoke him. The party members he recently established with fellow Roaring Independent, Richard O’Donoghue, consider themselves the uncontrolled elite of Irish politics as they vehemently reject any commands from their organization.
They were highly anxious all day due to their representative, Ciaran Mullooly, having a strong chance in Northwest Midlands. Collins implored the Prime Minister to amend the legislation relating to the regulation of short-term rental sectors as it includes planning stipulations that could negatively impact thousands of Airbnb hosts’ livelihoods.
He stated that these accommodation providers were not consulted by the Government and their decision to impulsively proceed with the proposals could have disastrous implications for Irish tourism, local companies, and employment. “Airbnb hosts are not the answer to the housing issue,” he contended.
The Prime Minister fully agreed on the necessity of presenting rental opportunities for vacationers and offering support to the B&B sector. However, rural tourism concerns must be weighed against local housing needs. He advised the Skibbereen-based Collins to understand the legislation’s details fully before passing judgement, which would be released shortly.
The legislation introduces a register for short-term rentals in Ireland, taking into consideration the recently implemented European Union law. Simon Harris, influenced by Enda Kenny’s style of captivating public encounters, articulated why such steps are needed. He recalled his discussions with locals in Kinsale during local and European elections who had expressed concern over empty Airbnb or similar properties, and the impact they were having on the next generation’s accessibility to housing.
Emulating Enda, Simon had barely become acquainted with his role when he came across these issues. Michael disagreed with the idea of discarding the legislation, stating, “The Airbnb sector do not fear regulation.” He emphasised, however, that planning requirements and compliance costs could potentially jeopardise their businesses, a concern that Simon didn’t dismiss lightly.
Harris spoke candidly about the lucrative prospects of Airbnb compared to monthly rentals. He also pointed out the urgent economic situation in Ireland and the housing crisis it is currently grappling with.
Despite tourism being a valuable aspect of our economy, it raises the question – what about the younger generation that’s struggling to find housing? Simon believed that the legislative member from West Cork must be aware of these issues through his own engagements during the campaign trail.
Simon stated with confidence that he would earnestly strive to address these concerns, but also called for consensus on decisive actions, rather than short-term solutions. A rather shocked Michael Collins retorted with a single word, “Shocking.”
The Taoiseach rehashed the concerns he understood from the inhabitants of Deputy Collins’ constituency around the housing necessity. Sincerely making this promise, he held up his hand and made an impassioned pledge, without a bible, but rather an odd chunk of cheese in his clasp.
In an understated murmur, he affirmed, emotionally, “This administration won’t fail her and her children.” There was a large portion of ham involved as well. Michael pressed for an answer to the question at hand. “How about we wait, scrutinise the law, propose changes and engage in parliamentary discussions?” Simon proposed in response. He started to mockingly mimic in a shaky voice with his palms waving, “‘Ahh, the Government has no understanding of rural Ireland, Ahh, the Government…'”. Predictably, tempers started flaring in the room.
The Taoiseach dismissed them with a straightforward “Ridiculous”, reverting back to his usual tone before taking a seat. Michael Collins was taken aback, put up an initial protest from his chair. He rebuked, “This is an atrocious response to the people offering Airbnb in West Cork,” before getting on his feet alongside Michael Healy-Rae, who was already raising his voice. MHR condemned, “Having recently visited Kerry, audacious statements like this from you are unacceptable. It’s a plain insult!” Collins berated him, “You should feel embarrassed.”
Order was desperately sought by Catherine Connolly, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, as additional assistance came through the out of breath Danny Healy-Rae, pushing past his irate younger brother and joined by Mattie McGrath. Collins did not stop, asserting, “You’re entirely clueless.” MHR criticized the Taoiseach,” We had expected more than this from you,” while DHR gave a loud agreement. “Don’t even consider visiting West Cork again!” warned Michael C.
“I don’t require your consent,” responded Simon nonchalantly. Catherine Connolly rang the bell to establish some control, but her attempts were drowned by continued argument. MHR criticised smirking Simon for arriving “up here” (likely post his Kerry visit) and ridiculing individuals. “It’s pure mockery and you’re mistaken, Taoiseach. Just 62 days into the role, you should be wiser than this,” chided MHR.
Simon probed further, “Why the agitation, folks?”
“I’ve held this position for four years and not once have I been disregarded like this,” Catherine lamented.
An aggravated Michael from Kerry expressed to the Taoiseach that he was behaving inappropriately. “In what way am I acting inappropriately?” he questioned. The Leas-Cheann became fed up, warning that she’d “leave the Dáil” if the Boisterous Independents didn’t calm down. Eventually, they quietened and she proceeded to the next matter. With their task completed, they exited the room energetically, an irate Michael from Skibbereen courteously paused to express regret to the leader before leaving. The atmosphere then reverted back to its usual calmness.