Overview

• Opposition leaders formally declared no confidence in Speaker Verona Murphy, citing her handling of the vote on controversial speaking rights changes.
• The government passed new rules granting speaking slots to coalition-aligned independents and reducing opposition time, sparking accusations of undermining accountability.
• The dispute has stalled parliamentary operations, including the formation of committees necessary for legislative progress.
• Michael Lowry, a government-aligned independent with a history of corruption findings, has become a focal point of criticism in the controversy.
• Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the changes as minor and accused the opposition of creating chaos and intimidating Murphy, while opposition leaders insist the changes erode democratic processes.