Irish Parliament Speaker Faces Confidence Vote as Rule Change Dispute Deepens

Verona Murphy is expected to survive the government-backed vote, but opposition parties demand efforts to restore impartiality in the Dáil.

The Irish government has introduced a confidence motion to support Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, countering the opposition's no-confidence motion over allegations of partiality.
Murphy is expected to retain her position, but opposition parties argue the rule changes she oversaw undermine democratic accountability and speaking rights.
The controversial rule changes reduce opposition speaking time and introduce slots for government-aligned independents, further straining parliamentary norms.
Opposition leaders, including Mary Lou McDonald, accuse the government of collusion with Murphy and criticize the coalition's reliance on figures like Michael Lowry.
Labour and other opposition parties urge Murphy to demonstrate impartiality and work to rebuild trust, as legislative progress remains stalled.