One of the most recognisable events in the Irish parliament’s daily proceedings has now become the focus of debate.
For almost 80 years, the Dáil's daily prayer has become a regular feature now however a newly-elected Labour TD has called for its abolition.
Each day before Dáil proceedings get underway a daily prayer is said by the Ceann Comhairle asking God to inspire and guide TD's in their daily actions.
Speaking this week in the Dáil, Dublin North Central TD and former primary school Principal Aodhan O'Riordan (Lab) has called for the prayer to be removed from Dáil proceedings.
“If we are serious about breaking the link between church and state we should not start proceedings in this house every day with a prayer.”
His party leader Eamon Gilmore has made no reply on the matter and it is expected that any move on getting rid of the prayer from parliament would have to come become the Oireachtas committee on Procedures and Privileges.
The prayer is also recited before sittings of the Seanad.
According to historic records the prayer was first introduced in the Dáil on July 14 1932 following a motion by two Fianna Fáil TD's, namely Denis Allen from Wexford and Patrick Little from Waterford.
On the day it was first introduced in the Dáil, Independent Labour TD Richard Anthony provoked a storm when he tried to speak about it when he said that he hoped certain members would live up to it.
Debates over prayers before political gatherings are nothing new.
Last year the then Roscommon County Mayor and now TD Luke 'Ming' Flanagan caused controversy when he refused to personally say a prayer before council meetings saying it would be hypocritical to do so as he was an agnostic.
A recent meeting of Castlebar Town Council voted narrowly to retain its prayer before proceedings by 4 votes to 3.
No comments:
Post a Comment