The controversy surrounding Seán Barrett deflated quickly yesterday but the Ceann Comhairle’s authority has taken a hit in the longer term, with lingering unease that he may have ceded ground on behalf of the Dáil too easily.
Nobody has questioned Barrett’s motivation for ruling out of order a debate on the terms of reference for the commission of investigation into allegations of Garda malpractice in the Cavan- Monaghan region.
Under pressure from former minister for justice Alan Shatter, who wanted references to him removed from the inquiry, Barrett felt the safest option in the public interest was to allow the issue through on a vote but without debate.
Shatter raised concerns about matters before the Dáil interfering with a High Court action he is taking against Seán Guerin, the barrister whose report into allegations made by Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe paved the way for the inquiry.
Barrett has not said so but perhaps he had in his mind how bloodyminded and determined Shatter can be when he feels he is in the right. He chose the safest route but yielded the higher ground parliament should hold when it comes to discussing issues such as allegations of Garda malpractice, issues of genuine national importance which shook a government to its core.
Precedent
It has been pointed out in recent days that there is precedent for issues before tribunals and the courts being debate in the Dáil
– Bertie Ahern’s affairs being investigated by the Mahon tribunal, for example.
On the substantive issue, Barrett showed too much caution, yet his natural aggression and stubbornness led him to make his predicament even worse. Going on national radio from Dublin Airport and getting worked up over a matter of little interest to people outside the political bubble was a mistake. Suggesting the Opposition was out to undermine him was an even bigger mistake.
Fianna Fáil, in particular, took huge offence and it seemed as if Barrett did not grasp how serious the situation was until late on Monday night or early yesterday morning.
Someone had to blink
Michéal Martin could not credibly back down and give more ammunition to those who claim he is a weak leader. Someone had to blink.
Barrett did so and saved his own job.
The Ceann Comhairle has had a fractious relationship with the Opposition in this Dáil and the chamber will get only more restless as the election nears.
Barrett’s authority for the final year of this Dáil may have been undermined by his two mistakes – one an excess of caution and the other an excess of aggression.
