Ireland’s lower house saw an eventful return to business after the summer break – shifting from a solemn minute’s silence held for the late Queen Elizabeth, to laughter at the accidental promotion of the Sinn Fein leader, to frayed exchanges on the cost-of-living crisis.
In the Irish parliament’s first course of action after the summer break, a minute’s silence was held in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Ceann Comhairle, or chair of the Dail, Sean O Fearghail, called her a “truly magnificent and inspirational head of our neighbouring state, whose years of dedicated service is truly without parallel”.
Read More: Dail erupts with laughter as Mary Lou McDonald introduced as Taoiseach during return
“There are many on this island who see Queen Elizabeth as their queen, and we sympathise with them on this very sad moment in history,” Irish premier Micheal Martin said.
Sinn Fein and Labour leaders also voiced their respects to those mourning the death of the late monarch.
The British Ambassador Paul Johnston was present in the Dail for the mark of respect from TDs.
After the minute’s silence, the Ceann Comhairle called on the Taoiseach to kick off Leaders’ Questions, despite the fact that it begins with questions from the main opposition party.
There were smiles, laughter and applause as Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald rose to her feet and Mr O Fearghail realised his mistake, including wry grins from the Government benches.
“I’m definitely out of practice,” Mr O Fearghail said.
It comes after two opinion polls published at the weekend put Sinn Fein on 35% – the largest share of support for a political party in Ireland.
“Thank you for that unparalleled vote of confidence, I’m very touched,” Ms McDonald told the Ceann Comhairle.
Sinn Fein TD Eoin O Broin, sitting to Ms McDonald’s right, remarked that “Freud would be delighted”.
Ahead of politicians reclaiming their places in the Dail chamber following a nine-week summer hiatus, outside Leinster House protests formed from several separate groups.
Members of the Cost of Living Coalition gathered to raise awareness of a protest planned at the end of September, a ‘Not Our Fault’ campaign from residents of apartments with defects protested at 1pm, and PETA protesters dressed in dinosaur costumes to show their opposition to hare coursing.
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