Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour Party representatives all said publicly this week that they would resist Ms Farrell’s nomination — with Labour leader Ivana Bacik particularly prominent on the issue.
In response, Sinn Féin said it was entitled to nominate a new chair of the PAC, and if thwarted, would continue to put Ms Farrell’s name forward until it was accepted.
And political resistance fell away when it was put to the Dáil Committee of Selection today by the Ceann Comhairle that Mairéad Farrell would be nominated as chair.
That proposal, linked to SF TD Matt Carthy returning to the committee, was unanimously agreed to by all parties.
It is expected that the wider Dáil will approve the agreed new candidate next week, when Ms Farrell could chair her first committee.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 17th October 2024
She led for Sinn Féin on Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil today when she attacked the Government over alleged waste and incompetence.
Meanwhile Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy took the chair of the Public Accounts Committee today, in place of resigned Sinn Féin member Brian Stanley.
Sinn Féin Chief Whip Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said Mairéad Farrell would now be the first woman chair of the powerful committee.
“Oireachtas committees are based on the strength of political representation in the Dáil and Seanad, and are totally democratic,” he said.
“As per the D’Hondt system, it is for Sinn Féin to nominate the chairperson of the PAC.
He noted that four ministers had resigned or been sacked during the lifetime of the Government – two senior ministers and two junior ministers – in controversial circumstances.
“At no occasion were the committee changes that followed objected to. It would be unprecedented to attempt to intervene in this democratic process.”
He challenged Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour, when the wider motion goes before the Dáil to appoint Mairéad Farrell, that they “remain consistent” and allow the change.
