Brian Stanley. Photo: Gareth Chaney
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 made no initial effort to replace Mr Stanley with their nominated replacement Mairead Farrell TD, choosing discretion rather than an open row.
Ms Farrell’s candidacy was announced by SF leader Mary Lou McDonald last night, but the Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik immediately indicated resistance, demanding further clarity on recent controversies — as did members of Fine Gael.
The issue of Chair of the Public Accounts Committee is now likely to go before the Dáil’s business committee, and will then need to be voted upon by the wider Dáil.
The PAC heard today from the Charities Regulator in the normal manner.
