Martin Daly defends Ciancórla, condemns bullying in House
Martin Daly defended Ciancórla and accused the Opposition of attempting to undermine the authority of the House. He said recent amendments were carried by a significant majority - 21 votes, 95 to 74 - and urged members to end obstruction and resume parliamentary work.
He said Ciancórla has carried out her duties with fairness and consistency and with full respect for the standing orders of this House, rejecting efforts to challenge her legitimacy for implementing rules the House democratically agreed.
He noted the recent amendments were passed by a significant majority, 21 votes, 95 to 74, and that business is now conducted under those rules, arguing it is not principled but opportunistic to contest rulings that reflect those decisions.
He accused the Opposition of attempting to undermine the authority of the House and erode trust in its institutions, saying last week’s behaviour was obstruction rather than accountability and describing it as naked bullying and intimidation, including "shouting a cacophony of screaming spittled invective down at the Chair."
He urged members to move forward to form committees, progress legislation and focus on the work they were elected to do rather than provocation and theatre.
He warned the country faces serious challenges - housing, Trump's tariffs, disability, war in Europe, proposed EU reforms and regulation, and competitiveness - and said the public expects more than disruption from their representatives.
Defence of Ciancórla
He said Ciancórla has carried out her duties with fairness and consistency and with full respect for the standing orders of this House, rejecting efforts to challenge her legitimacy for implementing rules the House democratically agreed.
Parliamentary vote and rules
He noted the recent amendments were passed by a significant majority, 21 votes, 95 to 74, and that business is now conducted under those rules, arguing it is not principled but opportunistic to contest rulings that reflect those decisions.
Accusations against the Opposition
He accused the Opposition of attempting to undermine the authority of the House and erode trust in its institutions, saying last week’s behaviour was obstruction rather than accountability and describing it as naked bullying and intimidation, including "shouting a cacophony of screaming spittled invective down at the Chair."
Call to resume work
He urged members to move forward to form committees, progress legislation and focus on the work they were elected to do rather than provocation and theatre.
National challenges highlighted
He warned the country faces serious challenges - housing, Trump's tariffs, disability, war in Europe, proposed EU reforms and regulation, and competitiveness - and said the public expects more than disruption from their representatives.
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Transcript
The Opposition has been attempting to undermine the authority of this House and erode its trust in its institutions. They have chosen the Ciancórla as the sacrificial lamb after an attempt to subvert the Government and its ability to conduct its business has failed. Let us be clear that Ciancórla has carried out her duties with fairness and consistency with full respect for the standing orders of this House. The recent amendments have been passed by a significant majority, 21 votes, 95 to 74, and business is now conducted under those rules. To challenge her legitimacy for implementing what this House has democratically agreed is not principled, it is opportunistic. We cannot allow a precedent where the confidence in the Chair is extended only where rulings are favourable. That is not democracy, that is subversion disguised as dissent. Last week's behaviour was not about accountability, it was obstruction, it was performance, shouting a cacophony of screaming spittled invective down at the Chair and walking away from agreed procedure are not the actions of those who respect this Parliament. It is naked bullying and intimidation, it was ugly and unacceptable. It is time to move forward to form committees, progress legislation, focus on the work we were elected to do. The country faces serious challenges. We have housing, Trump's tariffs, disability, war in Europe, proposed EU reforms and regulation, competitiveness. The people expect more than provocation and theatre. Let's get back to work.