Richard O'Donoghue: Calls for Chamber to Return on 15th

Richard O'Donoghue, a self-employed businessperson with more than 30 years working with SMEs, criticised the parliamentary recess and urged the chamber to reconvene earlier. He said the house should return on the 15th rather than wait until the 22nd, arguing that most businesses reopen on the 6th and the chamber should match that pace.

Speaker background

He said he has been in business all his life for over 30 years, is self-employed, and works with SMEs across the country. He used his business experience to frame his argument about work schedules and public expectations.

Parliamentary schedule criticised

He questioned the decision to keep the chamber on break until the 22nd and repeatedly asked, "What's wrong with this chamber coming back to work?" He urged colleagues to return on the 15th to "get the work done," arguing the chamber should not be out of step with the rest of the country.

Business schedule and comparisons

He noted that businesses in his sector break on Friday and return on the 6th, and said most businesses around the country are working. He contrasted that reality with the chamber's proposed later return, saying there is a division between "real workers, real business, and this chamber."

Support for working class voters

He framed his position as standing for working class people, asserting there is "no reward for anyone in this country that works" while "all the rewards are coming back into this chamber." He confirmed he will be back to work on the 6th and said he has no problem returning to the house on the 15th.