Mattie McGrath Condemns 'Cheerleaders' and Urges Finish to Business

Mattie McGrath criticised colleagues he called 'cheerleaders' and 'vultures', saying they were abandoning the self-employed, pensioners and people with disabilities. He urged colleagues not to rise and insisted that business should be finished properly next week.

Summary of remarks

McGrath addressed colleagues in the chamber, expressing anger at those he labelled 'cheerleaders' and accusing unnamed others of acting like 'vultures' who would seek more powers while abandoning vulnerable groups.

Criticism of behaviour in the chamber

He singled out members on the benches with sarcastic references to musicians and said those present should be ashamed of themselves for their conduct, using vivid language to condemn the tone of the debate.

Concerns for vulnerable groups

McGrath said the self-employed, musicians, pensioners and people with disabilities were being abandoned by the actions he described, and he warned that recent events would allow others to consolidate more power at their expense.

Parliamentary procedure and adjournment

He argued the House should not rise and that business should be completed next week, citing agreement from the Business Committee. Mr Chambers replied that they would proceed with the motion and the adjournment as outlined.