The Taoiseach had absolutely no patience with him.
It's been a tense couple of days for the Irish Government.
Tuesday's formal announcement from Taoiseach Micheál Martin saw the outlining of updated restrictions – all of which are available here – as the reopening of the country moves into its next phase from Friday.
Mass confusion followed certain aspects of the announcement, with many people speculating how the return of nightclubs can successfully unfold with protective measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing remaining in place.
On Wednesday, Minister for Arts, Culture and Tourism Catherine Martin called on the public for patience, noting that she intends to find a solution for the nightlife sector within the next 24 hours.
Factor in a once-again escalating pandemic and you can understand why it's not all rosy in the garden for those running the country.
Case in point; a good old-fashioned row in Dáil Éireann.
That was the scene when Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae clashed with the Taoiseach on Wednesday afternoon.
Tensions flared after Healy-Rae accused the Taoiseach of jeopardising "the thousands of food-processing jobs that are in this country", noting that Martin has been previously officially quoted as supporting reduction of the national herd.
"It is out there," Healy-Rae insisted.
"Produce it," the Taoiseach demanded, no less than three times.
"I didn't make it up, Taoiseach," Healy-Rae fired back.
Standing to address the accusation, the Taoiseach noted that he "can't believe the disinformation" and dismissed the claim.
"I remember you asking me where did we get the evidence base about non-compliance and we got it subsequently afterwards in terms of other issues and now you produce something here that you can't tell me where you got the quote from," Martin argued.
"I'm not quoted and I challenge, through the Chair, the Deputy to produce the quote where I said I'm in favour of reduction of the herd. Because I never said it. I'm not in favour."
Following this, the Taoiseach called on Healy-Rae to withdraw the "untrue" remark.
Healy-Rae, stressing that the Taoisech should "disprove" the claim, hit back strongly.
You can watch the increasingly heated exchange below.
Clip via VideoParliament Ireland
