Plans to have a dress code established for the Dáil have been thwarted by Fine Gael and Labour TDs. You’d think that they would have a little more to be discussing rather than the way some TDs dress, but apparently not. It’s nice to see that they’re taking an interest in the things that REALLY matter.
The Irish Daily Mirror reports today that the initial plan to make a dress code for the Dáil was first brought into the spotlight when Mick Wallace, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan and Richard Boyd Barrett were elected. Mick, Ming and Richard caused a scandal when they rejected the traditional Dáil uniform which consisted of a shirt-and-tie combo, in favour of a more casual style. We know, we know – how could they? Is nothing sacred anymore?
However, senior members of the main parties believed that it was more trouble than it was worth to have the TDs refused entry to the chamber for not wearing a tie. Like, these people wear actual denim to Dáil meetings, they’re clearly unstable – who knows what they could do next?!
Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett had taken it upon himself to raise the standards of dress after he was concerned that they had started to slip (what a hero!). He brought the issue to the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privelege (CPP) after members of the public complained.
Labour whip Emmet Stagg, who sits on the CPP, said that the suggestion was rejected by his own party and by Fine Gael.
“I have brought the matter to the point where I cannot bring it any further. In Stormont they have a dress code which requires the males to wear a jacket, collar and tie. And they don’t allow denim. And everybody sticks to the rule,” said Sean Barrett.
No TDs have been named for breaking the dress code rules but the high profile rebels of this cause are certain to be Mick Wallace (famed for his pink shirts and wild, flowing locks), Ming Flanagan and Richard Boyd Barrett with their open-necked shirts and – gasp! – no jackets. Those crazy, crazy kids.
The solution to the problem? Men must wear a shirt with a collar and a jacket, and no denims are allowed for men or women. No denim?! Nooooo….
Sean Barrett admitted that there would be a problem in telling women what they could wear in the chamber.
“You can’t demand females wear a suit. I don’t really know what is formal dress for ladies and what would reflect the dignity of the House,” he said.
The Dáil dress code debate has been on-going since the days when the late Independent TD Tony Gregory refused to wear a tie in the chamber.
First pink shirts, now denim – sure it’s just a matter of time before some rolls up in a meat dress, ala Lady Gaga…
