THE Dail speaking rights row is not a “black and white issue”, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said.
A mass walkout of TDs could be on the cards when the Dail returns on Wednesday.
The threat comes after Michael Lowry’s bid to play both Opposition and Government.
The Government have promised to come up with a solution during the two-week recess — but Opposition parties aren’t for bending.
It emerged today that the Independent TD has ruled out a demand by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Labour leader Ivana Bacik that his technical group be excluded from the Dail’s Leaders’ Questions slot.
Speaking today, Mr Martin said he was not going to be “browbeaten” by the Opposition.
He said: “It is not as black and white as has been articulated by the Opposition.
“No political party can tell another group you can’t form a group.
“It’s a basic principle of freedom of association with the parliament, within the Dail itself.”
Labour TD Duncan Smith said the move by the independents has “absolutely obliterated the notion of new politics”.
Speaking on RTE’s Morning Ireland, he said: “Our anger against this hasn’t diluted in any way. We’re not ruling anything out.
“I don’t want this to be a threat, but it’s now at leaders level.
“Our leader, Ivana Bacik, with other opposition leaders, are trying to get the Taoiseach and Tanaiste to engage on this.”