MP Gregory Campbell banned from speaking in Assembly over Irish language row
DERRY DUP MLA Gregory Campbell has again been barred from speaking in the Stormont Assembly after being accused of “schoolboy behaviour” in a protest over the Irish language.
Sinn Fein Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin said Mr Campbell had been “blatantly disrespectful” after he twice yawned loudly when Sinn Féin member Caitriona Ruane had been speaking in Irish.
The incident happened during questions to the Assembly Commission last Monday.
Mr Campbell was barred from speaking on Monday and Tuesday.
Mr McLaughlin said it was behaviour “contrary to the standards of courtesy, good temper and moderation which are expected in debate in this house”.
He added: “Schoolboy behaviour falls well short of how business should be conducted in a mature elected legislature. I have to warn Mr Campbell that I will not let juvenile behaviour like this continue.
‘Discourteous’
“The member is a serious and an experienced parliamentarian in this chamber and Westminster and knows full well he has to respect the rules of this house
“If he continues to be deliberately disrespectful and discourteous to other members then I will have no option but to introduce a sanction against him.
“The member is capable of making serious and valuable contributions to the business of this house and he should concentrate on that.”
When Mr Campbell repeatedly tried to make a point of order, the speaker barred him from being called to speak on Monday or Tuesday.
Last November, Mr Campbell was barred from addressing the Assembly for a day for failing to apologise for an Irish language jibe.
A row broke out after he began his address to the assembly with the phrase ‘Curry my yoghurt can coca coalyer’.
Tags:
