Key facts
- Sinn Féin TDs voted against their own amendment in the Dáil.
- The vote occurred during a cost of living debate.
- The question for the amendment was initially asked in Irish.
- Aontú leader Peader Tóibín intervened in the proceedings.
- Peader Tóibín prompted the question to be repeated in English.
- Sinn Féin TDs agreed to the amendment after the question was in English.
During a cost of living debate in the Dáil, Sinn Féin TDs appeared to vote against an amendment they themselves had put forward. This unusual occurrence happened when the question related to the amendment was asked in the Irish language. Aontú leader Peader Tóibín observed the situation and intervened. Tóibín prompted the question to be repeated in English. Once the amendment's question was clarified in English, the Sinn Féin TDs subsequently agreed to their own amendment. The incident highlights a potential language barrier or procedural oversight during legislative proceedings.