The new Dáil term got off to a rough beginning with an attempt by four Independent TDs, headed by Tipperary TD Michael Lowry, to sit in both government and opposition.
One way of doing this is with the revival of the party leaders’ weekly meeting, the first of which took place this week.
Houses of the Oireachtas / Flickr Houses of the Oireachtas / Flickr / FlickrThe first meeting is believed to have gone perfectly swimmingly, in spite of being preceded by Monday’s intervention from the Ceann Comhairle attempting to put an end to the speaking rights row.
Aside from the speaking rights row, there is now this question over whether some Independents can be counted on when the going gets tough.
Just over two weeks ago, Martin said he didn’t think the public were too excited about the issue of speaking rights in the Dáil, dismissing the controversy that was barrelling his way.

First 'leaders' coalition meeting held this week to calm tensions after rocky start