Sinn Féin TD denies 'tactical wee' after missing vote
Sinn Féin's Justice spokesperson says he missed a vote on his own amendment to the Offences Against the State Act - due to the need to answer nature's call.
Matt Carthy said the Minister of State Niall Collins was able to ensure the passage of the legislation without any votes, describing the move as "petty".
Deputy Carthy said these things happen, but the substantive point Sinn Féin wanted to make was that the government needed to accelerate the review into the law which he described as "outdated."
Asked if it was a "tactical wee" in the words of cartoon character Bluey, Deputy Carthy said it was a tactical position on the part of the Minister of State, saying "it was an old fashioned political stroke all's fair in love and politics".
"The Minister saw an opportunity to avoid a vote, and he took it."
Sinn Féin has insisted that it would have abstained on the renewal of the Offences Against the State Act, but it was ultimately not put to a vote.
Deputy Carthy had "stepped out" for a few minutes during the debate on the emergency measures that are renewed by the Oireachtas annually.
When he returned, to an almost empty Dáil, he was told by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy that the matter had been dealt with.
Mr Carthy previously said that the emergency legislation, which dates back 90 years, should not be used on an ongoing basis.
He called for the the introduction of a modern legal framework to tackle organised crime and to protect jurors.
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