Efforts to elect the next Taoiseach have been hampered by ongoing rows over members of the Regional Independents receiving opposition speaking rights, resulting in two Dáil suspensions before an additional break to allow the party whips to meet to try to resolve the issue.
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy initially suspended the Dáil for 15 minutes less than half an hour into sitting as the row heated up, with Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy making repeated interjections before the Ceann Comhairle called the suspension.
Just minutes into the resumed Dáil sitting, the Ceann Comhairle again suspended business, this time for 30 minutes, following further rowing, with multiple voices shouting about their need for legal advice.
After over an hour, the Ceann Comhairle resumed her seat, only for the Dáil to break again moments later to allow the party whips 30 minutes to meet, along with 15 minutes for party consultations afterwards, in an effort to find a resolution to the speaking rights row, as well as the matter of the date by which Government will be formed.
Almost 15 minutes passed the agreed upon resumption time of 1:58PM, we continue to await the return to the floor.