'Back to business,' Michael Lowry breaks silence and returns to Tipperary

Tipperary North-Kilkenny Northwest TD Michael Lowry, in a post on social media on Tuesday, said he had "returned from a fractious Dáil to witness the launch of another important milestone at MIC St Patrick's College".

The statement added: "Minister for Education, Peter Burke, was present to launch the new Faculty of Business and Accounting.

"This is a most welcome addition to the existing wide range of Courses already available at the College.

"The growth trajectory of MIC is a great success story.

"The College, through its staff and students, is making an enormous contribution to the Educational, Business and Social life of Thurles and the region."

READ NEXT: EXPLAINER: What happened in the Dáil on Tuesday and Michael Lowry's 'two fingers'?

Opposition leaders have accused Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry of giving “two fingers” to the people of Ireland after footage was circulated online of him making a gesture towards a TD in the Dail.

The video was recorded moments after the lower House was adjourned when an amendment to the standing order to create a new speaking slot for Government backbenchers and a group of independents was pushed through.

Video footage taken inside the Dail chamber by People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy shows opposition TDs chanting “shame, shame, shame” as Government backbenchers left their seats following the controversial vote.

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The video then pans to behind Mr Murphy where Tipperary North TD Mr Lowry can be seen sitting in his seat.

He can be seen making brief remarks towards Mr Murphy before making a gesture in his direction.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik accused Mr Lowry of giving two fingers to the Irish people and to the Dail procedure after the footage emerged online.

“I think that is what the abiding image is,” Ms Bacik said of Mr Lowry’s gesture.

Speaking about the fallout after the speaking rights amendment was pushed through, Ms Bacik said: “We’re still processing what happened today because it is unprecedented.

“It was extraordinary to see the way the business was conducted by the Government and by the Ceann Comhairle today.

“So, we’re still absorbing that. We’re going to be consulting with our own parliamentary parties, and we will be meeting again tomorrow morning to see what we can do about this.

READ NEXT: 'Absolutely disgraceful' - TD Michael Lowry caught 'giving the two fingers' in the Dáil

“But it certainly will not end here for us.”

Speaking about the gesture, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “Certainly the image of the day is Michael Lowry giving us the two fingers but, much more damningly, giving the Irish people the two fingers, too.”

Independent TD Michael Collins said: “Michael Lowry gives the two fingers up to the people of Ireland aided by his so-called Independent TDs and the Government. Bad day for Ireland.”

He later questioned whether the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael leadership is talking to their grassroots after stating that some Government backbenchers are not happy with the new arrangements.

“Are they speaking because the grassroots of this country don’t want their two fingers being put up to them, and that’s what has happened here today in our Dail,” Mr Collins added.