North-West Kilkenny TD: "I made an errant gesture under provocation"
"Unfortunately, the gesture has been taken out of context," said the TD who topped ballot boxes in North-West Kilkenny
Deputy Michael Lowry (Tipperary North / North-West Kilkenny) has released a statement after the media storm yesterday surrounding a gesture he made in the Dáil during a heated parliamentary row over speaking rights.
"The gesture I made in the Dáil yesterday was not made with malicious intent," Lowry stated.
"I made an errant gesture under provocation. Unfortunately, the gesture has been taken out of context.
"Unlike others, I have always respected the rules and values of the Dáil. My gesture was not intended to be offensive or to cause any offence, and I regret that it may have been seen in such a way."
There was plenty of commotion from opposition parties in the Dáil on Tuesday after the Government's proposal to change standing orders was passed by 93 votes to 74. The Dáil was eventually suspended and adjourned until Wednesday morning.
Videos have circulated online of opposition TDs shouting "Shame! Shame! Shame!" as Government TDs left the chamber.
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy shared the video online of opposition parties shouting in the chamber which also shows Lowry making the gesture.
The screenshot of the TD's gesture during this chaos has now captured the attention of people on social media.