Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has called on Senator David Norris to withdraw the comments he made in the Seanad earlier today (Monday) regarding Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty.

“Senator Norris’ comments do not bear repeating. They were sexist, crude, offensive and deeply inappropriate. He launched a personal, misogynist attack on one of my female colleagues that was completely out of order. He should apologise and withdraw his comments immediately.

“Some of the behaviour in Leinster House over the last week has quite rightly been called into question. I believe it is time for a code of conduct to be introduced on how members should behave in the Dáil and Seanad. In my view, this should relate to appropriate language and behaviour.

“This is our national parliament and we need to think about the example we are setting and the message we are sending out to our young people as elected representatives.”

Mary Mitchell O’Connor

Monday, July 15^th 2013