Page 2447 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 22 August 2006
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insulted all adolescents when he said in response to Mr Smyth, “Mr Smyth, don’t you think you are being rather juvenile?” I instinctively and immediately thought that that was a gross insult to adolescents or juveniles. No, let’s not elevate it to being juvenile. It is childish—childish in the extreme. Let’s not elevate Mr Smyth’s behaviour to that of a juvenile. To do that is to accord to him a status that he certainly does not deserve. This is a tawdry, appalling episode in the Assembly’s behaviour and it is down to you, Mr Smyth. In fact, all of us on this side now know deeply and with absolute certitude why your colleagues dumped you.
MR SPEAKER: Order! The Chief Minister’s time has expired.
MR SMYTH: I ask a supplementary question. Chief Minister, who informed you or your office of the need for the pair? Will you refund Ms MacDonald her money? What is the approach adopted in granting pairs in committees for members in the House of Representatives?
MR STANHOPE: I am not sure of the avenues through which I was informed that-
Mrs Dunne: Surely somebody told you.
MR STANHOPE: Somebody did tell me.
MR SPEAKER: Order! The Chief Minister has the call.
Mrs Dunne: You should have known.
MR STANHOPE: I had no idea.
Mr Smyth: You do not recall?
MR SPEAKER: Order! The Chief Minister has the call. The Chief Minister is not responsible for what goes on in the House of Representatives. I will rule out of order that part of the question that relates to the House of Representatives.
Mr Smyth: Thank you, Mr Speaker.
MR STANHOPE: As to the second part of the question, whether Ms MacDonald will be reimbursed, I know of no capacity or way in which Ms MacDonald would be reimbursed.
Mrs Burke: You said she was on Assembly business.
Ms MacDonald: I was. I was representing the CPA.
Mrs Burke: So why are you paying then? What are you paying for?
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MR STANHOPE: Because she was forced to return, Mrs Burke.
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