'Absolutely disgraceful' - TD Michael Lowry caught 'giving the two fingers' in the Dáil
The Independent TD has since responded to the image which has received a lot of backlash online
A screenshot of the Independent TD Michael Lowry 'giving the two fingers' inside the Dáil has been shared on social media by Virgin Media News correspondent Gavan Reilly following chaotic scenes in the chamber on Tuesday evening regarding speaking time.
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 Tipperary North TD's gesture during this chaos has now captured the attention of people on social media. People have been sharing their outraged reactions online, coining it an "absolute disgrace."
Lowry has since responded to the incident to say that he was telling the People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy to "sit down with my fingers."
He has defended his actions by saying he was simply beckoning Murphy to sit down and stop using his phone inside the Dáil.
The TD has not elaborated any further on the matter.