DÁIL SKETCH:FINE GAEL'S Joe McHugh thought he was being nice yesterday, having transgressed the Dáil's rules.

And perhaps to add emphasis, he did so in the first official language.

However, Leas-Cheann Comhairle Brendan Howlin, who takes no prisoners when applying standing orders, was unimpressed.

The Donegal TD wanted Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan to know that the criteria used in the public procurement process for major capital projects was putting certain companies at a competitive advantage.

“Is there promised legislation in this area?” snapped Howlin.

“No,” said Lenihan,who was taking the Order of Business, where only questions on promised legislation are allowed. But there was no stopping McHugh.

“Ten companies in this country get all the large contracts,” the Donegal TD continued. “Small companies with a turnover of €8 million to €9 million cannot.”

Howlin had enough. “Deputy McHugh, you will resume your seat or leave the House,” he said.

McHugh concluded by saying that the cartel system should be addressed urgently.

“Go raibh maith agat,” he added, addressing the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

“There is no ‘go raibh maith agat’ regarding ignoring the chair,” said Howlin sharply. McHugh replied: “I am being nice.”

Howlin reminded him that a TD must resume his or her seat when addressed by the chair. As McHugh defended the validity of his argument, Howlin said he would send him a copy of the Dáil’s standing orders.

Labour’s Michael D Higgins, who was next on his feet, took no risks with Howlin’s patience. “As the Leas-Cheann Comhairle is aware, I am usually very orderly,” he said.

Higgins did not pursue matters when Lenihan confirmed to him that the Cabinet had backed the decision by Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe to abolish the National University of Ireland.

The old maxim that all politics is local was evident later on when TDs from the midwest considered the report of the local taskforce.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan noted that the debate was also being carried on local radio in Limerick.

Fine Gael’s Michael Noonan was among those to launch a strong attack on the Tánaiste’s opening remarks in the debate.

“I accept that the Tánaiste is an honest politician and that she is sincere in her views,” Noonan said.

“However, her contribution to this debate was such a collection of guff, prepared by people who do not understand what is happening in the midwest region.”

Coughlan replied in kind, when defending her position. “I know Limerick as well or better than some of the deputies opposite,” she said.

All the local TDs had their say. But where, the Opposition wondered, was local Limerick East TD and Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea? Limerick is never far from O’Dea’s focus, and he joined the debate later, pointing out that he had been detained at a Dáil committee meeting.

He made a spirited contribution, while challenged by his constituency colleague, Fine Gael’s Kieran O’Donnell.

O’Dea never misses a chance to nurse the 19,000 first preferences he secured in the last general election. Yesterday was no exception.