There was a war of words within the Dáil chamber recently as the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams clashed over the informal approach by Mr Adams whilst discussing the president Michael D Higgins.
The clash came when Mr Adams inappropriately referred to the president as ‘Michael D’ during a debate about emigrant voting.
During the debate Mr Adams quoted a speech made by president Higgins but refused to use his proper title. The rather unprofessional remark promoted Mr Kenny to step in almost immediately, and told the Sinn Fein leader to give the President his full title.
Mr Adams said: “Michael D reminded us of the journey of the Irish emigrants stands as a testimony to the creativity and resilience of all who have left our shores over previous centuries.”
However Mr Kenny intervened and said:”I’m not sure that it’s appropriate to refer to him just by his first name here in the House. I think the Uachtarán would like to be referred to as his official title which is Uachtarán na hÉireann,”.