The Speaker of the House of Representatives has reminded both returning and new MPs that the rules that govern the Lower House will apply in every instance.
Sir Gerald Watt KC, who has taken a non-nonsense approach to the decorum of Members of Parliament, made the point as he addressed the chamber following his reelection as Speaker of the House last Friday.
Sir Gerald won nine of the seventeen votes cast.
In welcoming legislators to the new session of Parliament, Speaker Watt served notice that business of the State will be conducted in line with the Standing Orders.
Addressing the new members of the opposition United Progressive Party, the speaker informed them that, “The Standing Order consists of ninety-eight standing orders and five appendices.”
“I am heartened,” he continued, “by the fact that immediately after the elections, the general secretary of your party applied for, and has been presented by the acting Clerk to Parliament, with copies of the Standing Orders of the House.
“This tells me that contrary to opinions held in certain quarters, it is your intention to contribute to a high level of debate and to fully acquaint yourselves and be guided by the Standing Orders, which will guide you over the next five years and perhaps beyond.”
Sir Gerald then addressed rumours of an opposition crafted plan to “go after” the Speaker.
“I do not for one moment believe this to be true and put such talk down to political rumour, fanned by enthusiastic political supporters.
“In the event, however, that there are some truth to the rumours, let it be known that the Standing Order provides the Speaker with wide powers to ensure proper behaviour and decorum in the House of Representative and to deal with disorderly and grossly disorderly conduct by members during these proceedings.
“I am well versed of these rules and methods and will not hesitate to use them, should the occasion arise,” Sir Gerald cautioned.
