Irish MP apologizes for pulling female deputy onto lap during abortion debate

[rpannier]

An Irish politician has apologized after he pulled a female colleague onto his lap during Wednesday night’s abortion debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.

Cork North East TD Tom Barry pulled Cork North West TD Aine Collins onto his lap at around 3am during the all night debate, when TDs were gathering for the first vote on the bill, RTE reports.

In a statement on Thursday, the Cork TD said: "What I did last night was disrespectful and inappropriate. I have apologised to Aine Collins and she graciously and immediately accepted my apology.

"No excuses, I just shouldn't have done it."

Read more: http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Irish-MP-apologizes-for-pulling-female-deputy-onto-lap-during-abortion-debate--VIDEO-215218361.html#ixzz2YtGzcpPo

the site provides it's own link

on edit: he confessed to having been drinking earlier. He wasn't drunk, but WTH was the fool thinking? "Long and emotional debate ahead. Probably be debating until the early morning. Think I'll have a few pints before I walk into the Dail." Dumb ass!

I understand that it was 3 am and they had been in the chamber for a number of hours, unlike in the US, the Irish Parliamentarians tend to stay through debate, his behavior was boorish and stupid.
The one thing I will say in his defense is that he made a real apology, not the faux apologies we're usually stuck with, the "...if anyone was offended..." BS

[Enthusiast]

1. I guess there are assholes everywhere. nt

[No Elephants]

2. I wonder why he did it? Is he attracted to her? Was it to show he was stronger?

Either way, it's a statement about male dominance, IMO.

And then there's the mayor of San Diego.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/11/san-diego-mayor-apologizes/2510599/

And the prayer of Orthodox Jewish males, to this day:

"Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has not made me a woman." -- Morning Blessings, Artscroll Siddur, p. 12.

And a pretty defense/rationalization of it by a rabbi: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ari-hart/should-i-thank-god-for-not-making-me-a-woman_b_3197422.html

Normally non-violent, I would like the opportunity to break a chair over his head.