Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley is pushing back at calls by Opposition Leader Mark Golding for constitutional reform to allow for the appointment of an independent speaker of the House of Representatives.
Mr. Golding doubled down on the call during a People’s National Party press conference yesterday, following last week’s controversy in the Lower House.
He cited House Speaker Juliet Holness’ control of microphones and her interpretation of Parliament’s standing orders among reasons for the proposed change.
However, Fitz-Henley says the Government will not be pressured into altering the existing process for appointing a speaker.
He also says there is an irony in the Opposition Leader’s call for constitutional reform.