Heated Dáil exchange over rent report after record price surge (thejournal.ie)

• Daft report shows record rent increase after government reforms
• McDonald uses 'sleeveen' insult; Martin decries lack of substance
• Ceann Comhairle intervenes multiple times to maintain order

"During Leaders' Questions in Dáil Éireann on 20 May 2026, Taoiseach Micheál Martin clashed with opposition leaders over rent prices. A Daft report showed the largest rent increase in nearly 25 years, following government reforms. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accused the government of 'sleeveen politics' and backing landlords. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy intervened several times. Martin defended the supply-side approach and criticised opposition proposals as lacking substance."