Ceann Comhairle denies ‘bowing to pressure’ from Alan Shatter over Guerin Report debate

A clearly angered Mr Barrett said he was not influenced by a letter sent to his office by Mr Shatter's solicitors.

He also hit out at Environment Minister Alan Kelly saying he had "no business" criticising his decision as he did not have the facts.

The Ceann Comhairle complained to Tanaiste Joan Burton about comments Mr Kelly reportedly said at a Labour parliamentary party meeting.

Opposition TDs stormed out of the Dail on Wednesday when it emerged there would be no debate on the terms for inquiry into allegations of garda malpractice raised by garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.

Speaking to RTE Radio One, Mr Barrett said: "I certainly did not bow to pressure from anybody and that's where the unfairness is coming in."

"Attempts are being made to suggest I was influenced in some way in the performance of my duty, that's totally and utterly untrue," he said.

Mr Barrett said he took the decision in the interest of the public because he believed the Houses of the Oireachtas would be brought to the High Court by Mr Shatter.

Mr Shatter has taken a legal action against the findings made against him in the Guerin Report.

His legal firm wrote to the Ceann Comhairle asking to have his name removed from the terms of reference for the investigation recommended in the Guerin Report.

Mr Barrett said he could not change the terms of reference  and forward his letter to Taoiseach Enda Kenny's office.

The terms of reference for the inquiry were not change and passed through the Dail on Wednesday without debate.