Mary Lou McDonald told Newstalk this afternoon that she has no confidence in the Ceann Comhairle. Sinn Féin's Deputy Leader spoke to Jonathan Healy on the second day of her suspension from the Dáil following her four hour sit-in on Thursday.

Ms McDonald said she will not try to enter the Dáil chamber today as she doesn't want to cause a confrontation with any usher who is simply following instructions not to admit her.

She also denied that she is trying to deflect attention from Mairia Cahill allegations.

However, Deputy McDonald says her dispute is not over - and she has no confidence in the Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett.

Ms McDonald also spoke about the Irish Water protests which took place over the weekend, stating that those who are not peaceful at protests should stay away:

Sinn Féin met this morning to decide its response to Mary Lou McDonald's suspension from the Dáil.

Ushers had been instructed to stop Ms McDonald from entering the Dáil chamber if she attempted to enter it today. However, the Sinn Féin deputy leader turned up for work as normal and sent a tweet from her desk this morning.

At my desk. In the Dáil. Work to do. pic.twitter.com/3XA6IUg3rZ

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) November 18, 2014

Ms McDonald was suspended following a four hour sit-in which took place on Thursday. Amidst furious scenes, she was asked to leave the chamber by Mr Barrett, but refused. Dáil business was suspended for the day.

Speaking after her four hour sit-in last Thursday, Ms McDonald denied it was a stunt to distract from a debate on sexual abuse.