After two days of raised voices, raised temperatures and at least a couple of raised fingers, the political stakes over the future of Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy have been raised too.
And with neither side showing any intention of backing down, the battle lines have now been drawn in cement as much as sand for another high octane day of drama next week when the Dáil votes on the future of Ms Murphy.
All of that is because of three significant steps to have taken place in the ongoing Dáil speaking rights saga, which has hamstrung Dáil proceedings since January and now threatens to engulf the Ceann Comhairle position itself.
The first saw the five main Opposition parties - Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, Independent Ireland and Solidarity-People Before Profit - ratchet up this week's already pressure-cooker Dáil tension by confirming they will officially table a no confidence motion in the Ceann Comhairle on Friday.
The draft wording of that motion has already been published, and says "the Ceann Comhairle no longer retains the confidence of all members of Dáil Éireann".
While the draft wording is missing the signatures of Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman and Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, it is in itself an extremely rare development as the five main Opposition parties have joined forces to formally flex their collective muscles on the issue.
That flexing is now all but certain to lead to a counter motion from the Government backing the Ceann Comhairle - a position confirmed by Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee at Fine Gael's parliamentary party - which will be voted on in the Dáil next week, most likely on Tuesday.
The only way that will not happen is if Ms Murphy decides to step down before then.
Some had initially speculated earlier today this situation could potentially occur.
However the former trucker, who left school at 16 and became a leading spokesperson for road hauliers before entering the Dáil as an Independent months after being removed from Fine Gael's general election ticket, isn't exactly known as lacking fight either.
And with one battle line drawn, the Ceann Comhairle was quick to draw her own line, saying in a firm statement through the Houses of the Oireachtas press office that she has no intention of backing down.
'I categorically reject these totally unfounded allegations'
"Prolonged disorder and obstruction is utterly unacceptable in any democratic parliament," her statement began.
"So too is making false accusations of partiality and collusion against its officials and chair.
"By virtue of the independence of the office of Ceann Comhairle, I am in the unenviable position that I cannot descend at will into debate to defend myself against the entirely false allegations of collusion made against me in the Dáil today.
"I categorically reject these totally unfounded allegations. I have at all times followed the correct procedures of the House and the advice of the impartial officials present.
"The clerk of Dáil Éireann has independently prepared a report on yesterday's proceedings detailing the procedures followed. It has been laid before the Dáil and accordingly is a public document.
"I fully intend to continue to carry out the onerous office to which I was elected in accordance with the solemn undertakings I gave the Dáil upon my election.
"I call on every member of the House to reflect on and abide by their own Constitutional obligations, to refrain from disorder, and to respect the rights and dignity of every other member and of the House itself."
Not so much a 'no thank you, I don't think I'll resign' statement, more of a Roy Keane 'see you out there' style one, so.
That rough and ready approach only works, of course, if you have people to back you up.
And judging by a third significant step, there seems little doubt the Ceann Comhairle has that Government backing.
In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, not for the first time this week, made it clear who he and his Government will support.
Taking aim at the "attitude" of the Opposition who he claimed are taking part in "the politics of the street", the Fianna Fáil leader said: "It beggars belief that Sinn Féin in particular, who shouted and roared during Leaders Questions yesterday in a clearly organised manner, and who refused point blank to cooperate, are now accusing the Ceann Comhairle of bias and failing to follow procedures.
"The clerk of the Dáil has confirmed proceedings were conducted in accordance with procedures. It was Sinn Féin who refused to move their own amendment to the standing orders.
"It was Sinn Féin who screamed and roared while the Ceann Comhairle called for a vote, rather than moving their own amendment. It was undemocratic what Sinn Féin and other members of the Opposition did. The Dáil cannot work on Opposition by veto.
"Neither can we have a situation where the Ceann Comhairle only stays in office if it obeys the diktat of Opposition. It is not how parliamentary democracy works."
Given the Government has a clear Dáil working majority, it seems inevitable that if the five main Opposition parties go through with forcing a no confidence motion next week, the Ceann Comhairle is still highly likely to survive.
That would give the Coalition ample ammunition to say that, while concerns were raised, the democratic process must be respected.
But it would also give the Opposition space to make the argument that while the Government has confidence in the Ceann Comhairle, the rest of the chamber does not - a far from healthy environment for anyone involved.
Stakes raised and battle lines drawn, expect fireworks in the days to come.
