Taoiseach Enda Kenny has accused Sinn Féin of not believing in democracy.
Speaking at the New York Stock Exchange today, Mr Kenny said that Sinn Féin can talk about democracy but do not actually believe in it.
He was responding to questions about the incident in the Dáil yesterday when Deputy Mary Lou McDonald staged a four hour sit-in.
Mr Kenny said the Dáil had voted expel her and that democratic decision should be followed through.
He said it seemed as if Sinn Féin felt it was fine to talk about democracy but to actually accept it.
Earlier, Sinn Féin said it will consider its options over the weekend regarding a possible motion of no confidence in Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett.
Deputy McDonald is suspended from the Dáil until Wednesday following her refusal to leave the chamber yesterday.
Ms McDonald cannot take her seat when the Dáil resumes next Tuesday.
Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley said this morning the Dublin Central TD is weighing up her tactics on what she might do on Tuesday.
Mr Stanley said the party is also considering its next move, which could mean putting down the motion of no confidence in Mr Barrett.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams told reporters yesterday that he had no confidence in Mr Barrett.
Mr Barrett said in statement yesterday evening that the day's events were deeply regrettable, but he was left with no other option.
He said a majority of TDs had voted to suspend Ms McDonald from the chamber.
Former communications minister Pat Rabbitte today accused Sinn Féin of attempting to bully the Ceann Comhairle and the Dáil when the party does not get its way.
The Taoiseach said the Ceann Comhairle was elected to the Dáil and it was his independent duty to implement the rules of the house.
He said it was a case again of Sinn Féin talking about democracy but when it suits themselves they can "throw it away".
