Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has been elected Taoiseach by the Dáil, following a day of tense debate and suspensions. The election comes after a row over opposition speaking time, which saw the Dáil suspended multiple times. Martin will now meet with President Michael D. Higgins to formally assume the role.
The Dáíl has voted to elect Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin as Taoiseach , securing 95 votes to 76. This victory comes after a tumultuous day marked by heated exchanges and multiple suspensions of the Dáil . The earlier chaos stemmed from opposition demands for solutions to an ongoing speaking row .
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy was compelled to suspend proceedings following numerous outbursts from the opposition regarding the decision to permit Regional Independent TDs, who negotiated the programme for government, to utilize opposition speaking time. The situation appeared to have been temporarily resolved with Ms. Murphy informing the Business Committee early Thursday morning that the Regional Independent Technical Group would not be recognized or granted speaking time that day. She cited ambiguity in the Dáil's standing orders and stated she would seek senior counsel advice before making a final, impartial decision. This means, while the immediate issue has been addressed, a definitive ruling on the Regional Independent Technical Group's standing in the opposition remains pending. Mr. Martin, the Taoiseach-elect, will now proceed to Áras an Uachtaráin to meet President Michael D. Higgins, a day later than initially planned. During this meeting, the President will formally sign the Warrant of Appointment, bestowing upon Mr. Martin the Seal of the Taoiseach and the Seal of Government. Mr. Martin was nominated for the position by Albert Dolan, Fianna Fáil's youngest TD at 26 years old. This marks his second tenure as Taoiseach, having previously served from June 2020 to December 2022. With a long political career spanning since 1989, he has led Fianna Fáil since 2011 and will remain Taoiseach until November 16, 2027, when the office will rotate back to the Fine Gael leader. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin put forward their leader, Mary Lou McDonald, as Taoiseach, despite lacking sufficient support during her nomination last month. The Dáil's suspension yesterday added to the anxieties of TDs awaiting confirmation of ministerial positions, leaving them in a state of uncertainty regarding potential promotions. Within Fine Gael, Simon Harris is slated to assume both the Foreign Affairs and Defence departments, becoming Tánaiste. Paschal Donohoe will take on the Finance portfolio. Helen McEntee is expected to be moved to the Department of Education, while Peter Burke is anticipated to retain his position in Enterprise. Dun Laoghaire TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is considered a strong contender for the Health Ministry, and Martin Heydon is poised for a promotion to Cabinet as Agriculture Minister. Limerick native Patrick O'Donovan could potentially be assigned to the Department of Arts, Media, and Communication. The ministerial assignments within Fianna Fáil remain somewhat uncertain. Jack Chambers is projected to move to the Department of Public Expenditure, while Norma Foley is set for a transition to Heather Humphreys' former departments encompassing Social Protection and Rural Affairs. Darragh O'Brien is likely to continue serving in the Department of Housing, while Mary Butler is expected to become Minister for Children and Disability. Speculation surrounds the Justice portfolio, with both James Browne and Jim O'Callaghan being considered. Mr. Browne, Dara Calleary, and James Lawless are also linked to the Department of Transport. While details regarding ministerial appointments are expected to be confirmed from mid-afternoon onwards, the official announcement will be made in the Dáil after 5:30pm.
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