Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
Michael Martin elected as Irish Taoiseach
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin (right) and Fine Gael's Simon Harris talk to the media outside the government building in Dublin, January 22, 2025

LAWMAKERS in Ireland voted today to make veteran politician Micheal Martin prime minister for a second time at the helm of a coalition government.

Members of the lower house of parliament, the Dail, voted by 95 to 76 to confirm Mr Martin as Taoiseach, the Irish title for prime minister.

Mr Martin said: “It is a profound honour to be nominated to serve as head of the government in a free, democratic and diverse republic.”

Mr Martin was set to be formally appointed to the role by President Michael D Higgins before naming his cabinet.

The vote had been due to come on Wednesday, but was delayed amid chaotic scenes in parliament by wrangling over parliamentary procedure relating to the status of independent lawmakers.

Today, Speaker Verona Murphy ruled that independent parliamentarians supporting the government would not be given the status of an opposition technical group.

The government also said that it would address some of the issues raised during the row.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that she welcomed the coalition’s move to differentiate “between government and opposition and no TD can be in government and opposition.”

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael agreed to form a coalition with independent lawmakers after an election in November failed to deliver any party a majority.

Under the coalition deal, Mr Martin will be taoiseach for three years, with Fine Gael’s Simon Harris — the outgoing taoiseach — as his deputy. 

The two politicians will then swap jobs for the rest of the five-year term.

They’ve secured backing to govern from the right-wing Regional Independent Group, which will be given junior ministerial positions.

Morning Star Conference - Race, Sex & Class
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
HEADING TO THE CENTRE:
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou
McDonald
Features / 4 December 2024
4 December 2024
Despite plummeting living standards and multiple crises in housing, education and health, another Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition approaches after an election with low turnout and no breakthrough for the left, writes NICK WRIGHT
Michael Lennard sealing ballot boxes at a secure facility in
World / 28 November 2024
28 November 2024