Ireland’s 35th Dáil (parliament) is set to reconvene Wednesday with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin returning as taoiseach (prime minister). The transition will see current leader Simon Harris of Fine Gael move to the role of tánaiste (deputy prime minister).
Following November’s election, Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party with 48 seats and has formed a government through a coalition with Fine Gael (38 seats) and several independent regional TDs (members of parliament). Sinn Féin, despite winning 39 seats, remains in opposition after being ruled out as a coalition partner by both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael—a decision that Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticized as “bad practice.”
The new government formation comes after approximately five weeks of negotiations, with both Martin and Harris recently confirming a draft programme for government that received endorsement from their respective parties.
Martin expressed his party’s dedication to serving the Irish people, stating: “I can assure you, we will spare no effort in working selflessly on behalf of the people of Ireland to deliver this programme for government, to make things better for people and to improve the quality of life as we navigate very turbulent global waters.”
A notable development in the new Dáil is the historic appointment of Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle (speaker), marking the first time a woman has held this position. Murphy faces an early challenge with several independent TDs who support the government—including Michael Lowry, Danny Healy-Rae, Barry Heneghan, and Gillian Toole—requesting to sit and speak from opposition benches. While Murphy has allowed them to “provisionally” maintain their original seats, she will consider opposing submissions. Other opposition groups have criticized this arrangement, arguing it allows these TDs to “have a foot in both camps” and reduces scrutiny time.
The day’s proceedings will include Martin’s visit to President Michael D Higgins at the Áras an Uachtaráin at 13:00 local time, where the president will sign the warrant of appointment and present the governmental seals. The appointment of government members is scheduled for 20:00, during which the president will sign warrants for ministers and the attorney general, with each minister receiving their seal of office.
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