Dáil set to resume with Micheál Martin returning as taoiseach

Ireland’s parliament resumes on Wednesday with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin set to return as taoiseach for the second time.

The 35th Dáil (Irish parliament) will see Mr Martin elected taoiseach (Prime Minister), replacing Fine Gael leader Simon Harris who will return as tánaiste (deputy Prime Minister).

Fianna Fáil – the largest party – formed a government with Fine Gael and several Independent Deputies (TDs) later. November election.

Sinn Féin remains the largest opposition party after winning 39 seats. Fianna Fáil won 48 seats while Fine Gael was third with 38 seats.

Mr. Martin and Mr. Harris confirmed the new government program at the beginning of this month.

The agreement paved the way for the next government and was well received by both parties in recent days.

Speaking shortly after his party approved the government’s policy, Mr Martin said there was a “huge commitment” on behalf of his party to help the Irish people.

“I assure you, we will not hesitate to work tirelessly on behalf of the Irish people to deliver this program in government, to improve the quality of life for the people and to improve the quality of life as we travel around the world,” he said.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael rejected Sinn Féin as a coalition partner, which party leader Mary Lou McDonald called out. “bad behavior”.

It is expected that the new government will be in place after the November election, and the government negotiations will take about five weeks to complete.

The new Dáil has already become a source of controversy after several independent TDs including Michael Lowry, Danny Healy-Rae, Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole, who support the government, want to sit and speak from the opposition benches.

The new Ceann Comhairle (speaker) – who is also a regional independent – Verona Murphy, who is the first woman to hold the post, told TDs to consider their objections to the plan, but allowed the group to “take some time” to take their first seats in the meantime. here. .

All other opposition groups are against the idea, saying they have a foot in both camps and are taking time away from those who want to scrutinize the government.

As part of Wednesday’s Dáil return, Mr Martin will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin at around 13:00 local time to meet Irish President Michael D Higgins in the lobby.

The President will sign the consent of appointment and give the seal of the taoiseach and the seal of government to Mr Harris.

Later, around 20:00, the installation of members of the government will begin.

The president will sign a bill appointing members of the government and a bill appointing the attorney general, each of which will be signed by the taoiseach.

The President will then appoint each minister according to his or her seal.