Chaos in Irish Parliament delays Taoiseach election

• Chaos in Irish Parliament delays Taoiseach election
• Micheál Martin accused Sinn Féin of orchestrating the disruption
• The controversy arose over plans to allow independent TDs supporting the government to sit on opposition benches

Chaos in Irish Parliament delays Taoiseach election

The election of a new Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) has been postponed after chaotic scenes forced the suspension of the Dáil (Ireland’s lower house of parliament).

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, who was set to be nominated, accused Sinn Féin and other opposition TDs (MPs) of orchestrating the disruption. He called the delay ‘premeditated, coordinated, and choreographed.’

The controversy arose over plans to allow independent TDs supporting the government to sit on opposition benches. Opposition members, including Sinn Féin, expressed outrage, disrupting proceedings and leading to multiple suspensions of the session.

Fine Gael’s Simon Harris criticised the scenes as “farcical,” accusing opposition TDs of disrespecting the Ceann Comhairle (Speaker), Verona Murphy, who was shouted down during attempts to restore order.

Efforts to resolve the standoff through discussions on Wednesday failed. Leaders from both coalition and opposition parties are scheduled to meet Thursday morning to address the issues.

Martin noted it was the first time in over a century that the Dáil had failed to elect a Taoiseach, highlighting the severity of the disruption. Proceedings are set to resume Thursday amid high political tensions.