- Micheál Martin elected Taoiseach after chaos
- The Dáil faced multiple suspensions on Wednesday due to heated exchanges
- Martin will now hold the position until 2027 when Simon Harris will take over
Micheál Martin elected Taoiseach after chaos
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has been elected taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland for the second time, following intense debates in the Dáil (Ireland’s lower house of Parliament). The Dáil faced multiple suspensions on Wednesday due to heated exchanges between the government and opposition parties.
Martin, one of the longest-serving TDs (MPs) since his election in 1989, previously served as taoiseach from 2020 to 2022. He will hold the position until 2027, when Simon Harris, leader of Fine Gael and current tánaiste (deputy prime minister), is set to take over.
In his acceptance speech, Martin highlighted the growing division in parliaments worldwide, criticising the shift toward confrontational rhetoric. Reflecting on the anniversary of his father Paddy’s passing, he spoke of the values his father upheld and their influence on his leadership.
Earlier on Thursday, Martin received his seal of office from President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin, the presidential residence. He then returned to Leinster House to oversee the appointment of 15 cabinet ministers. The new government team reconvened at Áras an Uachtaráin later that evening to receive their seals of office before holding their first official cabinet meeting.