- Micheál Martin to return as Taoiseach (prime minister)
- Fine Gael’s Simon Harris, who will take on the role of tánaiste (deputy prime minister)
- Fianna Fáil formed a coalition government with Fine Gael and independent TDs
- Sinn Féin remains the largest opposition party after being excluded from coalition talks
Micheál Martin to return as Taoiseach
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is set to be reinstalled as taoiseach (prime minister) when the Irish parliament reconvenes on Wednesday. He will succeed Fine Gael’s Simon Harris, who will take on the role of tánaiste (deputy prime minister).
Fianna Fáil, which secured 48 seats in the November election, has formed a coalition government with Fine Gael (38 seats) and independent TDs. Sinn Féin, with 39 seats, remains the largest opposition party after being excluded from coalition talks.
Martin and Harris finalised a draft programme for the government earlier this month, which was endorsed by both parties. Martin described the agreement as a “strong commitment” to delivering for the Irish people, while Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the exclusion of her party as “bad practice.”
“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,” Martin said.
This marks the first session of the newly formed government after five weeks of negotiations following the election.
