Micheál Martin becomes next Taoiseach after Dáil vote as order returns after day of chaos

The Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has this morning ruled that the Regional Technical Group of Independent TDs will not be permitted to sit in the Opposition benches today.

This should clear the way for the election of Micheál Martin as taoiseach, a day later than planned.

The government and opposition are meeting early this morning in a bid to resolve the impasse which led to chaotic scenes of “shouting, roaring and bawling” in the Dáil chamber on a number of occasions.

The Dáil is sitting in a bid to elect Micheál Martin as taoiseach before the new cabinet can be appointed.

Our live blog has you covered for all news and views on the attempt to elect a government today.

Key updates

Opposition leaders to send ‘agreed text’ to government leaders

Dáil witnessed ‘stunt politics on speed’ – Harris 

Today11:16 AM

Eoghan Moloney

Cabinet tips: who is expected to receive ministerial roles today?

Here’s where the Irish Independent believe a lot of the Cabinet positions will go:

The Cabinet jobs share-out today will likely see Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Martin Heydon elevated to Cabinet.

Here are the people predicted to be sitting around the table in the Sycamore Room, where ministers grapple with the pressing issues of State, with best-guess names matched to portfolios:

• Taoiseach — Micheál Martin (FF) 
• Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence — Simon Harris (FG)
• Minister for Finance — Paschal Donohoe (FG) 
• Minister for Public Expenditure — Jack Chambers (FF)
• Minister for Justice — Jim O’Callaghan (FF) 
• Minister for Agriculture — Martin Heydon (FG) 
• Minister for Social Protection — Norma Foley (FF)
• Minister for Education — Helen McEntee (FG) 
• Minister for Housing — Darragh O’Brien (FF) 
• Minister for Health — Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) 
• Minister for Transport — James Lawless (FF) 
• Minister for Enterprise — Peter Burke (FG) 
• Minister for Higher Education — Dara Calleary (FF)
• Minister for Communications, Arts and Media — Patrick O’Donovan (FG) 
• Minister for Disability and Children — Mary Butler (FF).

While Dara Calleary is tipped above, he is in a major fight for inclusion with Charlie McConalogue.

Mr McConalogue’s supporters travelled down in huge numbers of the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in Dublin at the weekend, and many of them impressed on their party leader the need to keep Donegal uppermost in his thoughts, so he might squeeze in somewhere. This in turn would make it hard to see room for Thomas Byrne, the most experienced of junior ministers.

It is possible that Higher Education could go back under the umbrella of Education, although Mr Martin says he is committed to research.

The Fine Gael allocations are perhaps more predictable, but there are those touting the chances and qualifications of Alan Dillon (Mayo), Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West) and Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown).

There are expected to be four Superjuniors in Cabinet, with two such roles already taken by Noel Grealish and Sean Canney of the Regional Independents, allowing FF and FG to each accommodate a round peg that otherwise doesn’t fit in a square hole.

While there are uncertainties above, with none of the principals giving anything away last night, all will be revealed today.

Senan Molony

Today08:59 AM

Eoghan Moloney

Regional Independents not allowed on Opposition benches for today, clearing way for election of taoiseach

Regional Independent TDs will now not be able to sit on the opposition benches today after a major decision by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy.

There were chaotic scenes in the Dáil yesterday and a Taoiseach was not voted in after opposition parties took issue with Independent TDs who will support the government wanting opposition speaking time.

The Ceann Comhairle, as well as party leaders from across Government opposition parties, were involved in crisis talks last night to find a solution.

In an email to the Dáil’s business committee this morning, which decides the business of the Dáil, TDs were told the regional technical group of TDs will not be recognised today.  

This means Michael Lowry, Barry Heneghan, Mattie McGrath, Gillian Toole, Danny Healy-Rae and Carol Nolan will not get opposition speaking time during the nomination of the Taoiseach.

TDs were told Ms Murphy received legal advice from the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers (OPLA) last week, which is when she asked TDs for their suggestions on how the row over speaking time can be resolved.

The deadline for these submissions was today. One submission was sent in.

The letter, sent to TDs this morning, says the Ceann Comhairle believes there is “significant ambiguity” in the wording of standing orders, which dictate the rules of the Dáil.

“She will seek senior counsel advice on this matter before coming to an impartial final decision,” the letter states.

Only two technical groups will be recognised today to avoid “pre judging her final decision on that dispute”.

This includes the Independent and parties technical group, which involves People Before Profit and the Greens and others, and the Independents group, which involves Independent Ireland and Aontu.

Labour whip Deputy Duncan Smith said: “It’s positive to see the Ceann Comhairle recognising only two technical groups, both in opposition, for the purposes of today’s meeting. This the solution that I and others proposed both in our submission and at numerous meetings yesterday.”

Gabija Gataveckaite

Today07:33 AM

Eoghan Moloney

Opposition accused government of “riding roughshod” over them after a day of Dáil chaos

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Yesterday04:43 PM

Maeve McTaggart

Election of a new Taoiseach, take two

The Dáil was adjourned until 9am this morning without nominating a new taoiseach on Wednesday as a row over speaking time for Independents supporting the government could not be resolved.

But the Dáil will now not meet until 11:30am to allow party leaders to convene in a bid to prevent scenes of chaos once again, which made headlines across Europe.

It followed a day of rows and disorder in the Dáil chamber after proceedings to nominate a new taoiseach had been delayed for hours to allow for talks on resolving the dispute.

Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton addressed the chamber after 4.25pm and said the nomination process should proceed.

Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan took to his feet to begin nominating his party leader Micheál Martin as taoiseach but members of Sinn Féin and other Opposition parties continued to interrupt the proceedings.

Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty described the Ceann Comhairle’s attempts to proceed as a “disgrace”, while Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said it was “outrageous”.

This followed two similar outbursts from Independents who were not happy with some Independents who support the new government being allocated Opposition speaking time due to their membership of technical groups.

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy adjourned the Dáil until 9am today (now 10:30am), so we will try again to elect Micheál Martin as taoiseach but there are no guarantees, if yesterday taught us anything.

The Irish Independent will take you right through the day covering whatever our elected representatives decide to do today.

5 minutes ago

Eoghan Moloney

After his election by the Dáil as taoiseach, Mr Martin said: “The new government will push forward on the historic task of building a lasting reconciliation.

 

“We will implement the largest ever programme of North/South research and investment, opening critical links and building both engagement and understanding through a further strengthened Shared Island Initiative.

 

“Too many people are struggling to afford a home to buy or rent.  Helping them will be a priority for the new government and for the Dáil.

 

“Too many people with disabilities and their families have to fight too hard to access the services they deserve. We must begin a new era in support for them – not just increasing resources but step-changing the scale, nature and delivery of services

 

“This is not the work of one minister, it must be the work of every part of government and of this Oireachtas.

 

“We must deliver both resources and reform to help all our children to get the best start in life – through smaller classes, through community development programmes and through targeting resources to help families experiencing  poverty.

 

“We must protect nature and biodiversity, and move forward in tackling the existential problem of climate change.

31 minutes ago

Eoghan Moloney

Mr Martin continued his speech: “As I look at Ireland today, it is clear that there can be a degree of cynicism towards politics.  Too often we dismiss the motivation of others, especially those we disagree with.

 

“I reject this.  I believe in the good faith of those who seek to serve their communities in elective office – and I believe that politics remains a force for good, a force for positive change.

 

“I hope that we can have a cooperative Oireachtas in the coming years, where we try to emphasise positive discussion.

 

“For my part I intend to remain open to constructive ideas from Deputies from all parts of the House.

 

“When nominating members of the new government I will address more specific policy points, but I think it is important to state the core principles on which I intend to lead the government.

 

“When reflecting on the legacy of republicanism from the 1916 generation of which he was a part, Seán Lemass always stressed the idea of responding to the needs of today and shaping the future.

 

“For him, true republicanism was not about following the past – it was about a willingness to move on and create new ways forward.

38 minutes ago

Eoghan Moloney

The new Taoiseach also takes a moment to thanks his family, and becomes somewhat emotional speaking about his parents, especially his father, Paddy.

“As they have grown, my children Micheál Aodh, Aoibhe and Cillian have moved from being observers, to being pillars for me.  They are unflinching in their advice and constant in their support. I have been blessed to have a partner in Mary who has done so much more than just keep me rooted,” he said. 

“No position I have held, and nothing I have achieved would have been possible without her,” he added. 

“I would also like to acknowledge my wider family and especially my late parents, Paddy and Lana.

“Yesterday was the anniversary of the passing of my father.  This week every year I remember all he did for us and the values which he lived by every day. A strong and athletic sporting man he was also quiet and determined in the small and large steps he took every day to help others,” the Taoiseach said. 

42 minutes ago

Eoghan Moloney

Martin emphasises “parliaments becoming more angry and divisive” as he is elected Taoiseach for a second time

“It is a sad development in many parliaments in the world that they have become more angry and divisive.  They have become forums dominated by the inflated rhetoric of demonstrations rather than a place where different groups can argue in good faith and respectfully disagree. On the day where we carry out our most important constitutional duty as representatives of the people, we should take a moment to remember and respect those things which we share.

“It is a profound honour to be nominated to serve as head of the government in a free, democratic and diverse republic.

“Today I am deeply conscious of the democratic tradition which our country has developed over more than a century.

“We should never take for granted the freedoms and opportunities secured for us by the generations who sat here before us, and by the men and women who fought and campaigned for the establishment of Dáil Éireann.

“Our democracy has remained strong through some of the gravest challenges of a turbulent century.

“We have continued to have free debate and free elections.

“We have never wavered in our commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes.

“The most powerful thing about the mandate which each of us holds is that it is based on the support of our families, our supporters, in most cases our parties, and above all our communities,” the new Taoiseach said.

49 minutes ago

Eoghan Moloney

Dáil votes to elect Micheál Martin as Taoiseach

The Dáil has, finally, nominated Micheál Martin as Taoiseach, more than 24 hours after it first attempted to do so.

TDs voted 95 to 76 in support of the nomination of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin as the country’s new taoiseach.

We have a new Taoiseach until November 2027 – Micheál Martin

Today12:57 PM

Eoghan Moloney

Outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris said his Fine Gael party will support Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin’s nomination as taoiseach.

Mr Harris expressed “sincere congratulations” to Mr Martin before his expected return to the office of taoiseach.

“It is fair to say I could sense you were nurturing a mild desire to be taoiseach again and I sincerely want to congratulate you on the achievement and wish you well as we work together in partnership again.”

He said the Fine Gael party was “looking forward” to participating in the coalition government.

Today12:51 PM

Eoghan Moloney

Mary Lou: “Today may not be our day, but our day will come.”

The ‘tiocfaidh ár lá’ reference causes Government stirrings… meanwhile Taoiseach Simon Harris is now on his feet, paying tribute to his replacement.

Today12:44 PM

Eoghan Moloney

Mary Lou McDonald is on her feet to thank colleagues for proposing her. She says the Government “must lead from the front, and by example.” What happened yesterday was the result of “arrogant manoeuvring” by FF, FG and Michael Lowry, she says.

Senan Molony

Today12:40 PM

Eoghan Moloney

Mr Doherty says Ms McDonald is “an Irish Republican to the core.” He provokes heckling from the Healy-Raes by saying they will support carbon tax rises in years to come.

It is the first eruption of the day, but it quickly dissipates — as Mr Doherty calls Michael Lowry “the star of the Moriarty tribunal” and says he was involved in an arrangement that was “venal” and “profoundly corrupt.”

Senan Molony

Today12:36 PM

Eoghan Moloney

SF Deputy Pearse Doherty (Donegal) rises to second the nomination of Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central) as Taoiseach, even though there is no Dáil majority for her appointment. 

Senan Molony

Today12:35 PM

Eoghan Moloney

How the tabloids covered the storm brewing in the Dáil, as well as the one looming in the Atlantic

Today12:35 PM

Eoghan Moloney

The Galway West TD says the Government has voted to “go back on its mid-term break” just one day after “the first day of school”.

Senan Molony

Today12:32 PM

Eoghan Moloney

Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell now nominates Mary Lou McDonald as Taoiseach.

Senan Molony

Today12:22 PM

Eoghan Moloney

Albert Dolan of Galway East (FF), a new TD, begins proposing Micheál Martin as Taoiseach, the Order of Buisness having been agreed. He begins with a joke: “As I was saying…”  Actually, he didn’t get to open his mouth yesterday…

Senan Molony

Today12:14 PM

Eoghan Moloney

The current Taoiseach and Tánaiste will each have 15 minutes on the election of the new Taoiseach, with the same allocation for the Sinn Féin leader.

Labour, the Social Democrats and two recognised technical groups will then have seven minutes each.

When Micheál Martin is finally elevated, he will spin out to the Áras to meet the President and pat the dog. He’ll also sign his name and get his seal of office. The Dáil will then stand adjourned for three hours to allow this to happen.

Senan Molony

Today12:07 PM

Eoghan Moloney

Roderic O’Gorman (Greens) overheard in a Dáil corridor: “None of this would have happened if we were still there.”

Senan Molony

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TickarooLive Blog Software

It came after the coalition and opposition blamed each other for a “farcical” row in the Dáil that saw efforts to appoint Micheal Martin as the new Taoiseach fail.

Proceedings were disrupted by the opposition several times over a row about speaking time – whether the independents who agreed the Programme for Government but who do not have ministerial roles should get opposition speaking slots.

The Ceann Comhairle halted proceedings four times earlier on Wednesday, without a resolution.

Opposition parties want the wording of standing orders to be revised to make it very clear that Independent TDs who support the programme for Government cannot be part of technical groups.

If agreed to, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy would be expected to read the revised wording into the Dail record on Thursday morning.

But if agreed to by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, this would be viewed as a climbdown by the Government.

Mary Lou McDonald accuses government of trying to ‘ride roughshod over the collective opposition’

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael sources said there has been no agreement reached yet ahead of the Dail reconvening at 10.30am tomorrow to elect the Taoiseach.

Party leaders Mr Martin and Mr Harris will meet opposition party leaders at Government buildings on Thursday at 8.30am.

Sinn Fein have also extended invites to other party leaders to meet before a vote is held to elect Micheal Martin as Taoiseach.

On Wednesday evening Mr Martin called the chaotic scenes in the Dail a “subversion of the Irish Constitution”.

Mr Harris, who is set to become tanaiste, branded the opposition’s actions “farcical” and “stunt politics on speed”.

“The most fundamental obligation of the Dail is to elect a taoiseach and, indeed, to elect a government,” Mr Martin told reporters outside Government Buildings after the Dail was adjourned.

“That opportunity was denied today by a premeditated, co-ordinated and choreographed position by the opposition and particularly by Sinn Fein party.”

Mr Martin said there were numerous attempts to facilitate a resolution to a dispute on speaking time arrangements, but added: “It became very clear to us that there was no intention ever to reach agreement on the nomination of a taoiseach or a government today.”

Mr Harris, who spoke to the media alongside Mr Martin, said the events were “unprecedented” and “utterly farcical”.

“There was a clear majority of the people’s representatives ready, willing to elect Micheal Martin as taoiseach and to elect the next government and get on with the people’s work,” he said.

“Instead, what we saw was an effort to obstruct, an effort to shout down, an effort to disrespect the Ceann Comhairle and her constitutional office, and ultimately preventing a majority of the democratically elected representatives of Dail Eireann to discharge their duty and their mandate to elect a taoiseach.

“Today was unprecedented, unseemly, and tomorrow Dail Eireann must reconvene and must elect a taoiseach and get on with the urgent work of government.”

However Ms McDonald accused the coalition of trying to “ride roughshod over the collective opposition” and said they would be “failing the democratic process” if they did not take a firm stance on the row over opposition speaking time.

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik said that while the opposition parties had their differences, they could not accept a situation where TDs that agreed a programme for government were treated as part of the opposition.

“We simply cannot stand over a situation where those TDs who are actively engaged in supporting and constructing a programme for government can somehow also be designated as opposition TDs. It’s simply not tenable. It’s a chaotic situation.”

Five of the nine independents who entered into negotiations are due to be given junior ministries, with the remainder expressing support for the Programme for Government but not taking up an official post.

The four remaining independents are seeking to join a technical group, which is a mechanism designed to allow opposition TDs to sit in groupings of at least five members to gain an allocation of speaking time.

This has been widely rejected by opposition parties – including Sinn Fein, Labour and the Social Democrats – who argue that the independents who supported the incoming government should not be allowed to join technical groups.