CNN
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Michael Martin became Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) for the second time in his political career on Thursday, a day later than planned.
The Irish parliament was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday, its first day in session after weeks of political horse-trading and coalition-building, after the country General elections In November
Wednesday’s order of business was to begin with a vote to elect a new taoiseach, but the formal process was repeatedly delayed. It was then eventually abandoned for the day, as opposition parties strongly protested the granting of broad speaking rights to independent parliamentarians who supported the incoming government.
Efforts to resolve the dispute continued into Thursday morning when the government acknowledged that there was “ambiguity” in speaking rights and an agreement was reached that independent candidates supporting the government would retain extended speaking rights from the opposition benches for now. Can’t keep
Martin, 64, the leader of the Fianna Fáil party, was finally elected Taoiseach just before 2pm in Dublin, saying it was “an honor to be nominated to serve as head of government in a free, democratic and diverse republic”. It is a deep honor.”
Martin emphasized the importance of Ireland’s relationship with Europe, the United States and Great Britain, noting that his nation’s “relationship” with the United States goes back to before the establishment of the Irish state and continues “because we have been renewing relationships of respect and cooperation.”
“The relationship between Ireland and the US is one that benefits both of us and will emerge stronger no matter what,” Martin told a packed chamber of parliament.
Although Ireland’s November election bucked the 2024 trend that saw many countries reject existing governments, no political party won a resounding victory.
The country’s centre-right Fianna Fáil party won the most seats on November 29 but fell short of securing a parliamentary majority. It returned to its recent coalition partnership with Fine Gael, the country’s other centrist party, and has spent recent weeks seeking more political backing.
It was announced last week that the two parties had secured the support of a group of regional independent lawmakers and were set to form a government.
Martin became Irish Taoiseach for the second time.
He first took up the post when Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil joined their coalition government. 2020joining forces against Ireland’s growing support for Sinn Féin Nationalist Party.
This landmark partnership between Ireland’s long-time rival parties saw party leaders Leo Varadkar and Martin Switch roles Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister every two years at Varadkar’s surprise Descended He was replaced last year. Simon Harriswho became Ireland’s youngest ever leader.
Harris, the outgoing Taoiseach, took up the role of Deputy Prime Minister on Thursday, and expects to return to the role of Ireland’s leader again in 2027.
