Dáil deadlock
Martin labels disruption ‘subversion of constitution’
The failure to elect a Taoiseach and form a new government in the Dáil on Wednesday has been condemned by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin as a “subversion of the Irish Constitution.” The chaotic proceedings, marked by repeated suspensions and heated exchanges, delayed Martin’s nomination for Taoiseach and left the government formation process in limbo.
Martin, who was set to take office following a deal with Fine Gael and Independent TDs from the Regional Independent Group, said the day’s events reflected a “premeditated” and “coordinated” effort by the opposition, particularly Sinn Féin, to stall proceedings. He criticised what he described as a lack of genuine intent to reach an agreement, stating: “This is the first time, I think, in over 100 years that the Dáil has failed to elect a Government to fulfil its constitutional obligation.”
The row erupted over a proposal to allow Independent TDs supporting the incoming government to temporarily use opposition speaking time. This sparked objections from opposition TDs, who also rejected a motion to suspend the Dáil until 5 February. Despite attempts to resume proceedings, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy was forced to adjourn the Dáil amid disorder.
‘Utterly farcical’
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris called the situation “utterly farcical,” accusing the opposition of disrespecting the Ceann Comhairle and obstructing the democratic process. “There was a clear majority of the people’s representatives ready to elect Micheál Martin as Taoiseach and to get on with the people’s work,” Harris said. Instead, he argued, viewers witnessed “stunt politics,” which he deemed “utterly disgraceful.”
Harris urged the Dáil to reconvene on Thursday morning and fulfil its constitutional mandate. The Dáil is scheduled to sit again at 9 am.
Suspensions
Earlier in the day, the Dáil was suspended twice amid clashes over speaking time allocations for Independent TDs aligned with the government. Opposition parties questioned the fairness of the arrangement and voiced concerns over the lengthy suspension of Dáil sittings until February.
Efforts to broker a compromise, including a proposal to grant Sinn Féin additional speaking time, failed to secure an agreement. By late afternoon, the Ceann Comhairle announced an adjournment until the following morning.
Meanwhile, a significant shift occurred as Aontú’s two TDs announced their decision to leave the Regional Independents technical group and align with Independent Ireland, a party of which local Roscommon-Galway TD is a key player, and Independent TD Paul Gogarty. This move may destabilise the Regional Independents, who rely on Mattie McGrath and Carol Nolan to maintain their minimum required numbers of five.
The impasse leaves the future of the government formation process uncertain, with Martin and his allies urging an end to what they see as obstructionism. Thursday’s reconvening of the Dáil will be closely watched as the crisis continues.
