Irish lawmakers have selected Micheál Martin as prime minister for the second time, leading a coalition government. The Dáil, Ireland's lower house of parliament, voted 95 to 76 in favor of Martin, acknowledging him as the taoiseach. Martin expressed it as "a profound honor" to assume leadership in Ireland's democratic republic. His appointment comes after a delayed vote due to procedural disputes and two months following an election where his party, Fianna Fáil, won the most seats but needed coalition support to govern.
The newly formed coalition includes Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and several independent legislators. This agreement allows Martin, 64, to serve as taoiseach for three years, with Simon Harris, the outgoing taoiseach from Fine Gael, as his deputy. Afterward, they plan to swap roles for the remaining two years of the five-year mandate. This coalition, bridging century-old rival parties that originated from differing sides of the 1920s Irish civil war, underscores a shared goal amidst similar center-right policies.
The Nov. 29 election was marked by Fianna Fáil securing 48 out of 174 legislative seats, while Fine Gael obtained 38. Both parties received crucial backing from the Regional Independent Group in exchange for junior ministerial roles. This election contrasts a prevailing global trend in which incumbent governments faced defeats. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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