At Sunday’s ard fheis party conference in Dublin, the plan proposed by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was endorsed by 812 votes to 62. This approval was a necessary step ahead of Wednesday’s Dáil session, where the new coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and several Independent TDs will be formally appointed.
Fine Gael members are also required to ratify the draft programme before the Dáil convenes. Their decision is expected on Monday afternoon.
Following November’s general election, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael secured a workable majority in the Dáil with the support of the Regional Independents and Kerry Independent TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae.
While Fianna Fáil held a one-off conference to confirm the governance plan, Fine Gael opted for five regional meetings, the last two of which were scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Meath and Cork.
The 162-page programme for government, published earlier in the week, prioritizes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs, and additional Gardaí.
On Wednesday, Micheál Martin is set to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as Taoiseach. Under the coalition agreement, Martin will serve as Taoiseach for three years, after which the role will revert to Harris for the final two years of the term.
Martin’s extended tenure reflects Fianna Fáil’s stronger performance in the election, securing 48 seats compared to Fine Gael’s 38.