The Dáil reconvened on Wednesday following a coalition deal between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and several independents. However, proceedings were repeatedly interrupted over a disagreement about speaking time for independents who supported the government program but do not hold ministerial roles.


The Ceann Comhairle suspended or adjourned proceedings four times without resolution. Five opposition parties urged Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders to meet with them ahead of the Dáil’s reconvening at 9am Thursday.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, poised to become Taoiseach, called the scenes a “subversion of the Irish Constitution.” Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, expected to be deputy premier, condemned the opposition’s actions as “farcical” and “stunt politics on speed.”

“The Dáil’s fundamental obligation is to elect a Taoiseach and government,” Martin said, accusing Sinn Féin of orchestrating the disruption. Despite attempts to resolve the dispute over speaking time, Martin claimed there was no genuine effort from the opposition to reach an agreement.

A Dáil Reform Committee, scheduled to meet on Thursday, could not be formed because the government was not established. Harris called the day’s events “unprecedented” and criticized efforts to obstruct proceedings and disrespect the Ceann Comhairle’s office.

The controversy centres on independent TDs seeking opposition speaking rights despite supporting the government. Opposition parties, including Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats, argue that pro-government independents should not be considered part of the opposition.

Independent TD Michael Lowry, among those supporting the government, claimed an earlier agreement was reneged upon. He said he could not use government speaking time due to Dáil regulations, though he did not elaborate.

At 4:25pm, Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton announced that an agreement had been reached, and Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan began nominating Martin as Taoiseach. However, Sinn Féin members, including Mary Lou McDonald and Pearse Doherty, continued to interrupt, disputing the alleged agreement.

Sinn Féin Chief Whip Pádraig Mac Lochlainn called the situation “outrageous,” accusing the government of refusing to acknowledge Lowry as a government TD. Labour leader Ivana Bacik and other opposition figures echoed concerns, stating it was untenable for TDs supporting the government to also claim opposition status.

The Dáil is set to reconvene Thursday morning to make further attempts to appoint a Taoiseach and establish a government.