Micheál Martin has returned as Ireland’s taoiseach (prime minister) for a second term following a turbulent parliamentary session that delayed his confirmation. Irish lawmakers voted 95 to 76 in favor of his appointment, allowing him to lead a coalition government formed by his party, Fianna Fáil, and the center-right party, Fine Gael. Martin expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is a profound honor to be nominated to serve as head of the government in a free, democratic and diverse republic,” according to AP News.

The delayed vote, originally set for Wednesday, was postponed due to disputes over parliamentary speaking rights that erupted during a chaotic session, reflecting ongoing tensions in Irish politics. The Dáil parliamentary chamber faced uproar as opposition lawmakers protested plans to grant parliamentary speaking rights to several independent lawmakers who support the coalition, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Following extensive negotiations after the November 29 election which saw no party securing an outright majority, the historic alliance between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael emerged again. Fianna Fáil captured 48 of the 174 seats while Fine Gael secured 38. Despite their complex history marked by civil war rivalries in the 1920s, the parties have set aside differences to form this necessary coalition. They have also secured support from various independent lawmakers, which enables them to govern, as noted by CNN.

Martin will lead the government with Fine Gael’s Simon Harris as his deputy for the next three years, after which the two will swap positions throughout their five-year term. The new government must address pressing issues such as soaring housing costs, rising homelessness, and immigration challenges, which were central themes in the elections. The coalition effectively restricts the left-of-center party, Sinn Féin, to opposition status despite their significant electoral gains of 39 seats, a stance reaffirmed by LA Times.

As Micheál Martin embarks on his new term, he emphasizes that the stability of the government will hinge on prioritizing the challenges faced by the Irish populace, especially in light of rising living costs and societal pressures in a nation historically defined by immigration.

For more information on this political development, visit the full articles at AP News and CNN.