Renewing her criticism of the deal with Independents behind the formation of the new Government, Ms McDonald said Mr Martin had changed from once describing Michael Lowry TD, key negotiator for the Independents, as a “rogue politician” to now making him a “kingmaker”.

Micheál Martin has defended Michael Lowry’s role in government formation talks, claiming Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had no choice but to deal with the Regional Independents. At a tense press conference on Sunday after his party had backed the arrangement,

The Longford-Westmeath TD was only appointed to Cabinet in April after Simon Harris became Taoiseach and with his background in accountancy and business, it is not a surprise that the remains in the role. Pat Leahy reports that his appointment has been confirmed.

Only one Minister in the outgoing government has kept their old position as Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a major reshuffle of his Cabinet. In sweeping changes that saw former Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue dropped, several surprises saw six new senior ministers appointed.

Micheál Martin, who was poised to be elected as Ireland's new Taoiseach today, slammed the chaotic Dáil proceedings as a "subversion of the Irish Constitution."

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael members have voted to ratify the draft Programme for Government that will see both parties form a coalition government

The Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has this morning ruled that the Regional Technical Group of Independent TDs will not be permitted to sit in the Opposition benches today.

A BAN on selling energy drinks to kids, childcare for €200 a month, and more funding to tackle scoliosis surgery waiting lists are part of a family-focused plan for the country over the next five

Fianna Fáil leader Martin will become Taoiseach this afternoon for the second time as the new Government is formed

Irish lawmakers have voted to make veteran politician Micheál Martin prime minister for a second time, leading a coalition government.

DUBLIN (AP) — Veteran politician Micheál Martin is set to become Ireland’s prime minister for a second time on Wednesday when lawmakers formally approve him as head of a coalition government. The confirmation comes almost two months after an election in which Martin’s Fianna Fáil party won the most seats, but not enough to govern alone.