Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin is set to reclaim the position of Taoiseach today as part of a carefully planned transition that will reshape Ireland’s government leadership and Cabinet composition.
The day begins at 11 AM in Leinster House, where early proceedings are expected to be marked by controversy over speaking rights for the Regional Independent group. The Dáil will then move to nominations, with Sinn Féin putting forward Mary Lou McDonald, though Martin is expected to secure the majority with support from Fine Gael and Independents.
Following what’s anticipated to be a successful vote around 1:30 PM, Martin will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin for his formal appointment by President Michael D. Higgins. He’ll then return to Government Buildings to begin the crucial task of forming his new Cabinet.
According to The Journal, the evening session, beginning at 5:30 PM, will see the Dáil reconvene to vote on new Cabinet appointments, after which the ministers will receive their Seals of Office at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Significant Cabinet changes are expected, with the incoming Tánaiste taking on an expanded foreign affairs role. Fianna Fáil is likely to maintain control of the Housing portfolio under Darragh O’Brien, while Paschal Donohoe is expected to return to Finance, with Jack Chambers heading Public Expenditure.
Several departments are set for restructuring, including the separation of the Integration portfolio from Children’s affairs. New faces at the Cabinet table could include Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Martin Heydon, and James Browne, among others being considered for ministerial positions.
The new government formation represents a significant moment in Irish politics, with Martin’s term as Taoiseach set to conclude on November 16, 2027, under the rotation agreement established in the programme for government.