In the aftermath of the recent unrest in Dublin, the opposition party Sinn Fein has initiated a no-confidence motion against Justice Minister Helen McEntee. The motion comes in response to criticisms of the Minister and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for their handling of the escalating violence in the city. The vote is scheduled to take place in Parliament on Tuesday, December 5.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald accused the government of inadequately addressing the riots, resulting in a lack of security in the capital. The opposition alleges that Minister McEntee and Commissioner Harris were unprepared to manage the disturbances, highlighted by a recent stabbing incident near a school that left three children and a nanny injured.
Despite the opposition’s move, political analysts anticipate the motion’s failure in parliament. Ruling party TDs and ministers, including Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton, have voiced their support for Minister McEntee, dismissing the no-confidence motion as a political maneuver by Sinn Fein. According to a recent Sunday Independent poll, 38% of respondents believe McEntee is performing well as Justice Minister, with 49% expressing dissatisfaction—a 9% increase in support compared to previous polls.