Historic High: Ireland’s New Government to Feature 23 Junior Ministers
Ireland’s political landscape is set for a meaningful shift as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, alongside nine self-reliant TDs, have agreed on a program for government. This coalition secures a Dáil majority of 17, paving the way for a new management led by Micheál martin, who is expected to be elected Taoiseach next Wednesday.
one of the most notable changes is the creation of three new Minister of State roles, bringing the total number of junior ministers to a historic high of 23. This move, reported by Marie O’Halloran, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing key areas such as asylum/migration, the marine, and older people.
A Breakdown of Junior Minister Salaries
The expansion of junior minister roles has sparked curiosity about their remuneration. Here’s a rapid overview:
| Role | Salary |
|——————————-|——————–|
| Basic TD Salary | €113,679 |
| Junior Minister Salary | €159,525 |
| Super Junior Minister Salary | €172,670 |
Junior ministers receive an additional €45,846 on top of their basic TD salary, while those attending Cabinet earn an extra €13,145. Notably, incoming junior ministers will now be able to claim overnight expenses, a change from previous rules.
Challenges and Criticisms
The decision to increase the number of junior ministers has not been without controversy. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael backbenchers have expressed discontent over the allocation of roles, with Independent TDs securing two super junior positions and three junior minister roles.
A government spokesman defended the move, stating that the additional positions are essential for a “strong and stable government” in light of Ireland’s growing population and increasing workload.“The State is bound by the Constitutional restriction on 15 senior Ministers, and the workload has grown significantly in these areas,” the spokesman added.
A Vague programme for Government?
while the coalition’s agreement marks a significant political milestone, it has also drawn criticism. The Irish Times described the draft programme for government as “a vague and contradictory wishlist,” highlighting its reliance on aspirational spending promises.“Hard choices lie ahead, particularly given the emerging threats to Ireland’s economic model, but you wouldn’t know it from the document,” the publication noted.
What’s Next?
As Micheál Martin prepares to take office, the focus will shift to implementing the coalition’s ambitious agenda. With a record number of junior ministers and a clear majority in the Dáil, the new government is poised to tackle pressing issues—but whether it can deliver on its promises remains to be seen.
For breaking news and updates on ireland’s political developments, join The Irish Times WhatsApp channel.Fianna Fáil Secures Extended Tenure in Taoiseach’s Office Amid Coalition Dynamics
Micheál martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, is set to be elected taoiseach next Wednesday, marking the beginning of a significantly longer tenure for his party in ireland’s highest office compared to Fine Gael. According to the terms of the programme for government, Martin—or his successor, should he resign—will remain taoiseach until November 16th, 2027. This arrangement ensures Fianna Fáil’s dominance in the taoiseach’s office for 1,028 days, a stark contrast to Fine Gael’s anticipated 744 to 798 days under Simon Harris or his successor.
The Dáil is expected to confirm Martin’s election next week, solidifying the coalition agreement between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Independent deputies. Following Martin’s term, Harris will assume the role of taoiseach, supported by Fianna Fáil and Independents, until the next general election. The election date, as outlined in the programme for government, will be agreed upon by the two party leaders but is slated to occur “no sooner than after the enactment of the principal measures to be announced in the budget in late 2029.” This timeline suggests the election will likely take place in late 2029 or early 2030, with the latest possible date being late February 2030.
The disparity in tenure reflects Fianna Fáil’s stronger performance in the last election, where the party secured ten more seats than Fine Gael. Martin’s 1,028-day term as taoiseach underscores this advantage, while harris’s tenure will depend on the timing of the next election. If the election is held on November 29th, 2029, Harris will serve for 744 days, extending to 798 days if the election is delayed until January 22nd, 2030.
Coalition Dynamics and Independent Influence
The formation of the new government has not been without controversy. Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney has raised concerns about the role of Independent TDs in the coalition talks. Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Today with Claire Byrne,Gibney suggested that verbal agreements may have been made with Independents,which are not reflected in the written programme for government.
“The actual programme for government seemed to be a crude coalition of the two Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael manifestoes,” Gibney remarked. “There doesn’t seem to be much presence of the rural independents within that document. So the question then becomes: well, what are they getting? And I think what we’re hearing is that it’s not in writing, but it is very clearly the case.”
Gibney emphasized the need for openness in government formation, stating, “We all, of course, within the Dáil, push for our own consistency, but it absolutely should not be a negotiation within the advancement of a programme for government which is for the people of Ireland.”
despite these concerns, Gibney expressed hope that the new government would address the “really significant problems” in Irish society. However,she criticized the main parties and Independents for “really dancing around the issue” during the negotiations.
Key takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Taoiseach Tenure | Micheál Martin: 1,028 days (until Nov 16, 2027); Simon Harris: 744-798 days |
| Next Election | Late 2029 or early 2030, no later than Feb 2030 |
| Coalition Partners | fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Independent deputies |
| Independent Influence | Verbal agreements alleged, not reflected in written programme |
As Ireland prepares for this new chapter in its political landscape, the extended tenure of Fianna Fáil in the taoiseach’s office highlights the party’s electoral success and the delicate balancing act required to maintain coalition stability.The coming years will test the government’s ability to address pressing societal issues while navigating the complexities of coalition politics.
For more insights into Ireland’s political developments, visit The Irish Times.
Kerry TDs michael and Danny Healy-Rae Stand Firm on “matters of conscience”
Kerry TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae have made it clear that they will not be “whipped” on “basic issues” or “matters of conscience,” particularly when it comes to topics like abortion and assisted dying. Speaking to Radio Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae emphasized their unwavering stance, stating, “on matters of conscience – because there might be a lot of people that would be religious people and people of faith and we like to think we’re very humble in that regard – when it comes to matters such as abortion, such as assisted dying or anything like that, we’re not changing our views.”
The Healy-Rae brothers,known for their strong political presence in Kerry,have consistently championed their beliefs,even when they diverge from mainstream political positions. Michael Healy-Rae added, “Our own opinions on issues like that, because if there would be votes in the future on matters such as that, they would be free votes.”
Despite their firm stance on these issues, the TDs have pledged their loyalty to the government. “When it comes to the fundamentals, we’re not changing that way for anyone, but we will be loyal servants of this government and we would represent the government and we will fly the flag for the government,” Michael Healy-Rae said. He also noted that once they commit to a deal, they stick with it “through thick and thin.”
During recent government-formation talks in Dublin, the Healy-Rae brothers “put their cards on the table,” highlighting concerns about stalled projects in Kerry. They now expect to see these initiatives “progressed” under the new government.
Key Points at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Matters of Conscience | Michael and Danny Healy-Rae will not change their views on abortion or assisted dying. |
| Government Loyalty | They pledge to be loyal servants of the government while maintaining their principles. |
| Kerry Projects | Highlighted stalled projects in Kerry during government-formation talks. |
The Healy-Rae brothers’ approach reflects their commitment to representing their constituents while staying true to their personal and religious beliefs. Their ability to balance loyalty to the government with their unwavering stance on contentious issues has made them a unique force in Irish politics.
For more insights into their political journey, you can explore their recent media appearances and statements on Radio Kerry.
What are your thoughts on their approach to balancing personal beliefs with political responsibilities? Share your views in the comments below.Government’s New Programme for family Carers and Disabilities: Promises vs. Reality
The Irish government’s recent decision to abolish the means test for family carers has been met with cautious optimism by advocacy groups. Catherine Cox, head of communications at Family Carers Ireland, described the move as a “welcome” step but emphasized the need for tangible action. Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Cox highlighted the importance of ensuring that this pledge is implemented effectively, as past commitments have frequently enough fallen short.
“There are significant promises in this draft programme for government,” Cox said. “If they were truly executed … this would have a real positive impact on family carers’ lives.” The means test has long been a barrier for family carers accessing vital financial support, and its abolition could mark a turning point for thousands of families across Ireland.
Elaine Tighe,chief executive of the Disability Federation,echoed this sentiment,describing the government’s commitments to individuals with disabilities as “promising.” Though, like Cox, Tighe stressed the importance of translating these promises into actionable policies that deliver real change.
While these developments have been welcomed by advocacy groups, not everyone is convinced of the government’s vision. Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty criticized the programme for government during an appearance on newstalk Breakfast,calling it a continuation of past policies rather than a bold new direction.
“There’s nothing new in the programme for government,” Doherty said. “There’s no big ideas, there’s no vision.” He pointed out that the word “continue” appears 249 times in the report, suggesting a lack of innovation. “If people wanted a continuation of what we had under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael under the last five years – that’s what they’ve got.”
The mixed reactions to the programme for government highlight the challenges of balancing expectations with practical implementation.For family carers and individuals with disabilities, the focus remains on whether these promises will translate into meaningful support.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Means Test Abolition | Welcome move, but implementation is key. |
| Family Carers Ireland | Cautious optimism, calls for tangible action. |
| disability Federation | Commitments described as “promising.” |
| Sinn Féin’s Critique | Programme lacks vision, seen as a continuation of past policies. |
As the government moves forward with its plans, the voices of advocacy groups like Family Carers Ireland and the Disability Federation will be crucial in holding policymakers accountable. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that these promises are not just words on paper but actions that improve lives.
What are your thoughts on the government’s programme for family carers and disabilities? Share your views and join the conversation on how we can create a more inclusive and supportive society.
