Micheál Martin reinstated as Irish Prime Minister amidst Trump controversy

He has been elected prime minister for a second term through a coalition formed by the country's two major center-right parties and independent lawmakers.

Micheál Martin was re-elected as Ireland's prime minister on Thursday, following a coalition agreement between the country's two major center-right parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, along with support from independent lawmakers. The vote was delayed by a day due to opposition protests that disrupted the initial attempt.

This coalition marks the second consecutive partnership between historic rivals Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, who have dominated Irish politics since the state's founding. Unlike the previous government, independent lawmakers have replaced the Green Party, which lost most of its seats in the recent election, as the junior partners.

The original vote, scheduled for Wednesday, was thrown into disarray as parliament was suspended four times due to protests over speaking rights for independent lawmakers backing the coalition. An agreement that these lawmakers would not retain extended speaking rights paved the way for Martin’s election.

At 64 years old, Martin previously served as prime minister from 2020 to 2022 before stepping aside under a rotational leadership agreement with Fine Gael. As per the coalition deal following the November 29 election, Simon Harris, the outgoing prime minister, will return to the role in late 2027. Harris will now serve as deputy prime minister and is expected to take over as foreign minister, while Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe, chair of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, is likely to resume his position as finance minister.

The government is preparing for potential economic challenges posed by the return of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose plans to revise corporate tax rules and introduce tariffs could impact Ireland’s multinational-focused economy. In response, the coalition has pledged to use a tax windfall from the country's cluster of U.S. multinationals to invest in public infrastructure, address deficits, reduce taxes, and bolster Ireland's sovereign wealth funds.

Martin, a former history teacher first elected to parliament 36 years ago, was a key figure in the Fianna Fáil government that accepted the EU/IMF bailout in 2010. This decision led to a historic electoral collapse in 2011, shortly after Martin became party leader. However, he successfully rebuilt the party, guiding it back into government nine years later. Over his career, Martin has held senior ministerial roles in health, trade, and education.