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,

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."

AN agreement has been reached between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independent TDs with a five-year plan for the country. A new programme for government is set to be put to the parliamentary parties

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

Only three of the 15 Ministers are women: Helen McEntee, Jennier Carroll MacNeill and Norma Foley, which makes for a ratio of 80:20 of men to women. Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has said it is “deeply disappointing” that the number of women in cabinet has reduced by 25 per cent to just three.

The Cabinet has formally ratified the Programme for Government, following a meeting at Áras an Uachtaráin last night.

Crazy stuff and again shows the priorities of FF/FG. The voting on the nomination ... A day later than expected, the Dáil has elected Micheal Martin as Taoiseach by 95 votes to 76, writes Pat ...