Micheal Martin voted in as Ireland's next premier after chaos sees parliament suspended
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Micheal Martin has received the backing of the Irish parliament to become the country's next premier. The longstanding Fianna Fail leader's nomination was backed 95 to 76, the day after the Dail was suspended and the process halted due to a chaotic row.
He will formally become Ireland's taoiseach (prime minister) during a ceremony with President Michael D Higgins at his official residence at Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin. Mr Higgins will sign the warrant of appointment and hand Mr Martin the Seal of the Taoiseach.
The nomination was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but a disagreement over whether some of the independents would be given opposition speaking time led to proceedings ending without the new Irish leader being officially chosen. Mr Martin's Fianna Fail emerged as the largest party after Ireland's general election in November.
It agreed to re-enter a coalition with Fine Gael, led by outgoing prime minister Simon Harris. Ireland delays selection of prime minister as parliament erupts in row. Holyhead: Key port linking Wales and Ireland partially re-opens after Storm Darragh damage.
Ireland moves closer to forming a new government after reaching deal. The two parties combined were just short of a majority in the Dail and will be supported by several independent TDs (MPs) for the five-year government term after lengthy negotiations.
Sinn Fein put party leader Mary Lou McDonald forward for the role of taoiseach, but she conceded in her speech that the bid would not be successful. Mr Martin, 64, served as prime minister in the last coalition government with Fine Gael and the Green Party.
