Ireland’s parliament, the Dáil, has re-elected Micheal Martin as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) for a second term on Thursday (Jan 23). The vote, originally planned for Wednesday, was postponed due to disruptions from opposition members.

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Members of the Dáil voted 95 to 76 in favour of Martin, the leader of Fianna Fáil, after a chaotic session the previous day had forced the suspension of proceedings.

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Martin’s appointment, along with that of other government ministers, was finalised after overnight negotiations aimed at resolving an impasse over speaking rights. Addressing the Dáil, the Irish parliament, Martin said, "It is a sad development in many parliaments in the world that they have become more angry and divisive. They have become forums dominated by the inflated rhetoric of demonstrations rather than a place where different groups can argue in good faith and respectfully disagree."

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The vote to elect him as Taoiseach had originally been scheduled for Wednesday, with expectations that it would proceed as a formality. Martin, a 64-year-old seasoned politician whose centre-right Fianna Fáil secured the most seats in November’s general election, had overseen the formation of a centrist three-party coalition.

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However, the session devolved into chaos when opposition parties triggered two suspensions of parliament. Ultimately, the Dáil was adjourned for the day without completing the vote.

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Martin told reporters late on Wednesday, "What we witnessed today was the subversion of the Irish constitution. This is the first time, I think, in over 100 years, that the Dáil has failed to elect a government to fulfil its constitutional obligation."

The appointment of outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris as deputy prime minister was also postponed. Harris, aged 38, leads Fine Gael, the centre-right party that finished third in the election.

(With inputs from agencies)