The end of civil war politics

Historic day for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Greens   Martin vows to lead Covid-19 crisis recovery

- FERGHAL BLANEY and CIARA PHELAN

MICHEAL Martin made history yesterday by becoming the first Taoiseach of a coalition uniting old enemies Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

He picked up his seal of office from President Michael D Higgins in Aras an Uachtarain after being nominated by a majority of the Dail in Convention Centre Dublin.

The third leg of the new Government sees the Green Party back in power.

The Fianna Fail chief becomes only the 15th Irish leader since independence was won nearly 100 years ago.

Ever since then, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have been at loggerheads after they fought on opposite sides of the Civil War. Outgoing Taoiseach, incoming Tanaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar congratulated the new Government chief.

He said: “This is a historic occasion. I believe Civil War politics ended a long time ago in this country but today it ends in our parliament.”

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who was the kingmaker in the process, recommended Mr Martin for Taoiseach describing him as “forward-thinking”.

Kerry Fianna Fail TD Norma Foley formally proposed party leader Mr Martin to lead the 33rd Dail.

She added: “By every measure he has used his time in high office to deliver.” Fianna Fail TD James O’Connor, from Cork East, seconded the nomination.

Mr O’Connor is the youngest TD in the Dail and played his part in the nominations as part of an old tradition.

The vote was easily won – 93 in favour, 63 against, and three abstaining. Before heading off to the Aras to receive his seal of office, Mr Martin made a short speech in Irish and English.