
The election of the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) has been postponed after the Dáil (the lower house of the Irish Parliament) was suspended amid scenes of chaos in the chamber.
Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin said the delay had been “premeditated, coordinated and choreographed” by the opposition, and Sinn Féin in particular.
Politicians returned home on Wednesday to name Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin as the new Taoiseach.
However, Sinn Féin and other opposition TDs (MPs) expressed their anger at plans to allow independent candidates who are supporting the government to join them on the opposition benches at all sessions.
Martin said it was the first time in more than 100 years that the Dáil had failed to elect a Taoiseach.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said the disruption was “absurd” and described it as “an attempt to obstruct and shout to disrespect the Cian Comhairle (Speaker) and the constitutional office”.
Ceann Comhairle (Speaker) Verona Murphy said proceedings would resume on Thursday morning as she was booed by opposition TDs.
Talks continued into Wednesday afternoon as the parties tried to reach an agreement, but failed.
As Murphy returned to the chamber at 16:00 local time after multiple suspensions, the opposition TDs rose to their feet.
The ceann comhairle then abandoned plans to elect a taoiseach, culminating in a bitter exchange between TDs in the chamber.
‘Incredible arrogance’
Speaking outside Parliament Buildings, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou Macdonald claimed the government had shown “incredible arrogance”.
“There should be a clear understanding of the roles of the government and the opposition respectively,” he said.
“The issue, in fact, can be resolved very easily. It requires honesty and integrity on the part of the government,” MacDonald said.
MacDonald said he and other opposition party leaders had written to incoming coalition leaders to request a meeting on issues related to the status of independent politicians who would support the government.
“What happened today was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous and it was a mess created by the government and only the government can fix it.”

Analysis: Chris Page, BBC News Ireland Correspondent
The incoming coalition says it is well-placed for the government to prepare for international “headwinds” in its programme.
But he will face domestic turmoil before taking over.
The expected government and opposition in Dublin are accusing each other of undermining democracy.
It is surprising that the opposition parties held a joint news conference outside Leinster House – the new five-year parliamentary term. A possible sign of increased support for the left wing of Irish politics during the period.
The centre-right parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, had hoped to send a message by returning to power the same week President Trump was sworn in – given that Ireland is particularly vulnerable to any new faced the effects of trade barriers. America can impose.
But the day that should have been focused on ceremony will be remembered rather than longed for.
Michael Martin returns as Chief.
The 34th will see Dale Martin elected as Taoiseach for a second term, replacing Fine Gael leader Simon Harris who will return as Tenaist (Deputy Prime Minister).
Fianna Fáil – the largest party – has formed a government with Fine Gael and a range of independent regional TDs November elections.
Sinn Féin remains the largest opposition party after winning 39 seats. Fianna Fáil won 48 seats while Fine Gael came third with 38 seats.

Martin and Harris confirmed the new draft program for the government. Earlier this month.
The agreement paved the way for the next government and has been successfully endorsed by both parties in recent times.
Speaking after his party endorsed the government’s programme, Martin said his party had a “strong commitment” to the Irish people.
“I can assure you, we will leave no stone unturned in working tirelessly to deliver this program for government on behalf of the people of Ireland, to make things better for people and to improve the quality of life. will as we navigate extremely turbulent global waters.” he said.
Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael rejected Sinn Féin as a coalition partner, party leader Mary Lou McDonald said. “bad practice”.
Independent TDs
This is the first time a new government will be in place since November’s election, with government negotiations expected to take about five weeks to complete.
The new deal has already sparked controversy as a number of independent TDs, including Michael Lowry, Danny Healy-Roy, Barry Hennigan and Gillian Toole, who support the government, want to form a “technical group” that will give them speaking time. will give and other rights from opposition benches.
Another member of the group, Michael Healy-Roy, said he was “absolutely entitled to stand up as part of the technical group and ask questions and be part of the discussions”.
He told BBCNI Good morning Ulster Program: “When you support a government, it doesn’t mean that you are silenced and you can’t engage, you can’t question, that you can’t ask questions of national and local importance. .
“We have not changed our mind, but what we are doing is that we need a stable, secure, strong, solid government for the next five years and we are going to support that because we think That we can serve our constituencies and the country better by staying inside the government than outside.”
New Ceann Comhairle – also a regional independent – Verona Murphy, the first woman to hold the role, told TDs she would consider submissions opposing the plan, but the group was “temporarily Allowed to take their original seats for now.
‘undermines the deal’
All other opposition groups are against the idea, labeling it as a way to gain a foothold in both camps and take time away from government scrutinizers.
Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh said: “I think it absolutely undermines the integrity of the deal.
“The standing orders are very clear on that and we’ve got legal advice and the Labor Party has legal advice to say that.
“A technical group is a body of opposition members, that much is clear.”