'We’re in a good position to have a government formed next Wednesday,' says Micheál Martin

Incoming Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said infrastructure, housing, and the reform of disability services are his priorities in the new Government, which is likely to be in place for Wednesday, January 22.

Under the draft programme for Government, Mr Martin is likely to serve as Taoiseach until the new Government’s third budget is agreed in late 2027 — reflecting his party’s 10-seat advantage over Fine Gael.

The Fianna Fáil leader spoke with The Echo after the completion of formation talks between his party, Fine Gael, the Regional Independent Group, and Independent Kerry TDs Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae.

“I’m very pleased with the fact that we brought the discussions to a conclusion, with the Regional Independent Group and with Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae,” Mr Martin said.

It is understood that Regional Independent Group TDs Seán Canney and Noel Grealish are set to become super junior ministers.

They will serve at Cabinet but will be without the seldom-exercised voting rights of full ministers and without command of full departments.

Three other Regional Independent Group TDs are thought likely to get junior ministries, as is Michael Healy-Rae.

Mr Martin said he had held a “constructive” meeting with Michael Collins and Ken O’Flynn of Independent Ireland, and, although they would be in opposition, Mr Martin said he believed there was a “convergence” between their policy platforms and those of the government parties.

He said the need for stability had been a driving force throughout government foundation talks.

“We want a government that can last the five years and deliver five budgets. Delivery of infrastructure is a key part of the agenda, and building more houses faster, and getting through the various logjams that everybody has to encounter in trying to get infrastructure and housing done, that is going to be one of our big issues,” Mr Martin said.

It has been widely flagged that Fianna Fáil has made retention of the housing portfolio one of its demands.

Mr Martin said disability was a priority of his own for the next government.

“We want to really tackle the issue of disability in a comprehensive basis, and I’m very determined over the lifetime of the government to make a definitive impact on the lives of people with additional needs, children with additional needs, and people generally with disabilities, and to change the culture across society, but particularly in the public service in respect of providing for people with disabilities.

“That’s a key agenda of mine in this term of government. And then there’s a broad range of other issues in the programme for government.

“Obviously we have to get enough votes, but it looks like we’re in a good position to have a government formed next Wednesday.”

Occupied Territories Bill

Mr Martin said enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill is included in the programme for government.

Asked about concerns voiced in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that the bill might cause issues for Ireland’s international standing, as well as around foreign direct investment, while resulting in little of concrete good to people living in the occupied territories, Mr Martin said those matters would be addressed.

“The key, right now, is that we get a ceasefire, and I think that’s what we’re all hoping for at the moment.”

He described the situation in Gaza as “horrendous”, and called for an immediate release by Hamas of hostages and an immediate end to “the relentless bombing of urban conurbations in Gaza”.

“We need a two-state solution where Palestinians and Israelis can live in harmony, that’s the ultimate objective,” Mr Martin said.

Events Centre

Asked about Cork’s long- delayed Events Centre, Mr Martin said individual projects were not included in the programme for government, but a decision had already been taken to retender the project, “and we’re going to progress the Events Centre”.