Fianna Fáil members vote to ratify programme for government

By David Young, PA

Fianna Fáil members have voted to ratify the draft programme for government for Ireland’s new ruling coalition.

The party faithful resoundingly endorsed – by 812 votes to 62 – the governance plan that was recommended by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

The vote at Sunday’s ard fheis party conference in Dublin was a prerequisite ahead of a sitting of the Dáil on Wednesday when the new coalition comprising Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and several Independent TDs will be officially appointed.

Fine Gael members must also ratify the draft programme for government prior to Wednesday’s formalities. The outcome of that party’s vote is expected on Monday afternoon.

After weeks of negotiations following November’s general election, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael put together a workable Dáil majority with the backing of the Regional Independents grouping of TDs and two Independent TDs from Co Kerry, brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae.

While Fianna Fáil organised the one-off conference to rubber-stamp the programme for government, Fine Gael is holding five regional meetings, the last two of which will take place in Meath and Cork on Sunday afternoon.

The 162-page programme for government, published during the week, includes smaller class sizes, reduced childcare costs and more gardaí among its priorities.

Mr Martin is set to replace Fine Gael leader Simon Harris as Taoiseach when the Dáil meets on Wednesday.

He will hold the Taoiseach's office for three years before it reverts to Mr Harris for the final two years of the mandate.

Mr Martin’s longer turn in the rotating taoiseach arrangement is reflective of the fact Fianna Fáil emerged from the election with 10 more seats than Fine Gael (48 to 38).