Micheál Martin on Thursday was elected as Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) for the second time, leading a coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and independents.
This marks the second consecutive government formed by Ireland’s two main centre-right parties, with independents replacing the Green Party, which suffered significant electoral losses.
According to Reuters, Martin, 64, addressed parliament following his election by a 95-76 vote, emphasising the need to safeguard Ireland’s economy amidst growing global uncertainties.
Central to his agenda will be navigating potential challenges posed by United States President Donald Trump’s administration, which has signalled possible changes to corporate tax policies and new tariffs.
These measures could significantly impact Ireland’s multinational-driven economy.
In his speech, Martin vowed to protect Ireland’s economic interests while addressing critical domestic issues such as infrastructure deficits, housing shortages, and tax reform.
“For us today, the task is to protect Ireland’s strength at a moment of real threat, while also addressing critical social needs. By any reasonable measure, this is a challenging moment in world history.
“We are not naive about the realities of change (in the U.S.), but equally the Ireland-America relationship benefits us both and it will emerge strongly no matter what,” Martin told parliament after he was elected in a 95-76 vote.
The coalition plans to leverage a tax windfall from US-based multinationals to boost public investment and establish sovereign wealth funds.
This government is operating under a leadership rotation agreement, with outgoing Prime Minister Simon Harris set to return as Taoiseach in 2027.
Harris will now serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, while Paschal Donohoe, a key figure in Eurozone financial policymaking, resumes his role as Finance Minister.
Martin’s return to leadership comes 13 years after his party faced an electoral collapse in the wake of Ireland’s financial bailout. A seasoned politician and former history teacher, he has held senior cabinet positions in health, trade, and education.
Amid these domestic priorities, the government is also focused on strengthening Ireland’s diplomatic relationships with the US, Europe, and the UK.
A trade conference involving Irish consulates and embassies in the US is being convened to address economic concerns linked to the new American administration.