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Micheál Martin at the special Ard Fheis in Dublin today. Alamy Stock Photo

Fianna Fáil members vote overwhelmingly in support of draft Programme for Government

Micheál Martin says new housing measures do not have to wait until the autumn budget.

LAST UPDATE | 19 Jan

FIANNA FÁIL MEMBERS have voted overwhelmingly to approve the draft Programme for Government, paving the way for the party to return to power.

At a special Ard Fheis today, party members wholeheartedly endorsed the draft document by a vote of 812 in favour to 62 against.

This means that about 92% of voters supported the document. 

Similarly, Fine Gael kicked off its ratification process in Dublin on Friday night. The party is holding five regional events for members, the first of which was held in Stillorgan. 

Fine Gael members must also ratify the draft programme for government prior to Wednesday’s Dáil formalities where Micheál Martin will be nominated as Taoiseach. The outcome of that party’s vote is expected on Monday evening.

The Programme for Government, which essentially sets out what this new government aims to achieve over the next five years, was published on Thursday after being agreed upon by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Regional Independents and the Healy-Raes. 

The document sets out how the rotating Taoiseach arrangement will work, with Micheál Martin holding the office until 16 November 2027. 

It also commits the government to delivering five budgets with a general election called no sooner than after the enactment of the principal measures to be announced in the final budget in late 2029.

Some unhappy backbenchers

It was not all smooth sailing for the party leaders this weekend.

A number of backbench TDs in both parties are understood to be unhappy with the concessions made to the Independents in government, in terms of the junior and super junior ministries they have managed to secure. 

fianna-fail-leader-micheal-martin-speaking-during-the-fianna-fail-ard-fheis-conference-at-the-radisson-hotel-dublin-to-discuss-the-ratification-of-the-programme-for-government-picture-date-sunday Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

One Fianna Fáil TD told The Journal that they felt the Independents got “too good” a deal, noting that they also managed to get Verona Murphy elected as the Ceann Comhairle. 

The TD questioned why the two parties gave up so many jobs to the Independents, stating that the numbers were in their party’s favour. They said other backbenchers were displeased, particularly as junior ministries could have seen people within the party elevated. 

A Fine Gael TD said: “Two super juniors and three juniors as well as Ceann Comhairle is too much.”

There is also controversy about a number of Independent TDs, who were not giving a government ministry, seeking Dáil speaking time by forming an Opposition technical group.

While Martin said the public were not concerned about the issue, a number of backbench TDs within his own party were today.

They said it could result in some Independents getting more speaking time in the Dáil than some Fianna Fáil TDs, adding that if that comes to fruition, it could spell trouble for the party leader. 

Housing

Speaking about the new government’s priorities, Martin said the housing is the number one priority. 

dublin-ireland-19th-jan-2025-fianna-fails-darragh-obrien-at-the-partys-special-ard-fheis-at-the-radisson-hotel-where-tanaiste-and-party-leader-micheal-martin-is-presenting-the-draft-programme Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The programme for government commits to the expansion of the First Home scheme to second-hand homes along with a new Starter Home plan. When asked if such measures will have to wait until the autumn budget, Martin indicated action could be expedited:

“They’re not necessarily budgetary measures.”

Some capital allocations in terms of housing will be made to accelerate completion of certain schemes and the initiation of other schemes, he said. 

He said modern methods of construction is also key to ramped up delivery stating there will be a key focus on accelerating the pace of house construction.

“We will look rigorously at the Planning Act. The regulations have to be formulated and commenced in respect of that Act to make sure that we can remove a lot of barriers to progress,” he added.

The soon-to-be Taoiseach said he was “somewhat disappointed” to see in the last number of weeks that around 1,500 houses in Cork have been refused planning permission in two different projects. 

“The entire system in this country must get the urgency of housing,” said Martin.

dublin-ireland-19th-jan-2025-tanaiste-and-leader-of-fianna-fail-micheal-martin-along-with-deputy-leader-jack-chambers-presenting-the-draft-programme-for-government-to-fianna-fail-party-members-at Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

He said the new coalition’s key priorities would include addressing Ireland’s chronic housing shortages, improving access to disability services and driving economic growth in the context of ongoing international uncertainty.

“Across the length and breadth of the country there’s very strong commitment on behalf of party members to get into government and to start delivering on the mandate we received from the Irish people, and we’re going to do that day in and day out,” Mr Martin said.

“And I can assure you, we will spare no effort in working selflessly on behalf of the people of Ireland to deliver this programme for government, to make things better for people and to improve the quality of life as we navigate very turbulent global waters, and that is our commitment and that is our challenge.”

While the focus will now move to who gets a seat around the Cabinet table, there was an indication of what briefs Fianna Fáil will take in Martin’s speech to members today. 

Martin said his party “will take charge of the immense challenge of securing the future of higher education, training and research in our country”, while the party will also “lead” the effort in justice to provide safe communities for people.  

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