The Irish government has survived a vote of confidence in the Dáil over its handling of recent fuel protests. The motion, tabled by the main opposition party Sinn Féin, was defeated with 92 votes in favour of the government and 78 against.
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae resigned as a minister of state shortly before the vote and voted against the government. His brother, Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae, also voted against the motion, leaving the coalition. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accused the government of a 'brazen' response to protesters and called for an election.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the government's record, saying it was 'dishonest' for the opposition to claim there were no hard choices on fuel costs. He condemned the 'destructive' blockade of critical infrastructure last week, which he said threatened jobs, livelihoods, and access to essential services such as cancer treatment.
Finance Minister Simon Harris described the no-confidence motion as a 'stunt', warning that if it had succeeded, the €505 million support package announced on Sunday would have been lost. He added that the government's measures were 'far more comprehensive' than anything proposed by Sinn Féin.
