Micheál Martin was re-elected as Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) on Thursday, leading a coalition government made up of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and independents.
This marks the second consecutive government formed by Ireland’s two main center-right parties, with independents replacing the Green Party, which suffered significant losses in the recent elections.
Addressing parliament after his election by a 95-76 vote, Martin, 64, emphasized the importance of protecting Ireland’s economy amid global uncertainties, particularly the potential challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has signaled possible changes to corporate tax policies and new tariffs that could impact Ireland’s multinational-driven economy.
Martin’s agenda will focus on navigating these global challenges 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,” Martin told lawmakers. “We are not naive about the realities of change in the U.S., but the Ireland-America relationship benefits us both, and it will emerge strongly no matter what.”
The coalition plans to use a tax windfall from U.S.-based multinationals to boost public investment and establish sovereign wealth funds.
The new government is operating under a leadership rotation agreement, with outgoing Prime Minister Simon Harris set to return as Taoiseach in 2027. Harris will serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, while Paschal Donohoe, a key figure in Eurozone financial policymaking, will resume his role as Finance Minister.
Martin’s return to leadership comes 13 years after his party faced a major electoral collapse following Ireland’s financial bailout. A seasoned politician and former history teacher, Martin has held senior cabinet positions in health, trade, and education.
Alongside domestic priorities, the government will focus on strengthening Ireland’s diplomatic ties with the U.S., Europe, and the U.K. A trade conference involving Irish consulates and embassies in the U.S. is being convened to address economic concerns linked to the new U.S. administration.
