Government of the 30th Dáil
The 30th Dáil was elected at the 2007 general election on 24 May 2007 and first met on 14 June when President Mary McAleese appointed Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach, on the nomination of Dáil Éireann. On the nomination of the Taoiseach, and following the Dáil's approval the 27th Government of Ireland was appointed.[1]
27th Government of Ireland
| Government of the 30th Dáil | |
|---|---|
| 27th Government of Ireland | |
 | |
| Date formed | 14 June 2007 |
| Date dissolved | 7 May 2008 |
| People and organisations | |
| Head of government | Bertie Ahern |
| Deputy head of government | Brian Cowen |
| Head of state | Mary McAleese |
| Total number of ministers | 15 |
| Member party |
Fianna Fáil Green Party Progressive Democrats |
| Status in legislature | Coalition |
| Opposition leader | Enda Kenny (Fine Gael) |
| History | |
| Election(s) | 2007 general election |
| Legislature term(s) | 30th Dáil |
| Predecessor | 26th Government of Ireland |
| Successor | 28th Government of Ireland |
The 27th Government of Ireland (14 June 2007 – 7 May 2008) was composed of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats.[2] It was also supported by four Independent TDs. The independent TDs who supported the 27th Government were: Beverley Flynn, Jackie Healy-Rae, Michael Lowry and Finian McGrath. Flynn later rejoined the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party in April 2008.
Nomination of Taoiseach vote
| Nomination of Taoiseach vote for Bertie Ahern (FF) Motion proposed by Brian Cowen and seconded by Trevor Sargent Absolute majority: 84/166 | ||
| Vote | Parties | Votes |
 Yes | Fianna Fáil (77), Green Party (6), Independent (4), Progressive Democrats (2) | 89 / 166 |
| No | Fine Gael (51), Labour Party (20), Sinn Féin (4), Independent (1) | 76 / 166 |
| Abstentions | Ceann Comhairle (1) | 1 / 166 |
| Source: Oireachtas Debates | ||
Composition
The government positions are listed in alphabetical order, rather than in terms of seniority.
28th Government of Ireland
| Government of the 30th Dáil | |
|---|---|
| 28th Government of Ireland | |
 | |
| Date formed | 7 May 2008 |
| Date dissolved | 9 March 2011 |
| People and organisations | |
| Head of government | Brian Cowen |
| Deputy head of government | Mary Coughlan |
| Head of state | Mary McAleese |
| Total number of ministers | 15 |
| Member party |
Fianna Fáil Green Party Progressive Democrats |
| Status in legislature | Coalition |
| Opposition leader | Enda Kenny (Fine Gael) |
| History | |
| Legislature term(s) | 30th Dáil |
| Budget(s) | 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Predecessor | 27th Government of Ireland |
| Successor | 29th Government of Ireland |
The 28th Government of Ireland (7 May 2008 – 9 March 2011) was formed following the resignation of Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach on 6 May 2008 and the subsequent election of Brian Cowen as Ireland's 12th head of government.[5] It was initially composed of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, the Progressive Democrats and supported by two independent TDs.[6] Following the disbandment of the Progressive Democrats in 2009, it became a coalition of Fianna Fáil and the Green Party with the support of three independent TDs, including Mary Harney. A cabinet reshuffle took place on 23 March 2010, following the resignations of Willie O'Dea and Martin Cullen. After the resignations of six ministers in January 2011, the vacant portfolios were reassigned to other ministers;[7] with the subsequent resignation of Brian Cowen as leader of Fianna Fáil on 22 January 2011, the Green Party withdrew their support from the government, precipitating a general election.[8]
Nomination of Taoiseach vote
| Nomination of Taoiseach vote for Brian Cowen (FF) Motion proposed by Bertie Ahern and seconded by John Gormley Absolute majority: 84/166 | ||
| Vote | Parties | Votes |
| Yes | Fianna Fáil (76), Green Party (6), Independent (4), Progressive Democrats (2) | 88 / 166 |
| No | Fine Gael (51), Labour Party (20), Sinn Féin (4), Independent (1) | 76 / 166 |
| Abstentions | Ceann Comhairle (1), Fianna Fáil (1) | 2 / 166 |
| Source: Oireachtas Debates | ||
Composition
See also
- Members of the 30th Dáil
- Ministers of State of the 30th Dáil
- Members of the 23rd Seanad
- Constitution of Ireland
- Politics of the Republic of Ireland
References
- ↑ Under Article 13.1.1 of the 1937 Constitution of Ireland, the Dáil nominates a person whom it instructs the President to appoint as Taoiseach. The Taoiseach, following his appointment, then nominates his ministerial team en bloc to the Dáil for approval, in accordance with Article 13.1.2. If the Dáil duly approves the list, the President proceeds to appoint them. Though it is often said that the Taoiseach and government are elected by the Dáil that is technically incorrect. They only become ministers when the President appoints them and they receive their seal of office, not by means of the parliamentary vote, although the President's appointment is automatic when they have been duly approved.
- ↑ "History of Government – Thirtieth Dáil – Twenty-Seventh Government". Department of the Taoiseach. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
- ↑ On 14 June 2007 the Department of Agriculture and Food was renamed as the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
- ↑ On 14 June 2007 the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources was renamed as the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
- ↑ "History of Government – Thirtieth Dáil – Twenty-Eighth Government". Department of the Taoiseach. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
- ↑ The independent TDs that supported the 28th Government were: Jackie Healy-Rae and Michael Lowry. Finian McGrath supported the government until October 2008.
- ↑ "Election date set after day of political drama". RTÉ News. 20 January 2011.
- ↑ "Green Party withdraws from Government". RTÉ News. 23 January 2011.
- ↑ On 23 March 2010 the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform was renamed as the Department of Justice and Law Reform.
- ↑ On 23 March 2010 the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was renamed as the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.
- ↑ On 23 March 2010 the Department of Education and Science was renamed as the Department of Education and Skills.
- ↑ On 23 March 2010 the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment was renamed as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.
- ↑ On 23 March 2010 the Department of Social and Family Affairs was renamed as the Department of Social Protection.
- ↑ On 23 March 2010 the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism was renamed as the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
- ↑ Brian Cowen assigned the Foreign Affairs portfolio to himself after the resignation of Micheál Martin.
External links
- "Ahern names new cabinet". RTÉ News. 14 June 2007.
- "Taoiseach reveals new front bench". RTÉ News. 7 May 2008.