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IT HAS BEEN ten weeks to the day since the country went to the polls.
Today, we may finally have a Taoiseach and a government, after Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and a group independent TDs agreed a deal.
Now, a fourth vote for Taoiseach will take place in the Dáil.
We’ll be covering the vote live here as Enda Kenny looks set for another term as Taoiseach.
So, that’s it from me. I’m going to do something else. Anything else, really.
The Dáil resumes at 5.30pm to announce a cabinet, then the lads and lasses take a minibus to the Phoenix Park to get their seals of office.
Decent start to the weekend for them.
It’s been a pleasure guys.
So, here’s who voted for Enda Kenny outside of Fine Gael:
Noel Grealish, Michael Fitzmaurice, Michael Healy-Rae and Maureen O’Sullivan abstained.
Enda Kenny invokes the 1916 leaders and says that the Dáil will rise for three hours and resume to nominate the members of cabinet.
Cianan Brennan / TwitterWe have a new Taoiseach! But it's the same as the old Taoiseach. Still though. A shiny new Taoiseach to play with!
— Cianan Brennan (@ciananbrennan) May 6, 2016
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss…
Kenny says that the Taoiseach and government are “responsible to Dáil Eireann” and reforms will mean that is true more than ever.
By a margin of 59 to 49, Enda Kenny has been re-elected as Taoiseach.
It looks like Kenny will have 58 votes and will become Taoiseach for a second term.
Enda retakes his seat. He looks relieved.
And here we go (again). TDs head to the doors.
With the Rural Alliance TDs, the five Independent Alliance TDs, Michael Lowry and Katherine Zappone, Kenny will reach 60 votes.
In a few minutes, TDs will filter through doors marked Tá or Níl and Enda Kenny will likely be elected Taoiseach.
Democracy in action, people. Ain’t it wonderful?
I was born covering this vote and I fear I will die covering this vote.
Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane uses the word “farce” and the country nods sagely in agreement.
Sinn Féin’s Louise O’Reilly has a serious pop off the government, saying they will “talk the talk” but ultimately let people down.
Social Democrats co-leader Stephen Donnelly weighs in, saying that the government has had a “failure of ideology”.
Mary Lou McDonald / TwitterEndapendents in Dáil chamber now. It's game on for them putting FG back in govt.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) May 6, 2016
Nobody get too excited, but we may have a government.
Now it seems that the Independent Alliance will vote for Kenny, but Michael Fitzmaurice will abstain.
Kevin Boxer Moran is in the Dáil as Ministers Coveney and Noonan.
Developments afoot…
RTE One / TwitterOur RTE News special & coverage from Leinster House will continue until approx 2.25 when we'll return to the normal schedule with Eastenders
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) May 6, 2016
When they came for Telly Bingo, I did not speak out because I did not play Telly Bingo.
But now they have come for Eastenders and I must fight.
Brendan Howlin is talking about the last government’s place in history. Which feels like something we could have spoken about around, I don’t know, ten weeks ago?
Six TDs have asked to make statements, which seems to serve the purpose of both allowing them to have a go at various political enemies and buying Fine Gael time to negotiate.
Some of you have asked for the maths of the vote.
Here goes:
Eoin O Broin / TwitterSurreal atmosphere developing here in Dáil chamber as attentions of TDs distracted from debate by last ditch negotiations happening outside.
— Eoin Ó Broin (@EOBroin) May 6, 2016
Seamus Healy takes the floor as independents get speaking time. The ones which will be the kingmakers, the Independent Alliance, are nowhere to be seen.
Eamon Ryan is speaking now and says the Greens won’t support the government.
After him, there’s time for the independents. But many of them aren’t in the chamber.
Brinksmanship? Genuine disagreement? A Taoiseach? A new government?
Right now: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Roisín Shortall of the Social Democrats says that new government must have policies at its heart that are equality and poverty-proofed.
Speeches are still ongoing, but the holdout independents are still across the courtyard in Government Buildings.
At a certain point you’re forced to ask, why did Fine Gael call this vote before they had the numbers to win?
He doesn’t look like a man who’s about to be handed control of the country, does he?
Daly finishes with imagery of French revolutionary Robespierre, saying that Kenny may end up on the guillotine as well.
Daly tells the story of a woman known to her whose sister took her own life.
She says that the high rate of suicide means the inquest will take 18 months.
“That’s the Ireland you’ve overseen.”
Boyd Barrett is laying into the government for their “failure” on water charges.
He’s followed by Clare Daly, who says she hopes the Independent Alliance don’t show up and “end this farce”.
She says that the “new outfits and new haircuts” are a million miles from the lives of the Irish people.
The indications are that a row over turf cutting is what’s holding up a deal with the Independent Alliance.
You could say…it’s a…
Turf war.
Ruth Coppinger of the AAA-PBP is on her feet. And she says that she has “never seen an incoming Taoiseach looking so unhappy”.
To be fair, she’s not wrong.
She says that the Fine Gael Fianna Fáil deal is the “first cousin of a grand coalition”.
RTE One / TwitterDue to the RTE News Special & coverage from Dáil Éireann, Telly Bingo has been delayed, we'll keep you up to date on rescheduled time
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) May 6, 2016
This is a tough time for all of us.
Burton says the issue is not personal and that Labour will support the government when it feels they are right.
But, she says, the new coalition threatens to “fritter away” the progress of the last five years.
Burton notes that universal free GP care has disappeared from the government formation document. She says that the free GP care for children must now be questioned.
She adds that the Eighth Amendment issue has now been “kicked to touch”.
Enda Kenny is a simple name. How do people get it wrong so often?
Burton says that Fianna Fáil will “pick their time as always” and can “keep their foot on the throat of the Taoiseach”.
Labour leader Joan Burton is on her feet, she says that the deal is a “coalition of convenience” and just because it took a long time, doesn’t make it a good deal.
As my colleague Willie Penrose says, a long churning doesn’t make good butter.
Word from Christina Finn who’s in Leinster House:
The Independent Alliance are still over in Government Buildings with Michael Noonan and Simon Coveney.
“It’s not looking good – but nobody knows what is going to happen.”
However, the vote could come after 1pm, so there’s still time.
Adams congratulates Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on their “great job of work” in forming an agreement.
I think it’s sarcasm, but I can’t be sure…
Here comes Gerry Adams, he is offered extra time by the Ceann Comhairle, but says he “won’t be as long-winded”.
Still no sign of the Independent Alliance…
Daragh Brophy / TwitterMeanwhile, all quiet at the Aras... pic.twitter.com/ke94IMUMTq
— Daragh Brophy (@DaraghBroph) May 6, 2016
Daragh Brophy is in the Phoenix Park, no sign of anything at Áras an Uachtarain.
Will Enda be making the trip up there today?
Michéal Martin has a swipe at Sinn Féin, as the speeches become a little bit Father Ted getting the Golden Cleric.
The camera just flashed to Enda Kenny and Richard Bruton. They did not look like men who were sure they were about how things were going.
Martin says the “confidence and supply” approach means the majority of the Dáil will be responsible for passing legislation.
Martin gets some digs in as he says those who “lecture Fianna Fáil about supporting a Fine Gael minority government” voted against “the only way to stop this”.
Michéal Martin is on his feet and notes the absence of the Independent Alliance. He says that today marks a major shift in Irish politics.
“We accept that this is a diverse Dáil and we respect the mandate of others.”
Simon Harris is talking about climate change and long-term planning for pension funds and all of the things this government “will” do.
But Simon Coveney and Michael Noonan aren’t in the chamber as talks with the Independent Alliance are ongoing.
Christine Bohan / TwitterSurreal situation in the Dáil right now. FG TDs giving speeches as Independent Alliance TDs are still in a meeting, deciding how to vote.
— Christine Bohan (@ChristineBohan) May 6, 2016
This is quite odd. Fine Gael can’t hold a vote because they’re not sure they’ll win, so they’re basically stalling until the Independent Alliance decides how to vote.
Harris says the government will look to “make things a little easier” for citizens.
A bit of confusion here as Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghaille asks Enda Kenny to speak, prematurely as it turns out.
Simon Harris gets to his feet to say he hopes to see a “partnership government”.
Deputy Catherine Byrne is again seconding the nomination of Enda Kenny. She says that Kenny has listened to the people.
She says he will “leave the country on the right track”.
Rock invokes Michael Collins who said in 1922 that Ireland was like a “ship without a captain”.
He calls Enda Kenny a Taoiseach who will “always put the country first”.
He says TDs should reject the “policy of anger and seek the politics of answers”.
The Dáil is now taking nominations for the office of Taoiseach.
Noel Rock is on his feet to nominate Enda Kenny for the fourth time. He begins by saying “fourth time’s the charm”.
Rock pays tribute to the Fianna Fáil and independent TDs who have “worked for a compromise” adding that it’s “not about having power, it’s about using it well”.
Here comes the Ceann Comhairle.
He calls the Dáil to attention and reads the prayer. Enda Kenny and the Fine Gael front bench are here.
Paul Kehoe is reading out the agenda for the day.
The scene from the Dáil right now. Enda Kenny and the Fine Gael front bench are notable by their absence.
Mattie McGrath says he and Paschal Donohoe had a “stand-up row” yesterday.
Yesterday the problem arose where we were looking for the draft document, we were to have it at 10, we didn’t get it till half two and we were told we’d to have it done by half four, I was incensed by that, and I didn’t cooperate and keep the timeline.
“It would be unfair of us to assess and read through 159 pages in an hour and a half.”
He says the mood was “very cross”
I had a stand-up row with Pascal Donohoe in the Government Buildings. The others, I know the Independent Alliance had to. It’s just total disdain. They’re just back to their same antics that people rejected them for. If they are going to carry on that way, it would get people thinking thoughts about being in any cabinet with them… because if that’s the attitude.
Reports from Leinster House are mixed. Some people say that the Independent Alliance and Enda Kenny are at odds, but others say that they’re voting as a unit and have ironed out all five issues.
TDs are entering the Dáil chamber, folks.
Hugh O'Connell / TwitterEnda meeting with Independent Alliance not going well, by all accounts
— Hugh O'Connell (@oconnellhugh) May 6, 2016
Uh oh.
This isn’t good. And the Angelus is ringing. Time up for Enda?
Remember these? Seems so long ago now.
Will they be on our streets this summer? We’ll know in about an hour.
So, how are we all feeling? Ten weeks of talk about government formation and it’s coming down to this.
Otherwise, get ready for another election…
Remember the last time Enda was voted Taoiseach, back in 2011?
We hadn’t even discovered Snapchat or quinoa as a nation. So young, so young.
Simon Harris told reporters at Leinster House that the programme for government is “exciting”.
We’ve put together what I think is a really exciting programme for government that will do everything it can to tackle the challenge the that is facing the Irish people.
It is still our expectation that the vote for Taoiseach will take place today, that a government will be formed today, and that we can bring this very long process to an end.
People want us to get on with the job of governing.
After the vote for Taoiseach, assuming it’s successful, attention turns to the shape of the cabinet.
Sources tell us that this could be part of it:
Simon Coveney tells Sean O’Rourke that he believes Enda Kenny can be elected after 12, but he “won’t speak for independents”.
And if Enda Kenny can’t secure the six independents necessary to get to 58 votes today?
Fine Gael’s Sean Kyne, a chief negotiator with the independents, reckons Enda will “be going to the Park“, meaning another election.
Mattie McGrath is out, however. He and Cork independent TD Michael Collins will be staying in opposition.
What of the Healy-Raes?
So, what’s going to happen?
At 12, the Dáil will sit again and be asked to vote on nominees for Taoiseach. Fianna Fáil will abstain from the vote, but Fine Gael looks to have secured the support of independents.
So, after three votes and 70 days, Enda Kenny is confident that he will secure the votes necessary to form a government today.
It comes after exhaustive negotiations with Fianna Fáil and independent TDs.
What did they agree on? Read the document yourself by clicking here.
Be warned, though, it’s 160 pages.
Fine Gael’s Paschal Donohoe says the vote will go ahead, which is a good thing. Otherwise this liveblog would look very silly indeed.
Morning folks, Paul Hosford here to take you through today’s vote for Taoiseach.
My colleague Christina Finn is at Leinster House, waiting. Thank God it’s warm, right?
Christina Finn / TwitterMedia at Leinster House. It's 70 days since the general election 🙈 https://t.co/1u5kNdmuN3
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) May 6, 2016
The ‘dinners’ my daughter was being given were awful. Wouldn’t feed them to an animal. So now I don’t order any from the school meals and she just takes in a packed lunch like normal. I cook dinner at home for us all. She isn’t a fussy eater but couldn’t manage to eat anything they were given and it was all being wasted.
Another example of a waste of taxpayers money to tick boxes.The idea is good in ensuring all kids have a least one good meal a day but the cost of this for those that need it will far outweigh the good.
@John Sleator: What price would you put on giving food to those children that need it? You’ve clearly balanced the books and determined it’s not a cost worth paying.
I’m back to giving my lad his packed lunch.
At least I know it’s healthy. I wouldn’t feed that school meal stuff to a dog.
Ultra High processed, and a soggy mess by the time it’s gets to the kids. I’ve actually still to request the school to stop sending it home, it’s taking up weight in my bin every day. Pure Muck
Maybe the same menu should only be served in the Dail canteen to show the powers that be what they are spending the millions on. If they think it’s good enough to serve to some of the future politicians of Ireland, it should be good enough to serve to today’s current politicians. Just a thought.
I looked at the menu choices and it appears like put together ‘meals’ by bulk buying large quantities for eur 1 in a popular chain of frozen food stores.
Why if the ‘meals’ are prepacked use a misleading photo which suggests cantine style food?
As a parent I would prefer to have control over what my child eats and not avail of these ‘meals’. A healthy meal needn’t be expensive to shop for, while I appreciate some parents don’t seem to be able to afford feeding their children, maybe education of parents mightn’t go amiss.
I don’t know how some places like fresh to today are getting away with the muck they serve. There needs to be more inspections on each school, I’ve three kids in 2 different school and both meals are absolute muck. The potatoes in one is that reconstituted powder potatoes. It’s just full of oil.
@Nurse On Call.: I’ve 3 kids in school as well,none of them are getting these meals….im happy to feed my own kids because I’m their parent and it’s my responsibility.I honestly think they should get rid of this scheme altogether as most of us knew that the usual people in this country who contribute very little and whinge about everything were always going to complain unless there was a Michelin star chef and butlers installed in every school.
I love the impression the Journal gives with the photo of food being served from a canteen, implying that extra people have been employed to serve the food to the children. It’s prepared by the company who get the contract, then school staff serve it to the children, which cuts into teaching time.
I dunno I doubt eating bacon every day would drive up addiction, not all ultra processed foods are made equal… But the fact that they’re all prepackaged doesn’t feel right, and absolutely the focus should be on providing healthy meals. The fact that they’re not portioned for the right age group is plain stupid – seriously they’re losing money on uneaten food. It’s actually not that hard to make healthy meals affordable, if you plan ahead and pay attention to which vegetables are currently most affordable, which is probably easier when you have a supplier than when you go to your local Lidl anyways.
next phase they will ask us to pay for it. they will also put the same woke parents to have a say in everything and ask for halal to be a choice…
@Dominic Leleu: And why shouldn’t halal be a choice? I suppose you’d force vegetarians to eat meat too. At gunpoint if necessary?
@FoxyBoiiYT: Halal slaughter should be illegal here.
@FoxyBoiiYT: There is no choice to eat non halal meat.
@John Murphy: muted this tr oll
. Suggest others do the same
@FoxyBoiiYT: Why shouldn’t halal food be a choice here? Well mostly because this isn’t Saudi Arabia we’re living in, you absolute dunce.
@Dominic Leleu: What’s a woke parent, do you know or just copying from the Americans?
Wow. Another government scheme that is crap. What a surprise.
There was nothing wrong with the system they had in place before this and the menu was a lot healthier. The first thing they took off the menu was fruit! Madness.
What no Chicken fillet rolls?
We got a bun and a glass of milk or cocoa.
The lunches started alright but have deteriorated as time has gone on.
My son won’t eat them and we send him with his own lunch every day.
This seems to me much like everything else in this country,
The well connected set up the company to provide the lunches and got the contract and are making a lot of guaranteed money from the state.
Meanwhile they cannot keep up with the demand with staff etc and are just firing out any old rubbish……sure they’re only kids, they won’t notice!
The menus are usually thought out and like that on a day where pizza is an option the other 4 options might be a pasta Bolognese, chicken dinner, something vegetarian etc. But if a parent knows their child will only eat the processed option everyday that’s what they will pick to ensure their child eats. If they pick options that are healthier that their child doesn’t like they get a note home to send their child in with a different lunch in those days so they won’t go hungry. I am blessed my child will try new foods and is a big lover of fruit and vegetables. But there is a day where the only item on the menu she likes is the chicken tenders. (she’s not a lover of curry or the cheese on lasagne and she hates all fish) All you can do is try your best to get them to eat well.
And we wonder why cancer rates are increasing
@Mike B: Because we’re getting better at detecting it, mainly. Over 50% increase in numbers of cancer survivors compared with a decade ago – earlier detection is leading to increased recoveries.
It’s like none of them have ever had children. You want 20 junior infants cooking their own lunch for the educational value? Or you want 40 5th and 6th clas students taking 2 hours out to prep lunch for their peers? The food does come in one use plastic as it is heated in them. For some kids this could be their one good meal a day and the menu usually varies from spaghetti Bolognese, to roast turkey dinner to a pizza or fish fingers. Each meal however does come with a serving of veg. You can make them more nutritional all you want but then you are looking at more waste. Because kids won’t eat something they don’t like you can argue with a six year old all you want about how the white fish with no breadcrumbs on is just as nice as fish fingers but they are not going to listen.
It doesn’t sound much different to a lot of the junk I see parents giving their kids anyway. Also, according to some people they won’t have time to become unhealthy from it as the planet is doomed (most days anyway)
Brilliant, sure I suppose the aim is to keep the Pharmaceutical Companies busy into the future.
Does Ruth Hegarty provide any evidence that children can become addicted to food additives? Because this sounds like it’s made up to scare parents. People need to stop being so whingey. If you don’t like the hot lunches, make your kid a sandwich then. My kid likes most of them and having a few chicken nuggets isn’t going to do her any harm.
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