Government of the 30th Dáil
There were two Governments of the 30th Dáil, which was elected at the 2007 general election on 24 May 2007. The 27th Government of Ireland (14 June 2007 – 7 May 2008) was led by Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach, and the 28th Government of Ireland (7 May 2008 – 9 March 2011) was led by Brian Cowen as Taoiseach. Both were formed as coalition governments of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats. The Progressive Democrats disbanded in November 2009 and Mary Harney continued as an Independent member of the government until 20 January 2011. The Green Party left government on 23 January 2011.
The 27th Government lasted 328 days and the 28th Government lasted 1036 days.
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 | |
| President | Mary McAleese |
| Taoiseach | Bertie Ahern |
| Tánaiste | Brian Cowen |
| Total no. of ministers | 15 |
| Member parties | Fianna Fáil Green Party Progressive Democrats |
| Status in legislature | Coalition |
| Opposition party | Fine Gael |
| Opposition leader | Enda Kenny |
| History | |
| Election(s) | 2007 general election |
| Legislature term(s) | 30th Dáil |
| Predecessor | 26th Government |
| Successor | 28th Government |
The 27th Government of Ireland was composed of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats. It was also supported by four Independent TDs: Beverley Flynn, Jackie Healy-Rae, Michael Lowry and Finian McGrath. Flynn later rejoined the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party in April 2008.
Nomination of Taoiseach
The members of the 30th Dáil first met on 14 June. In the debate on the nomination of Taoisech, both outgoing Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny were proposed. Ahern received the nomination of the Dáil.[1] Ahern was then re-appointed as Taoiseach by President Mary McAleese.[2]
| 14 June 2007 Nomination of Bertie Ahern (FF) as Taoiseach[3] Motion proposed by Brian Cowen and seconded by Trevor Sargent Absolute majority: 84/166 | ||
| Vote | Parties | Votes |
 | 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 |
| Not voting | Ceann Comhairle (1) | 1 / 166 |
Members of the Government
After his appointment by the president, Bertie Ahern proposed the members of the government and they were approved by the Dáil.[2] They were appointed by the president on the same day.[4]
- Changes to Departments
- The Department of Agriculture and Food was renamed the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on 20 October 2007.[5]
- The Department of Agriculture and Food was renamed the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on 20 October 2007.[6]
Attorney General
On 14 June 2007, Paul Gallagher was appointed by the president as Attorney General on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[2][4]
Confidence in the Government
On 26 September 2007, a motion of confidence in the Taoiseach and the government proposed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was approved with 81 votes in favour and 76 against.[7]
On 28 November 2007, a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney was proposed by Jan O'Sullivan for the Labour Party. The motion was amended by the Minister, and the amended motion (now a vote of confidence) was carried, with 83 votes in favour to 73 votes against.[8]
Resignation
On 2 April 2008, Bertie Ahern announced his intention to resign as leader of Fianna Fáil. On 9 April, Brian Cowen was elected unopposed to succeed him. On 6 May, Ahern resigned as Taoiseach.[9]
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 | |
| President | Mary McAleese |
| Taoiseach | Brian Cowen |
| Tánaiste | Mary Coughlan |
| Total no. of ministers | 15 |
| Member parties | Fianna Fáil Green Party Progressive Democrats |
| Status in legislature | Coalition |
| Opposition cabinet | Second Kenny front bench |
| Opposition party | Fine Gael |
| Opposition leader | Enda Kenny |
| History | |
| Legislature term(s) | 30th Dáil |
| Budget(s) | 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Predecessor | 27th Government |
| Successor | 29th Government |
The 28th Government of Ireland was formed on 7 May 2008 following the resignation the previous day of Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach. The new Fianna Fáil leader Brian Cowen was nominated by the Dáil as Ireland's 12th head of government. It was initially composed of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, the Progressive Democrats and supported by independent TDs Jackie Healy-Rae, Michael Lowry and Finian McGrath. McGrath later withdrew his support in October 2008. 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;[10] 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.[11]
Nomination of Taoiseach
On 7 May 2008, following the resignation of Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach, Fianna Fáil leader Brian Cowen, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore were each proposed to be nominated by Dáil Éireann for the position of Taoiseach. Cowen received the nomination of the Dáil.[12] Cowen was then appointed as Taoiseach by President Mary McAleese.[13]
| 7 May 2008 Nomination of Brian Cowen (FF) as Taoiseach[14] Motion proposed by Bertie Ahern and seconded by John Gormley Absolute majority: 84/166 | ||
| Vote | Parties | Votes |
| 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 |
| Absent or Not voting | Ceann Comhairle (1), Fianna Fáil (1) | 2 / 166 |
Members of the Government
After his appointment by the president, Brian Cowen proposed the members of the government and they were approved by the Dáil.[13] They were appointed by the president on the same day.[15]
- Changes to departments
- The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform was renamed the Department of Justice and Law Reform on 2 June 2010.[16]
- The Department of Education and Science was renamed the Department of Education and Skills on 2 May 2010.[19]
- The Department of Social and Family Affairs was renamed the Department of Social Protection on 2 May 2010.[20]
- The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism was renamed the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport on 2 May 2010.[21]
- The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment was renamed the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation on 2 May 2010.[22]
- The Department of Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was renamed the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs on 2 June 2010.[23]
Attorney General
On 7 May 2008, Paul Gallagher was appointed by the president as Attorney General on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[13][15]
Confidence in the Government
On 10 June 2009, a motion of confidence in the government proposed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen was approved with 85 votes in favour and 79 against.[27]
On 17 February 2010, a motion of confidence in Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea proposed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen was approved with 80 votes in favour and 69 against.[28] Nevertheless, Willie O'Dea did resign the following day.[29]
Dissolution
On 1 February, the president dissolved the Dáil on the advice of the Taoiseach and a general election was held on 25 February 2011.[30]
See also
References
- "Nomination of Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (28th Dáil) – Thursday, 14 June 2007". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- "Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Thursday, 14 June 2007". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
- "Nomination of Taoiseach – Votes – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Thursday, 14 June 2007". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Appointment of Members of Government and Ministers of State – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Tuesday, 26 June 2007". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- "Agriculture and Food (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2007". Irish Statute Book. 9 October 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2007". Irish Statute Book. 9 October 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Confidence in Taoiseach: Motion – Votes – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – 26 September 2007". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
- "Confidence in Minister for Health and Children: Motion (Resumed) – Votes – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – 28 November 2007". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
- "Resignation of Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Wednesday, 7 May 2008". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
- "Election date set after day of political drama". RTÉ News. 20 January 2011.
- "Green Party withdraws from Government". RTÉ News. 23 January 2011.
- "Nomination of Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (28th Dáil) – Wednesday, 7 May 2008". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- "Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government: Motion – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Wednesday, 7 May 2008". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
- "Nomination of Taoiseach – Votes – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Wednesday, 7 May 2008". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Appointment of Taoiseach and Nomination of Members of Government – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Thursday, 8 May 2008". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
- "Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2010". Irish Statute Book. 18 May 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Nomination of Members of Government – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Tuesday, 23 March 2010". Houses of the Oireachtas. 23 March 2010. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
- "Nomination of Members of Government (Resumed) – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Tuesday, 23 March 2010". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
- "Education and Science (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2010". Irish Statute Book. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Social and Family Affairs (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2010". Irish Statute Book. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Social and Family Affairs (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2010". Irish Statute Book. 22 April 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Social and Family Affairs (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2010". Irish Statute Book. 22 April 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2010". Irish Statute Book. 18 May 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- "Termination of Ministerial Appointment: Announcement by Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Wednesday, 19 January 2011". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
- "Termination of Ministerial Appointments: Announcement by Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Thursday, 20 January 2011". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
- "Termination of Ministerial Appointments: Announcement by Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Tuesday, 25 January 2011". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
- "Confidence in Taoiseach: Motion – Votes – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – 10 June 2009". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
- "Confidence in Minister for Defence: Motion – Votes – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – 17 February 2010". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
- "Termination of Ministerial Appointment: Announcement by Taoiseach. – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Tuesday, 23 February 2010". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
- "Advice to Dissolve Dáil: Announcement (30th Dáil) – Tuesday, 1 February 2011". Houses of the Oireachtas. Retrieved 14 August 2019.