Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have rejected suggestions that the Coalition leaders have failed when it comes to ensuring gender equality in their ministerial appointments.

Micheál Martin has defended Michael Lowry’s role in government formation talks, claiming Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had no choice but to deal with the Regional Independents. At a tense press conference on Sunday after his party had backed the arrangement,

With a new government comes a new raft of new ministers, and since the Green Party has left the field, more positions are up for grabs now

DUBLIN (AP) — Veteran politician Micheál Martin is set to become Ireland’s prime minister for a second time on Wednesday when lawmakers formally approve him as head of a coalition government. The confirmation comes almost two months after an election in which Martin’s Fianna Fáil party won the most seats, but not enough to govern alone.

Micheál Martin, who was poised to be elected as Ireland's new Taoiseach today, slammed the chaotic Dáil proceedings as a "subversion of the Irish Constitution."

Renewing her criticism of the deal with Independents behind the formation of the new Government, Ms McDonald said Mr Martin had changed from once describing Michael Lowry TD, key negotiator for the Independents, as a “rogue politician” to now making him a “kingmaker”.

Irish lawmakers have voted to make veteran politician Micheál Martin prime minister for a second time at the helm of a coalition government.

Only one Minister in the outgoing government has kept their old position as Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a major reshuffle of his Cabinet. In sweeping changes that saw former Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue dropped, several surprises saw six new senior ministers appointed.

Fianna Fáil leader Martin will become Taoiseach this afternoon for the second time as the new Government is formed

Here was Fianna Fáil back again as the largest party in government after looking to be on the verge of oblivion 15 years ago. Buttressed by the Regional Independent Group (RIG) providing a solid majority,

The new ministers of state have been announced after a Cabinet meeting this afternoon. The appointment of the 23 ministers of state is an increase of three on the last Coalition.

Mary Butler (58) has been appointed Government Chief Whip and Super Junior Minister.