What happens if a no-confidence motion is actually passed?
Lead opposition party Sinn Féin are tabling a motion of no confidence in the Government today (Tuesday, April 14).
The motion comes following a week of turmoil as protesters took to the streets against the rising fuel costs.
The price increases are a result of the ongoing war in Iran, with many people feeling the government has not done enough.
The fuel costs is a result of the ongoing war in Iran, with many people feeling the Government have not done enough. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Over the weekend, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald confirmed the no-confidence vote was being called over the ‘disastrous’ recent actions of the Government.
‘Sinn Féin TDs and Senators met this morning and will be moving a motion of no confidence in the government,’ she said, ‘The actions of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents have been disastrous.
‘They have lost the confidence of the public. It is clear that they still are not listening and do not accept the scale of this fuel and cost of living crisis.’
Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The Social Democrats, Independent Ireland and Aontú said at the time that they will back the motion.
While it is looking more than likely that the confidence vote will fail — as Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents hold the Government majority — what would happen if the vote passed?
The Constitution requires that both the Taoiseach and the Government resign in the event that a no-confidence motion is passed.
The Constitution requires that both the Taoiseach and the Government resign on the chance that a no-confidence motion in either or both passed. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
The next thing that would happen is a replacement Taoiseach is elected by Dáil Éireann or the Dáil is dissolved.
This would then lead to a general election.
If the motion is defeated in the Dáil, the Government can then table a confidence motion to prove they are still supported.
In the unlikely event that this is defeated, it has the same consequences as if a no-confidence motion had been passed.
It comes as People Before Profit TDs Richard Boyd Barrett and Paul Murphy called on the Independent TDs supporting the Government to ‘decide’ their side.
A number of Independent TDs, including Micheal Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae remained tight-lipped on what way they would vote on Tuesday.
