Irish government survives confidence vote but loses key allies
The Irish government survived a Sinn Féin-triggered confidence vote over its handling of fuel protests, winning 92–78, but lost two independent TDs’ support, cutting its majority to five. Junior minister Michael Healy-Rae resigned during the debate, saying the government failed to listen to protesters, with his brother Danny also voting against the coalition. The political fallout was intensified by criticism of Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan’s remarks on protest coverage, which drew comparisons to Viktor Orban and raised press freedom concerns.
