Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As said before, we have chosen the role of constructive opposition.  We will hold Ministers to account for their individual and collective actions.  We will demand a decisive shift from the unfair and damaging policies of the past five years.  We will vote against the Government when we disagree with its proposals and when there is a credible alternative. There are those who want to focus on speeches and empty motions rather than the far more difficult challenge of delivering results.  That is their choice, but we choose a different way.

This is not the Government we believe reflects best the priorities of the people.  It is not a Government that marks a clear enough break from the past.  It is, however, the only Government the Thirty-second Dáil is capable of forming, and it includes important departures in policies. In accordance with our commitment, we will not vote against the Ministers proposed by the Taoiseach.  We will work constructively with them and we will hold them to account.

I know the Taoiseach will be appointing the Ministers of State early next week or whenever, but what has happened in the last 48 hours leaves a lot to be desired and flies in the face of the sentiments he articulated earlier regarding a change of attitude, a change of culture and a change of approach.

What transpired here today before the vote on the nomination of Taoiseach was shambolic and unacceptable and there are many disillusioned people on the Independent benches who are clearly annoyed with what transpired. There was no need for it and it speaks to the need for a culture change within the majority party in Government towards people who are joining it. I understand there will be rotations of Ministers of State annually. That is not good governance.

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