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Fianna Fáil ratifies programme for government

PA Media The Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, standing in front of a green Fianna Fáil background. He is wearing a navy suit jacket, white shirt and purple tie with pink dots on it. PA Media
Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, pledged to prove the next coalition can fulfil the "ambitious" programme

Fianna Fáil endorsed a programme for government at a special ard fheis (party conference) in Dublin on Sunday.

Party leader Micheál Martin pledged to defy critics and prove that Ireland's next ruling coalition can fulfil the "ambitious" programme.

Martin is set to become taoiseach (Irish PM) for the second time on Wednesday.

The draft programme was agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and several independent TDs earlier this week.

Fianna Fáil endorsed the programme for government by 812 votes to 62.

Fine Gael members must also endorse the programme prior to Wednesday's sitting.

The outcome of Fine Gael's vote is expected on Monday afternoon.

'Exciting day for the party'

Martin said the coalition would be judged on actions and not words as he addressed the media ahead of the ard fheis.

"It's an exciting day for the party in launching and in approving an exciting and comprehensive programme for government, which reflects the mandate we received during the last general election," he said.

"It will deal with the critical issues and challenges facing the country, and will also protect Ireland's future."

Martin hit out at "negativity" from some around the formation of the new government.

He said the deal was "very ambitious" but "like all programmes for government, it's the actions and delivery by government" that will matter.

Martin added that the government would be "robust" in responding to its critics.