Government of the 30th Dáil

The 30th Dáil was elected at the 2007 general election on 24 May 2007. When it first met on 14 June when President Mary McAleese appointed Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach, on the nomination of Dáil Éireann. On the nomination of the Taoiseach, and following the Dáil's approval the 27th Government of Ireland was appointed.

27th Government of Ireland

The 27th Government of Ireland (14 June 2007 – 7 May 2008) was composed of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats. It was also supported by four Independent TDs: Beverley Flynn, Jackie Healy-Rae, Michael Lowry and Finian McGrath. Flynn later rejoined the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party in April 2008.

Nomination of Taoiseach

Members of the Government
After his appointment by the president, Bertie Ahern proposed the members of the government and they were approved by the Dáil.

Paul Gallagher was appointed as Attorney General.

Changes to Departments

Confidence in the Government
On 26 September 2007, a motion of confidence in the Taoiseach and the government proposed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was approved with 81 votes in favour and 76 against.

On 28 November 2007, a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney was proposed by Jan O'Sullivan for the Labour Party. The motion was amended by the Minister, and the amended motion (now a vote of confidence) was carried, with 83 votes in favour to 73 votes against.

28th Government of Ireland

The 28th Government of Ireland (7 May 2008 – 9 March 2011) was formed following the resignation of Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach on 6 May 2008. Brian Cowen had been elected unopposed to succeed Ahern as leader of Fianna Fáil and on 7 May he was nominated by the Dáil as Ireland's 12th head of government. It was initially composed of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, the Progressive Democrats and supported by independent TDs Jackie Healy-Rae, Michael Lowry and Finian McGrath. McGrath later withdrew his support in October 2008. Following the disbandment of the Progressive Democrats in 2009, it became a coalition of Fianna Fáil and the Green Party with the support of three independent TDs, including Mary Harney. A cabinet reshuffle took place on 23 March 2010, following the resignations of Willie O'Dea and Martin Cullen. After the resignations of six ministers in January 2011, the vacant portfolios were reassigned to other ministers; with the subsequent resignation of Brian Cowen as leader of Fianna Fáil on 22 January 2011, the Green Party withdrew their support from the government. Cowen dissolved the Dáil on 1 February, and a general election was held on 25 February 2011.

Nomination of Taoiseach

Members of the Government
After his appointment by the president, Brian Cowen proposed the members of the government and they were approved by the Dáil.

Paul Gallagher was appointed as Attorney General.

Changes to departments

Confidence in the Government
On 10 June 2009, a motion of confidence in the government proposed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen was approved with 85 votes in favour and 79 against.

On 17 February 2010, a motion of confidence in Minister for Defence (Ireland) Willie O'Dea proposed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen was approved with 80 votes in favour and 69 against. Nevertheless, Willie O'Dea did resign the following day.

See also
Members of the 30th Dáil
Ministers of State of the 30th Dáil
Members of the 23rd Seanad
Constitution of Ireland
Politics of the Republic of Ireland

References

Category:2007 establishments in Ireland
Category:2011 disestablishments in Ireland
Category:30th Dáil
Category:Cabinets established in 2007
Category:Cabinets disestablished in 2011
Category:Coalition governments of Ireland
Category:Governments of Ireland