Sinn Féin will table a motion of no confidence in the Dáil this week after the coalition lost its majority on Wednesday.
Donegal TD Joe McHugh’s vote against the defence blocks legislation has left the government without its parliamentary majority. McHugh resigned the Fine Gael party whip this week, saying he could not vote for the defective blocks bill because of the insufficient time spent on debates.
McHugh’s step overboard has paved the way for Sinn Féin to table a motion of no-confidence before the Dáil breaks for the summer. The motion will be debated during private members’ time in the Dáil on Tuesday.
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD said: “This is a government that has now lost its parliamentary majority, and is failing to tackle the cost of living and housing crises. It is time to make way for a government that will put workers and families first.”
Deputy McDonald added: “This is a government that is out of ideas, out of touch and out of time.
“They have lost their Dáil majority and it is time to make way for a government that will put workers and families first.
“That is the proposition we will be putting to the Dáil next week. This will now be over to TDs to decide. They can vote for more of the same, or they can join with us and vote for change.
“This is the time to take sides – you can stand with workers and families, or stand with the chaos and dysfunction of the current government.”