Irish Government Survives to Ignore Its Citizens Another Day – HotAir
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So, it was a pretty close no-confidence vote in The Dáil this afternoon, with what were seen as some pretty spectacular defections.

And some truly fiery and inspiring speeches on the floor.

But when the votes were all in and counted… 

…the ruling Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael coalition government had survived by a 92-78 vote. The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, wasted no time dismissing claims his administration had ignored the protestors and done nothing about the issue.

The handling of last week’s fuel protests triggered a Sinn Fein motion of no confidence, following blockades at fuel depots and motorways nationwide.

The government subsequently tabled a motion of confidence in itself, which has the power to override a motion from the opposition.

The Government won its confidence motion by 92 votes to 78.

Just two government-supporting TDs voted against the government, Minister Michael Healy-Rae and his brother, Danny Healy-Rae.

Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit Solidarity, Independent Ireland, the Greens, 100 per cent Redress and several Independents all voted no confidence in the Coalition.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was criticised for refusing to recall the Dáil as protests broke out over the Easter break, “leaving people with no option but to take to the streets.”

During Tuesday’s debate, Mr Martin hit back at claims from numerous TDs that the Government had “sneered” at protestors and had long failed to tackle the rising cost of living and housing.

He claimed that: “This is a country which ranks in the top ten in the world for freedom of speech, the right to protest, and the right of democratic participation. 
Every week, the streets outside of Leinster House are filled with groups, passionately advocating for their cause.

Apparently, they weren’t aware of the anger in the streets over calling in the military either, because they’re promising to prosecute members of the protesting throngs.

…During his speech, Mr Martin said that he would support efforts to “find and prosecute” some protestors.

“
There are many extreme groups which came to speak on behalf of the people without ever securing the support of the people. It is standard practice for people to shout in the streets, and online, that they are the real people of Ireland, and that the Dail and the government are a non representative elite, who know nothing, and care less about this country,” he said.

Mr Martin said that parliamentary democracy was something that should be affirmed and defended. He claimed that while “the great majority of people” who protested did so “reasonably and democratically,” this was not the case for some other elements.

Martin’s cabinet is going to go ahead with their handsome but grudging offer of a whopping ten cents off a liter of fuel and some cuts to the excise taxes on diesel. This miserable nod had satisfied no one prior to today’s vote. It is sure to be met with the same disgust and rejection as inadequate from this evening and henceforth.

Particularly when you look at what percentage of fees and taxes make up the cost of a liter of fuel in Ireland – it’s approaching 56% of the total.

When it was €1.99 a liter (it’s upwards of €2.34 now), €1.13 of it is government levies, taxes, and duties. €0.86 is the fuel.

The excise taxes on diesel are brutal, too, especially when you consider the volume of fuel farmers use.

And it has to be ‘green.’

EVERY TIME THEY OPENED THEIR MOUTHS, ANOTHER TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE SUPPORTED US

It looks as if the people will continue to do so. The government may have saved itself, but it won nothing in the war of Irish public opinion.

Many bus drivers are expected to walk off the job in solidarity with the fuel protests tomorrow.

And the government is still intent on their plan to raise the carbon tax on fuel.

And as I was saying earlier about my independent news source there, Gript Media, this is a horrible development concerning someone I have admired very much for the past couple of years.

How much of it is due to pressure thanks to his fearless coverage of the protests and the Martin government?

It would be an easy guess.

Tractors and trucks were still clogging things late this afternoon.

I have a feeling the traffic jams are fixin’ to get worse.

Editor’s note: If we thought our job in pushing back against the Academia/media/Democrat censorship complex was over with the election, think again. This is going to be a long fight. If you’re digging these Final Word posts and want to join the conversation in the comments — and support independent platforms — why not join our VIP Membership program? Choose VIP to support Hot Air and access our premium content, VIP Gold to extend your access to all Townhall Media platforms and participate in this show, or VIP Platinum to get access to even more content and discounts on merchandise. Use the promo code FIGHT to join or to upgrade your existing membership level today, and get 60% off!

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