The Irish government survived a vote of confidence on Tuesday over its handling of recent fuel protests, with 92 lawmakers voting in support and 78 against. The motion was triggered by Sinn Féin, the largest opposition party, which criticized the coalition's response to the protests. Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae, who resigned as a minister of state before the vote, also opposed the government, arguing that Prime Minister Micheál Martin should have engaged more with protesters.
Protests began on April 7, with truckers, farmers, and transport operators blocking key infrastructure, including the country's sole oil refinery at Whitegate in County Cork and major ports. Demonstrators demanded price caps or tax cuts to address soaring fuel costs, which they said threatened their livelihoods. The disruptions caused over a third of gas pumps to run dry.
In response, Martin announced new tax cuts to alleviate the crisis, which he attributed to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil channel. However, opposition parties criticized the government for not acting sooner and for the adequacy of the aid offered. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called the government's response "brazen" and demanded an election. Martin defended the government's actions, stating that clearing the blockades was necessary to maintain exports, as Ireland exports about 90% of its production.
The government's survival in the confidence vote means it will remain in power, but the protests and political fallout highlight ongoing tensions over economic policies and public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the crisis.