Government of the 29th Dáil
In June
2002, the
President of Ireland,
Mary McAleese, on the nomination of the 29th
Dáil Éireann, appointed
Bertie Ahern as
Taoiseach. On the nomination of the Taoiseach, and following the Dáil's "approval" the following Irish government (
Rialtas na hÉireann) was appointed. (Under Article 13.1.1 of the 1937 constitution, the Dáil
nominates a person whom it instructs the President to appoint as taoiseach. The Taoiseach, following his appointment, then
nominates his ministerial team
en bloc to the Dáil for approval, in accordance with Article 13.1.2. If the Dáil duly approves the list, the President proceeds to appoint them. Though it is often said that the Taoiseach and government are
elected by the Dáil that is technically incorrect. They
only become ministers when the President appoints them, not by means of the parliamentary vote, though the President's appointment is automatic when they have been duly approved.)
Twenty-Sixth Government of Ireland (6 June 2002-present)
- Bertie Ahern, FF - An Taoiseach
- Mary Harney, PD - An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment
- Charlie McCreevy, FF - Minister for Finance
- Brian Cowen, FF - Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Micheál Martin, FF - Minister for Health & Children
- Martin Cullen, PD - Minister for the Environment & Local Government
- Noel Dempsey, FF - Minister for Education & Science
- Eamon Ó Cúiv, FF - Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs
- Séamus Brennan, FF - Minister for Transport
- Mary Coughlan, FF - Minister for Social & Family Affairs
- Michael McDowell, PD - Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform
- John O'Donoghue, FF - Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism
- Dermot Ahern, FF - Minister for Communications & the Marine
- Michael Smith, FF - Minister for Defence
- Joe Walsh, FF - Minister for Agriculture & Food
The Government, in accordance with statute law, subsequently appointed 17 Ministers of State (junior ministers).
Additional reading