Irish government survives no-confidence motion

The Irish coalition government on Tuesday overcame a vote of no confidence over its handling of the fuel crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.

After a heated debate in parliament, the government won the vote, with 92 votes to 78.

Tuesday’s motion of no confidence was introduced by the main opposition party, Sinn Fein.

Transporters and agricultural contractors in Ireland have launched a series of protests over the past week over spiraling petrol and diesel prices.

At an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday, the government announced new tax cuts after protests threatened the operation of the country’s emergency services.

The cuts included a 10 cent per liter cut in diesel and petrol and the postponement of a planned carbon tax rise from May until the next government budget in October.

Last week’s protests grew from slow-moving convoys on motorways and restricted access to Dublin’s busiest roads to a partial blockade of Ireland’s only oil refinery and restricted access to at least two other fuel depots.

(cz)