Government of the 22nd Dáil
Government of Ireland 1981 to 1982
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The 17th government of Ireland (30 June 1981 – 9 March 1982) was the government of Ireland formed after the 1981 general election to the 22nd Dáil. It was a minority coalition government of Fine Gael and the Labour Party led by Garret FitzGerald as Taoiseach and lasted for 252 days.
17th government of Ireland | |
|---|---|
Government of Ireland | |
.jpg) Garrett FitzGerald | |
| Date formed | 30 June 1981 |
| Date dissolved | 9 March 1982 |
| People and organisations | |
| President | Patrick Hillery |
| Taoiseach | Garret FitzGerald |
| Tánaiste | Michael O'Leary |
| Total no. of members | 15 |
| Member parties | |
| Status in legislature | Minority Coalition |
| Opposition party | Fianna Fáil |
| Opposition leader | Charles Haughey |
| History | |
| Election | 1981 general election |
| Legislature terms | |
| Predecessor | 16th government |
| Successor | 18th government |
Nomination of Taoiseach
The 22nd Dáil first met on 30 June 1981. In the debate on the nomination of Taoiseach, Fianna Fáil leader and outgoing Taoiseach Charles Haughey, and Fine Gael leader Garret FitzGerald were both proposed.[1] The nomination of Haughey was defeated with 79 votes in favour to 83 against, while the nomination of FitzGerald was carried with 81 in favour and 78 against. FitzGerald was appointed as Taoiseach by President Patrick Hillery.[2]
| 30 June 1981 Nomination of Garret FitzGerald (FG) as Taoiseach[3] Motion proposed by Oliver J. Flanagan and seconded by Ivan Yates Absolute majority: 84/166 | ||
| Vote | Parties | Votes |
|---|---|---|
 Yes | Fine Gael (65), Labour Party (15), Jim Kemmy (1) | 81 / 166 |
| No | Fianna Fáil (78) | 78 / 166 |
| Not voting | Ceann Comhairle (1), Socialist Labour Party (1), Sinn Féin The Workers' Party (1), Independent Fianna Fáil (1), Seán Dublin Bay Rockall Loftus (1) | 5 / 166 |
| In prison | Anti H-Block (2) | 2 / 166 |
Government ministers
After his appointment as Taoiseach by the president, Garret FitzGerald proposed the members of the government and they were approved by the Dáil.[2] They were appointed by the president on the same day.[4]
- Notes
Attorney General
On 30 July 1981, Peter Sutherland SC was appointed by the president as Attorney General on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[2][4]
Ministers of state
On 30 June 1981, the Government appointed Ministers of State on the nomination of the Taoiseach.[4]
Budget
On 27 January 1982, the Minister for Finance John Bruton proposed the budget, which was rejected by the Dáil.[16][17]
| 27 January 1982 Financial Resolutions, 1982[18] Absolute majority: 84/166 | ||
| Vote | Parties | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Fine Gael (65), Labour Party (15), Socialist Labour Party (1) | 81 / 166 |
 No | Fianna Fáil (78), Sinn Féin The Workers' Party (1), Independent Fianna Fáil (1), Jim Kemmy (1), Seán Dublin Bay Rockall Loftus (1) | 82 / 166 |
| Not voting | Ceann Comhairle (1) | 1 / 166 |
| In prison | Anti H-Block (1) | 1 / 166 |
| Vacancy | 1 | 1 / 166 |
The Taoiseach sought a dissolution of the Dáil, which was granted by the president, leading to the February 1982 general election.