A no confidence motion in the Government is set to be tabled by Sinn Féin following growing anger over the handling of fuel protests, according to David Cullinane.

Speaking in Waterford as demonstrations continued, the party’s health spokesperson confirmed the move, describing the Government’s response to the crisis as “disgraceful”.

Motion to be brought to the Dáil

Cullinane said the no confidence motion would be introduced at the earliest opportunity in the Dáil.

“We will table the motion at the first available opportunity,” he said.
“We are the largest opposition party and we do not have confidence in this Government.”

He confirmed that the motion would target the leadership of the coalition, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and senior ministers.

Criticism of Government response

The Waterford TD strongly criticised how the Government has handled the ongoing protests and wider cost-of-living pressures.

“The handling of this has been absolutely appalling from the get-go,” he said.
“They have let people down and abandoned ordinary working families.”

Cullinane argued that the no confidence motion reflects widespread frustration among people struggling with rising costs.

“People cannot afford heating oil, electricity or groceries. Everything is going up and there has been no meaningful action,” he said.

Anger on the ground in Waterford

The announcement came as protests continued in Waterford, with roads closed and large crowds gathering in the city centre.

Cullinane said he had met with protesters, including hauliers, farmers and workers, earlier in the day.

“People are to the pin of their collar and they are angry,” he said.
“That anger is clear to see on the streets.”

Call for broader support measures

While acknowledging that some supports may be introduced, Cullinane said any Government package must go beyond targeted sectors.

“There has to be support for businesses, but also for ordinary working families who are struggling every day,” he said.

He insisted that the State has the resources to respond, pointing to budget surpluses in recent years.

Pressure on coalition partners

Cullinane also warned that the no confidence motion will test the position of independent TDs supporting the Government.

“They cannot speak from both sides of their mouth,” he said.
“They will have to decide whether they stand with ordinary people or continue to support this Government.”

Vote expected to intensify political pressure

The planned no confidence motion is expected to intensify political pressure in the coming days as protests continue and disruption spreads.

Cullinane said Sinn Féin will use the vote to challenge what he described as a “do-nothing government”.

“We will be making our views heard very strongly in the Dáil next week,” he said.

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