Government expected to table motion of confidence in Simon Harris today

The move comes in response to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín confirming that he could table a motion of no confidence in the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader next week.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said the Government would address the motion of no confidence in him 'swiftly', noting that it was not a surprise. Picture: Carla Feric

A motion of confidence in Tánaiste Simon Harris, tabled by the Government, is expected to be debated in the Dáil today.

This is despite suggestions that Aontú would table a different, no-confidence motion targeting the Government next Wednesday, if the Coalition acted to defend Mr Harris today.

On Tuesday, Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín confirmed he could table a motion of no confidence in Mr Harris next week.

The party scheduled the motion to be debated next Wednesday, just two days before polling day in the presidential election on Friday, October 24.

The Irish Examiner understands that a motion of confidence in the Tánaiste will be debated today at lunchtime, after leaders’ questions at 12pm. The opposition was informed of the schedule change on Tuesday evening.

Speaking at the Raco conference in Trim, Mr Harris said the Government would address the motion of no confidence in him "swiftly", noting that it was not a surprise.

Some in opposition suggested that Mr Tóibín gave the Government too much notice that the motion of no confidence would be tabled for next week.

They told the Irish Examiner that it may be "impossible for the Government to avoid" having to debate a confidence motion next week, just days before the presidential election.

They noted that Aontú has not published the wording of its motion of no confidence in Mr Harris, and does not have to submit the motion to the Oireachtas until Friday morning. 

It is scheduled to be debated next Wednesday.

The Irish Examiner understands that the party does not intend to publish the wording until either Thursday evening or Friday morning.

Sources suggested that if the Government moved to put down a motion of confidence today, it may not "negate" or "counter" the wording in the motion.

One source stated that if the Government put down a motion of confidence in Mr Harris this week, Mr Tóibín could change his motion to one of no confidence in the Government. This would result in the Government having to table a second motion of confidence in itself next week.

"It is going to be impossible for them to avoid a motion next week," one source said.

However, one senior Government source said this would be “silly”, with another saying that the public would “see through it” as a “political stunt”.