Cost-of-living protests reveal growing anger at Government and a vacuum in Irish politics

Fuel protests have exposed a growing disconnect in Irish politics, leaving parties scrambling to reconnect with disaffected voters

(Left to right) Tánaiste Simon Harris, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister of State Sean Canney in The Courtyard at Government Buildings on Wednesday, April 8. Much of the criticism of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste from within their own ranks has focused on what their handling of the crisis said about their respective parties' ability to understand rural Ireland. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

"There is another lesson here and it is a lesson for those in government. The people on the streets are more powerful than the people who are supposedly in power. We have seen the power of ordinary people in the past week, and this must now be the start of a new phase of militant, effective protest involving trade unions and communities mobilising for action on behalf of everyone in the context of the cost-of-living crisis."

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy's contribution to Tuesday's government confidence motion was quickly overshadowed by the departure of junior minister Michael Healy-Rae from government, but could have even further-reaching ramifications than the departure of the Kerryman from the Government benches in the Dáil chamber.