Micheál Martin, who was poised to be elected as Ireland's new Taoiseach today, slammed the chaotic Dáil proceedings as a "subversion of the Irish Constitution."

Government leaders have accused the Opposition of engaging in a "subversion of the Constitution" by not electing a taoiseach, while Opposition politicians have said the Government is engaging in a "farce" by allowing TDs who support the Government to speak on Opposition time and resources.

The election of taoiseach (Irish prime minister) has been delayed after the Dáil (lower house of Irish parliament) was suspended amid chaotic scenes in the chamber. Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said the disruption was utterly farcical describing it as an effort to "obstruct and shout down,