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"Angry protesters rallied outside the Irish parliament in Dublin on Tuesday over the increase in energy prices, as the ruling coalition survived a confidence vote over its handling of fuel protests. Footage shows people chanting against Ireland’s Deputy Premier and Finance Minister, Simon Harris. A heavy police contingent surrounded the protest to prevent any violence, as politicians in opposition to the government's stance expressed their support. Although the government survived the vote, it suffered a dent in its majority after two of its lawmakers resigned over the crisis, including Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Healy-Rae. “I’m only one person, I’m one vote along with my brother, but it’s up to the other people what they do. What's next for me is to continue working for the people,” said Healy-Rae, after tending his resignation. "There is absolutely no way that any other independent TD should be backing this government," said Peadar Toibin of the Aontu party. "Michael Healy-Rae—he has walked away because he has a backbone—and I’m pleading with the other individuals to do so. But I will say in relation to this: this is the most chaotic government that I have ever seen.” Other members of Ireland’s lower house also engaged with the protesters, voicing support. “We want to bring this government to account," said Michael Collins, TD and leader of the Independent Ireland Party. "They cannot keep attacking the ordinary people, the ordinary hard-working citizens of this country." “The government has done so much damage in the country now they can’t really do any more, so no matter what they do in the rest of their term, they can’t fix what they've done,” said William Carton from the Independent Ireland party. A protester named Bridget claimed that, “The crown never left Ireland, hence why these traitors always turn on the Irish people.” “We have the highest electricity prices in Europe by an absolute mile, and no reception there. We asked for that to be reduced, but it wasn’t even looked at,” protest organiser James Geoghegan said. This comes after massive, days-long protests by hauliers and agricultural contractors choked major highways and thoroughfares across the country, leaving about a third of Ireland's petrol stations without fuel last week. The protests ended after the Irish government announced a 500 million euro package to support those 'most impacted' by the fuel crisis. Diesel prices have risen by more than 20 per cent in recent weeks, following disruptions linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route."
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