Fuel protests have Ireland's government facing possible no-confidence vote

World Fuel protests have Ireland's government facing possible no-confidence vote April 14, 20269:56 AM ET By  The Associated Press Cyclists ride past tractors blocking O'Connell Street on the fifth day of the National Fuel Protest, in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday. Peter Morrison/AP hide caption toggle caption Peter Morrison/AP LONDON — Ireland 's government could face a no-confidence vote Tuesday in Parliament over how it has handled a week of fuel protests that blocked access to oil supplies and a major port and caused massive traffic jams. Prime Minister Micheál Martin announced new tax cuts to try to end the crisis that began after the U.S.-Israel war on Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for the world's oil. But opposition parties blasted the government for failing to respond sooner and criticized the aid it offered. Sponsor Message Sinn Fein, the largest opposition party, called for the no-confidence vote scheduled Tuesday evening. But Martin's coalition government has scheduled an earlier vote of support that could make the no-confidence motion moot if passed. Middle East conflict Why Trump's attacks and threats to Iran's Kharg Island are a big deal The passage of a no-confidence vote would force the ruling government to resign and lead to either Parliament voting on a new prime minister to form a government or triggering a new general election. The Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit, Aontu, The Green Party and Independent Ireland have said they would back the motion. Middle East conflict The U.S. military says it will blockade Iranian ports as Iran peace talks collapse Protests began April 7 with slow-moving convoys clogging roadways. They grew as word spread on social media as truckers, farmers and taxi and bus operators blocked key infrastructure and the main thoroughfare in the capital, Dublin. Demonstrators called for price caps or tax cuts to alleviate soaring fuel costs they said will drive people out of bu...