successive Irish governments and the beef industry. However, this revealed to the public a substantial conflict of opinion between the two party leaders. At the tribunal Desmond O'Malley severely criticised Reynolds, in his capacity as Minister for Industry and Commerce, for an export credit scheme. When Reynolds gave evidence he referred to O'Malley as "dishonest", the Progressive Democrats left the government on 4 November 1992. On 5 November, Reynolds proposed a motion of confidence in the Taoiseach and the government. The motion was defeated with 77 voting in favour to 88 voting against. Reynolds then sought a dissolution of the Dáil, which was granted by the Presidential Commission and the 1992 general election was held on 25 November. Resignation and succession The 27th Dáil first met on 14 December 1992. The Dáil did not successfully nominate anyone for the position of Taoiseach on that day, with Albert Reynolds, John Bruton and Dick Spring being defeated. Reynolds resigned as Taoiseach but under the provisions of Article 28.11 of the Constitution, the members of the government continued to carry out their duties until their successors were appointed. The 23rd Government of Ireland was formed on 12 January 1993 as a coalition between Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party, with Albert Reynolds again serving as Taoiseach. See also Dáil Éireann Constitution of Ireland Politics of the Republic of Ireland References 1989 establishments in Ireland 1993 disestablishments in Ireland 26th Dáil Cabinets established in 1989 Cabinets disestablished in 1992 Cabinets established in 1992 Cabinets disestablished in 1993 Coalition governments of Ireland Governments of Ireland