The 28th government of Ireland (7 May 2008 – 9 March 2011) was led by Brian Cowen as Taoiseach and lasted 2 years, 306 days.

The Progressive Democrats disbanded in November 2009 and Mary Harney continued as an Independent member of the government until 20 January 2011.

It was also supported by four independent TDs: Beverley Flynn, Jackie Healy-Rae, Michael Lowry and Finian McGrath.

[2][5] On 14 June 2007, Ahern announced to the Dáil that the government on his nomination would re-appoint Tom Kitt, TD to the post of Minister for State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility as Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Defence, and would appoint Dick Roche, TD to the position of Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, with special responsibility for European Affairs.

[26] On 28 November 2007, a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney was proposed by Jan O'Sullivan for the Labour Party.

It was initially composed of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party, the Progressive Democrats and supported by independent TDs Jackie Healy-Rae, Michael Lowry and Finian McGrath.

Following the disbandment of the Progressive Democrats in 2009, it became a coalition of Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and Mary Harney, continuing as an Independent minister.

[47] Resignation of Mary Harney, Noel Dempsey, Dermot Ahern, Batt O'Keeffe and Tony Killeen.

[50][33][36] On 7 May 2008, Cowen announced that the government would on his nomination appoint Pat Carey, Barry Andrews, Trevor Sargent, and Dick Roche as ministers of state.

He then nominated a reduced number of 15 ministers of state for appointment by the government as part of cost-cutting measures due to the Irish financial crisis.

[74][75] Those not reappointed were Noel Ahern, John McGuinness, Michael Kitt, Seán Power, Máire Hoctor, Mary Wallace and Jimmy Devins.

[105] On 17 February 2010, a motion of confidence in Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea proposed by Taoiseach Brian Cowen was approved with 80 votes in favour and 69 against.