London, Dec 3 (IANS) – Ireland's ruling coalition of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael has retained power in the country’s general election but fell just short of a majority in the Dáil Éireann, Ireland's lower house of parliament.
Election Results
Fianna Fáil: 48 seats
Fine Gael: 38 seats
Sinn Féin (main opposition): 39 seats
Green Party: 1 seat (down from 12)
Together, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael secured 86 seats, just two shy of the 88-seat majority needed in the 174-seat Dáil.
Key Highlights
Green Party Collapse:
The Green Party, which was a junior coalition partner in the last government, suffered a significant defeat, retaining only 1 seat after holding 12 in the previous term.
Historic Low Turnout:
Voter turnout was only 59.7%, the lowest in over a century, reflecting widespread voter apathy.
Coalition Prospects
Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have ruled out forming a coalition with Sinn Féin, despite its strong showing as the largest opposition party with 39 seats.
The incumbent parties are now expected to seek smaller coalition partners to form a stable government, likely focusing on independent lawmakers or smaller parties to bridge the gap.
Challenges Ahead
The next government will face several pressing issues:
Housing Crisis: Ireland’s ongoing housing shortage and affordability issues remain a top voter concern.
Economic Management: Post-pandemic economic recovery and navigating EU trade relations will be critical.
Sinn Féin’s Growing Influence: The party's increasing popularity signals a shift in Ireland's political landscape, potentially challenging the traditional dominance of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
The coming days will be crucial as coalition talks begin to determine the formation of Ireland's next government.