Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Begin Coalition Talks After Constructive Meeting

The two largest center-right parties in Ireland aim to form a government but will require support from a smaller party or independents to secure a majority.

• Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders Micheál Martin and Simon Harris described their meeting on Monday as 'positive and constructive' and have instructed their teams to begin formal negotiations.
• The two parties, which led the previous coalition government, currently hold a combined 86 seats, two short of the 88 needed for a parliamentary majority in the Dáil.
• Both parties have ruled out forming a coalition with Sinn Féin, the largest opposition party, which won 39 seats in the recent election.
• Potential junior coalition partners include the Labour Party and Social Democrats, while talks with independent lawmakers are also being pursued to secure additional support.
• Discussions around the structure of the coalition, including the possibility of a rotating Taoiseach and ministerial roles, remain unresolved as negotiations commence.

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