Irish Labour Engages in Coalition Talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael

Labour leader Ivana Bacik discusses policy priorities as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael seek a junior partner to form a majority government.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with a combined 86 seats, fall two seats short of a majority in Ireland’s Dáil parliament after last month’s general election.
Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik met separately with Taoiseach Simon Harris of Fine Gael and Tánaiste Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil to explore potential coalition participation.
Key policy areas discussed included housing, health, climate, workers’ rights, and disability services, reflecting Labour's stated priorities.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have ruled out collaborating with Sinn Féin, focusing instead on Labour or the Social Democrats, each holding 11 seats, as potential junior partners.
Critics from left-wing parties, including People Before Profit-Solidarity, have urged Labour to avoid joining a coalition, warning of potential political risks based on past experiences.