Irish Political Parties Enter Talks to Form New Coalition Government

Fianna Fáil leads negotiations after election victory, with Fine Gael and other parties vying for key roles in potential agreements.

Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party in the recent general election, securing 48 seats, but fell short of the 88-seat majority needed to form a government independently.
Talks between Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris are set to intensify, with a focus on policy alignment and coalition terms.
Fine Gael has emphasized that their participation in any coalition would depend on adherence to their manifesto pledges and policy priorities.
Sinn Féin, which won 39 seats, has criticized Fianna Fáil for prioritizing negotiations with Fine Gael, while left-leaning parties and independents explore their roles in the post-election landscape.
Key issues in the talks include the potential continuation of the rotating Taoiseach arrangement and the distribution of ministerial roles, with Fianna Fáil's stronger position expected to influence the coalition structure.