Fianna Fail To Win Irish Election

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

20 May 2002

The result of Ireland's general election was hanging on recounts in a number of key seats late on Sunday, but it was becoming clear that current senior coalition partner Fianna Fail will just fail to achieve the 84 seats needed for an overall majority in the 166-seat Dail, lower house of parliament..

Fianna Fail's leader, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern said that it was likely that Fianna Fail would renew its existing coalition with the Progressive Democrats.

"I have always said that coalition with the PDs was my preferred option for government," said Mr Ahern, "They have been my very honourable colleagues in government. Our relationship has been very good. We are very proud of the government we led for a record period in the history of this state."

Fianna Fail is expected to get 81 or 82 seats, while the Progressive Democrats are doing better than expected with six seats and may win another two. PD leader, Mary Harney, who is Tanaiste (Finance Minister) in the current administration, said:

"We will have to sit down and reflect on the results and see what is in the best interests of the country. A lot depends on the outcome of the votes still being counted. We would not run away from government, but would only be there if we thought we would have a meaningful role, and were genuinely in power having our policy agenda implemented. The last government worked extremely well and we ran the election as an independent party in government."

As of Sunday evening, Fianna Fail stands at 80 seats, Fine Gael has 31, Labour has 19, Progressive Democrats has 6, Sinn Fein 5, Greens 6 and independents 14. Fianna Fail won 41.5% per cent of the national first preference vote, up 2.2% on 1997 while Fine Gael’s support fell 5.5% to 22.5%.

Recommended