Former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has hinted that Ireland may see another Fine Gael-Fianna Fail coalition government following the recent local and European elections. Fine Gael secured 245 council seats and Fianna Fail won 248, while both parties earned four seats each in the European Parliament. Sinn Fein, the main opposition party, secured 102 council seats, fewer than expected.
Speaking in Belfast, Varadkar noted that a coalition between two equally powerful parties could provide stability, especially after the general election. This speculation arises as Prime Minister Simon Harris considers calling an early general election this autumn, encouraged by the current electoral success.
Varadkar also acknowledged that general elections present different challenges compared to local and European elections. He recalled that Fine Gael had performed well in local and European elections five years ago but experienced a significant drop in the general election eight months later.
Currently, Ireland is governed by a coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and the Green Party.