Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris have released a joint statement today about the importance of having “a stable Government”.
Following the 2024 general election, Fianna Fáil emerged victorious with 48 seats, and Fine Gael secured 38, bringing their combined total to 86. This leaves the two parties—widely anticipated to form a coalition—just two seats shy of an overall majority.
The only other Dáil party comparable in size to the two main Government parties is Sinn Féin, at 39 seats. However, both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael both repeatedly and emphatically ruled out going into Government with Sinn Fein prior to the election, meaning the two Civil War parties seem destined to return to Government with one another, with much speculation as to what group or party they might rope into a coalition to make up the remaining numbers required.
The speculation is that both parties would prefer to fill the gap with Independents rather than a smaller party like the Social Democrats or Labour Party.
In a statement today, the two party leaders today said they had met today and “had a positive, constructive engagement.”
“The Taoiseach and Tanaiste agreed the need for a stable Government, underpinned by mutual respect and clear policy direction, for the next five years, so that it can deliver for the Irish people in face of great challenges,” the statement read.
“The two party leaders have now asked their negotiating teams to commence talks tomorrow.”
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has appointed the party’s Deputy leader, Helen McEntee, as lead negotiator for his party, backed up by Paschal Donohoe.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil’s team is led by Jack Chambers, and backed up by Norma Foley, among others.
Much of the discussion is expected to centre around issues like how a new Government might approach a rotating Taoiseach arrangement for the next 5 years, given that Fine Gael is clearly the junior coalition partner with 10 seats less than Fianna Fáil, meaning their bargaining position may be seen as weaker.
Last week, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris warned that his party’s presence in the next government can’t be “taken for granted”, saying: “I wouldn’t take my party for granted, and I think fewer public musings and more concrete engagement is the way to proceed.”