Over a week on from the general election, parties are finally getting into the business of government formation.
After the general election, Fianna Fáil emerged as the biggest party with 48 seats. They were followed by Sinn Féin (39 seats), Fine Gael (38 seats), Labour and the Social Democrats (both 11 seats).
Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have ruled out going into government with Sinn Féin, meaning the pair are all but certain to go back into a coalition government.
They sit on 86 seats, two short of a majority, but will likely seek around 90 seats for a solid majority. The Labour Party and Social Democrats are the obvious kingmakers with 11 seats each.
However, both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are understood to prefer the option of a deal with Independent TDs.
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin met for talks on Monday, and said their negotiating teams will begin government formation talks on Tuesday.
Which parties would you like to see in the next government? Let us know in the poll below.
What parties would you like to form the next government?
- Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents
- Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and Independents
- Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Labour Party
- Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Social Democrats
- Other combination (let us know in the comments).
