Biggest Irish Parties Signal Ready for First Grand Coalition
- Arch rivals Fine Gael and Fianna Fail may have majority
- Onus is on to form stable government, Fianna Fail says
Irish Prime Minister and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny addresses the media after voting at the St Anthony's Primary School in Castlebar, western Ireland, on Feb. 26, during a general election.
Photographer: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Ireland’s two biggest parties opened the door for an unprecedented grand coalition, burying decades of rancor in a bid to avoid the political instability which has enveloped fellow bailed-out nations Spain and Portugal.
Prime Minister Enda Kenny’s Fine Gael secured 25 percent in Friday’s election, according to a poll for broadcaster RTE, released on Saturday. Traditional rival Fianna Fail secured 21 percent. Under Ireland’s electoral system, about 44 percent is needed for an overall majority.