| Author (Corporate) | Cardiff EDC (Compiler) |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Content Type | News, Overview |
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Summary: Reports, analyses and information related to the legislative election taking place in Ireland on 8 February 2020. Further information: The Irish political system has traditionally been dominated by centre-right parties Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. The latter was engaged in a confidence and supply agreement with Fine Gael, which allowed this party to carry ou a minority government led by Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar. The Prime Minister sought the dissolution of the Dáil Éireann (the lower house of Ireland's Parliament) on 14 January 2020. The housing crisis in the country - which caused considerable inter-generational debate and seen as a major cause for homelessness - became one of the central issues of the political campaign. The statutory retirement age - set to rise - was also a big topic ahead of the election. The incument party was hoping to return to cabinet on a wave of support over Ireland's economic situation and the government's handling of Brexit negotiations, but both issues appeared to stay away from the main concerns of the voters. Most of the parties running in this election put forward a message of need for a change, considering the traditional dominance of Fine Gael. Pre-electoral polls suggested an upwards trajectory for left-wing party Sinn Féin. The electoral system in Ireland led to a slow understanding of the full electoral results. Sinn Féin won the popular vote, ahead of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, bringing to an end the two-party dominance. However, the party did not elect enough seats to form a majority in Parliament and talks for the formation of a government were predicted to be extensive. |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Subject Tags | National Politics, Parliamentary | Legislative Elections |
| Countries / Regions | Ireland |
