Irish General Election 2024: the new normalcy of Irish politics is here to stay

Abstract

The 2024 Irish General Election, held on 29 November, was the final act of a tumultuous political year. After two referendums, the resignation of Leo Varadkar from office, and local and European elections, the stage was set for an early general election. However, when the dust settled and results became known, it appeared that the Irish electorate had chosen stability over change. Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party, followed by its coalition partner, Fine Gael. Sinn Féin, the main opposition party, received a mixed result and was not in a position to form a new government. The Green Party was virtually wiped out, while Labour and Social Democrats almost doubled their seat count. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were able to form a new government with some Independents. Thus, it appears that Ireland has accepted the political realignment in which Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael govern in coalition, Sinn Féin is the main opposition, and the party system continues to fragment.