The Political Dynamics Between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael

As They Negotiate a New Coalition Government

Recent stories in both the Irish Times and Independent indicate that Fianna Fáil will be looking to capitalise on their ten-seat advantage over Fine Gael as the shape of the new governing coalition drifts closer into view. This comes after Fine Gael sources sought earlier in the week to once again emphasise “parity of esteem” as the non-negotiable basis for developing a program for government and divvying out the spoils of executive power.

There has been some commentary since the final Dáil numbers came in suggesting that leaving it until after Christmas to formally establish the government is imprudent given the risky global trade and geopolitical climate. Others might argue it’s just plain unnecessary given that FF-FG has already demonstrated a cohesive working relationship in the office, and the gene pool independents will be happy to make up the numbers required for a majority at relatively low cost and no ideological discontinuity.

The abstract notion of “parity of esteem” bumping …