DUBLIN – Ireland’s two leading centre-right parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, have taken a significant step toward forming a coalition government by securing support from a group of independent lawmakers. On Wednesday, Verona Murphy, a member of the Regional Independent Group, was elected as speaker of the lower house of parliament with the backing of both parties.
The Nov. 29 election left Fine Gael, led by Prime Minister Simon Harris, and Fianna Fail, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin, just two seats short of the 88 required for a governing majority. Their most viable options include aligning with either a bloc of independent lawmakers or one of two smaller centre-left parties, Labour or the Social Democrats.
While negotiations with the centre-left parties continue, political analysts view a deal with the independents as the more likely path to a stable government. The election of Murphy, one of nine members of the Regional Independent Group, is being seen as a strategic move to solidify support.
“This appointment paves the way for government formation,” state broadcaster RTE reported, with Fine Gael issuing a statement confirming its backing of Murphy “to support overall government formation.”
The speaker’s role is one of the most prestigious and well-compensated in Irish politics, underscoring its significance in coalition negotiations. Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have expressed optimism about finalizing a coalition agreement by early next year.
The anticipated coalition would mark another chapter in the historic collaboration between the rival parties, which have previously joined forces to provide stability in Ireland’s fragmented political landscape.