Prime Minister Enda Kenny has announced that the nation will vote February 26 in an election that pits his coalition government against opposition leaders critical of his handling of Ireland’s bailout and economic recovery.
Advertisement
Kenny’s political fate could be sealed by the performance of Ireland’s smaller Labor Party, which governs in coalition with Fine Gael but is expected to suffer heavy losses.
If they fail to close that gap, a less stable outcome beckons, with a minority government, a larger coalition including independent deputies or fresh elections all possible. “(Now) our public finances are back on track, our economy is growing again… and there is no more bailout”, he said in a video on Twitter. Sitting Mayo TD John O’Mahony will contest the election in Galway West with the four remaining TDs, Enda Kenny, Michael Ring, Dara Calleary and Michelle Mulherin all looking to retain their seats.
Kenny highlighted his record of turning around Ireland’s economic fortunes much faster, and more strongly, than any economic commentator could have envisioned five years ago. Labour is unchanged on 7 percent.
Advertisement
Both parties have also ruled out joining with Sinn Fein. Please see our terms of service for more information.
