Ireland is in the midst of a closely contested election race, with polls showing the centre-right incumbents Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in a tight competition with the leftist-nationalist Sinn Fein. Irish voters began casting their ballots on Friday, with all three parties hovering around 20 percent support.
If the polling results hold on election day, it is likely that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will return to power after forming a coalition following an inconclusive election in 2020. The centre-right parties made this historic pact after refusing to work with Sinn Fein due to its past connections to the Irish Republican Army.
The campaign has been dominated by issues related to the cost of living, particularly a severe housing shortage that has led to soaring rents and property prices. While Ireland’s public finances are strong, there is widespread frustration over the government’s management of public services, including housing.
Despite leading in polls throughout the campaign, Fine Gael saw a slip in support after a viral encounter between leader Simon Harris and an angry care worker. Sinn Fein, which had been leading in polls for years, has seen support decline due to disconnect on immigration policy.
Counting of the ballots in Ireland’s 43 constituencies will begin on Saturday morning, with the final result expected to be delayed due to the country’s proportional representation system. The election outcome will shape Ireland’s political landscape for the coming years.
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