Labour Backed For Government As Green Options Fade

The prospect of the Labour Party entering government along with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil has been gambled heavily over the past week, after Leo Varadkar insisted a working majority and third party was a necessity.

Outgoing leader Brendan Howlin had previously favoured going into opposition after Labour returned to the Dáil with only six seats following February’s general election. But with Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Alan Kelly fighting it out for leadership of the party, they are now being encouraged into a rethink by their own Cork East TD, Seán Sherlock.

With Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour TDs still falling short of the 80 required for a majority, a coalition with all three parties and Independents is now a 9/4 shot with BoyleSports having been out at 12/1 just a week ago.

Eamon Ryan’s consistent preference for a government of national unity has seen coalition options involving the Green Party deserted by punters, with the chances of them joining Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in government pushed out to 12/1 from a low of 13/8 at the beginning of March.

At 9/4 from 12/1 it’s now one of the most likely outcomes.

*Prices correct at time of publication.