Second General Election Gambled Before Count

The chances of a second general election being required to solve the arithmetic surrounding a new government have been gambled as results continued to pour in on Monday.

Mary Lou McDonald claimed an election victory after Sinn Féin won the highest popular vote, but with three parties finishing so close in terms of seats, a complex set of negotiations are expected to commence in an attempt to thrash out a deal to form a coalition.

Ireland hasn’t staged two general elections in the same year since 1982, but we have cut that prospect into just 11/4,

…a price that had been out at 10/1 when polling stations opened on Saturday morning.

A Fianna Fáil/Sinn Féin/Green Party coalition was the big mover however having plummeted into 5/2 from 12/1 on Monday morning.

Micheál Martin has appeared to soften his pre-election policy on going into government with Sinn Féin and the prospect of the two parties going into coalition without any others is still a big player at 4/1.

*Prices correct at time of publication

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