2020 Irish general election#Government formation

Since the 2016 Irish general election, Fine Gael had led a minority government with the support of Independent TDs, including the Independent Alliance. It relied on a confidence and supply agreement with Fianna Fáil.

On 3 December 2019, a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy proposed by Catherine Murphy for the Social Democrats was defeated, with 53 votes in favour to 56 votes against and 35 registered abstentions.{{Cite web |date=3 December 2019 |title=Confidence in the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] – Votes – Dáil Éireann (32nd Dáil) – 3 December 2019 |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/vote/dail/32/2019-12-03/152/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204113109/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/vote/dail/32/2019-12-03/152/ |archive-date=4 December 2019 |access-date=22 December 2019 |website=Houses of the Oireachtas}} On 9 January 2020, Independent TD Michael Collins called for a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health Simon Harris.{{Cite web |last=Ó Cionnaith |first=Fiachra |date=9 January 2020 |title=TD calling for no-confidence vote in Simon Harris |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2020/0109/1105248-politics-no-confidence-motion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110160939/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2020/0109/1105248-politics-no-confidence-motion/ |archive-date=10 January 2020 |access-date=22 January 2020 |publisher=RTÉ News}} On 14 January, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar sought a dissolution of the Dáil which was granted by the president, with the 33rd Dáil to convene on 20 February at 12 noon.{{Cite web |date=14 January 2020 |title=President signs warrant for the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil |url=https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-signs-warrant-for-the-dissolution-of-the-32nd-dail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114232538/https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-signs-warrant-for-the-dissolution-of-the-32nd-dail |archive-date=14 January 2020 |access-date=22 January 2020 |website=President of Ireland}}{{Cite journal |date=17 January 2020 |title=Forógra (Proclamation) |url=https://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/currentissues/Ir170120.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Iris Oifigiúil |issue=5 |page=90 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125110733/https://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/currentissues/Ir170120.pdf |archive-date=25 January 2020 |access-date=25 January 2020}} The election was set for 8 February, the first time a general election was held on a Saturday since 1918.{{Cite web |date=14 January 2020 |title=Minister Murphy makes an order appointing Saturday 8 February as the General election polling day |url=https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/dail-elections/minister-murphy-makes-order-appointing-saturday-8-february |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131233358/https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/dail-elections/minister-murphy-makes-order-appointing-saturday-8-february |archive-date=31 January 2020 |access-date=22 January 2020 |website=Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government}}{{Cite news |date=8 February 2020 |title=Irish election: first-ever Saturday general election vote |agency=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51416540 |url-status=live |access-date=11 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209142500/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51416540 |archive-date=9 February 2020}}

Members of Dáil Éireann known as TDs (Dáil deputies) were elected by single transferable vote (STV) from 39 constituencies with between three and five seats. Voters complete a paper ballot, numbering candidates 1, 2, 3, etc. in order of their preference. Ballot boxes are sent to the constituency count centre after polls close and are counted the following morning. Voters may mark as many or as few preferences as they wish. Each ballot is initially credited to its first-preference candidate but if the first preference candidate is elected or eliminated on later counts, the vote may be transferred to the next usable preference, in which case it is not used to elect the candidate marked as the first preference. (The vote is only used to elect one candidate in the end or none at all.){{Cite web |title=Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives) |url=http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2153_B.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307215059/http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2153_B.htm |archive-date=7 March 2016 |access-date=24 March 2019 |website=Inter-Parliamentary Union}}; {{cite web |url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1992/act/23/enacted/en/html |title=Electoral Act 1992 [Part XIX] |date=5 November 1992 |access-date=15 January 2020 |website=Irish Statute Book |archive-date=14 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114042407/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1992/act/23/enacted/en/html |url-status=live }} The whole-vote method is used for transfers of surplus votes held by elected candidates.Farrell and McAllister, Australian Electoral Systems, p. 60

As the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, did not announce his retirement, he was automatically returned, and the remaining 159 of the 160 seats were up for election.{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Olivia |date=10 February 2020 |title=Election 2020: Sean Ó Fearghaíl (Fianna Fáil) |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-sean-ó-fearghaíl-fianna-fáil-1.4169080 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222232657/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-sean-%C3%B3-feargha%C3%ADl-fianna-f%C3%A1il-1.4169080 |archive-date=22 February 2020 |access-date=11 February 2020 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}

A Constituency Commission, convened in July 2016 under the provisions of the Electoral Act 1997 with High Court judge Robert Haughton as chair, made recommendations on changes to constituency boundaries after publication of initial population data from the 2016 census.{{Cite web |date=14 July 2016 |title=Commission established to review Dáil and European Constituencies |url=https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/dail-elections/commission-review-dail-and-european-constituencies-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201102514/https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/dail-elections/commission-review-dail-and-european-constituencies-1 |archive-date=1 February 2020 |access-date=1 February 2020 |website=Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government}}{{Cite web |title=Constituency Commission |url=http://www.constituency-commission.ie/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721103051/http://www.constituency-commission.ie/ |archive-date=21 July 2019 |access-date=12 March 2016 |website=www.constituency-commission.ie}} The commission had some discretion but was constitutionally bound to allow no more than a ratio of 30,000 people per elected member, and was required by law to recommend constituencies of three, four or five seats, and to avoid – as far as was practicable – breaching county boundaries. The Commission report, released on 27 June 2017, recommended an increase in the number of TDs from 158 to 160 elected in 39 constituencies.{{Cite web |title=Introduction and summary of recommendations |url=http://www.constituency-commission.ie/docs/Constit-Rep-2012-Chap-1.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119112701/http://www.constituency-commission.ie/docs/Constit-Rep-2012-Chap-1.pdf |archive-date=19 November 2017 |access-date=12 March 2016 |publisher=Constituency Commission 2011 |ref=Constituency Commission Methodology}}{{Cite web |title=Dáil constituencies where no change is recommended |url=http://www.constituency-commission.ie/docs/Constit-Rep-2012-Chap-4.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119112717/http://www.constituency-commission.ie/docs/Constit-Rep-2012-Chap-4.pdf |archive-date=19 November 2017 |access-date=12 March 2016 |publisher=Constituency Commission 2011 |ref=Constituency Commission Population Table}} These changes were implemented by the Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2017.{{Cite web |date=23 December 2017 |title=Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2017 |url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2017/act/39/enacted/en/html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113171422/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2017/act/39/enacted/en/html |archive-date=13 January 2020 |access-date=13 January 2020 |website=Irish Statute Book}}{{Cite web |date=26 January 2018 |title=The January polls and the Impact of the Constituency Commission 2017 report changes: Constituency-level analysis of the Irish Times-Ipsos MRBI (24th January 2018) and Sunday Times- Behaviour & Attitudes (21st January 2018) opinion polls. |url=https://adriankavanaghelections.org/2018/01/26/the-january-polls-and-the-impact-of-the-constituency-commission-2017-report-changes-constituency-level-analysis-of-the-irish-times-ipsos-mrbi-24th-january-2018-and-sunday-times-behaviour-att/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619135039/https://adriankavanaghelections.org/2018/01/26/the-january-polls-and-the-impact-of-the-constituency-commission-2017-report-changes-constituency-level-analysis-of-the-irish-times-ipsos-mrbi-24th-january-2018-and-sunday-times-behaviour-att/ |archive-date=19 June 2019 |access-date=27 January 2017 |publisher=Irish Elections: Geography, Facts and Analyses}} The election of the 33rd Dáil was therefore held using the new boundaries, for 160 seats.

The following members of the 32nd Dáil did not seek re-election.

File:Dail constituencies 2020.svg used in the 2020 election.]]

The campaign officially began after the dissolution of Dáil Éireann on 14 January 2020 and lasted until polling day on 8 February 2020. the Polling was just over a week after the United Kingdom (which includes Northern Ireland) withdrew from the European Union, making it the first major election to be held within the EU after Brexit. The election took place on a Saturday for the first time since the 1918 election.{{Cite news |last=McGing |first=Claire |date=20 January 2020 |title=Election 2020: Saturday voting not a solution for low voter turnout |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/election-2020-saturday-voting-not-a-solution-for-low-voter-turnout-1.4145658 |newspaper=The Irish Times |quote=The cases of Ireland's very limited experience with Saturday voting to date, which includes the second Nice Referendum in 2002, the Children's Referendum in 2012 and a Tipperary South by-election in 2001, did not enhance voter turnout.}} Leo Varadkar said that the change of day was to prevent school closures (many schools in Ireland are used as polling stations) and to make it easy for third-level students and those working away from home to vote.{{Cite web |last=Slattery |first=Joel |date=14 January 2020 |title=Taoiseach explains thinking behind Saturday election |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/taoiseach-explains-thinking-behind-saturday-election-975409.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116032339/https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/taoiseach-explains-thinking-behind-saturday-election-975409.html |archive-date=16 January 2020 |access-date=16 January 2020 |website=BreakingNews}}

Nomination of candidates closed on Wednesday, 22 January. A record number of women were nominated, with 162 of the 531 candidates.{{Cite web |last=McConnell |first=Daniel |date=23 January 2020 |title=Record number of women for 2020 election |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/record-number-of-women-for-2020-election-977190.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131233345/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/record-number-of-women-for-2020-election-977190.html |archive-date=31 January 2020 |access-date=23 January 2020 |website=Irish Examiner}} This was the first Irish general election in which there was a female candidate running in every constituency. If a party does not have a minimum of 30% male and 30% female candidates, it forfeits half of their state funding. At close of nominations, Fine Gael had 30.5% female candidates, Fianna Fáil had 31%, Labour had 32%, Sinn Féin had 33%, People Before Profit had 38%, the Green Party had 41%, and the Social Democrats had 57%, all passing the quota.{{Cite news |last=McAllister |first=Edel |date=23 January 2020 |title=Slight increase in women candidates for General Election |publisher=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0123/1110319-general-election/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131233342/https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0123/1110319-general-election/ |archive-date=31 January 2020}}

Parties contesting a general election for the first time included Aontú, the Irish Freedom Party, the National Party and RISE (as part of S–PBP).

Voter registration via the Supplementary Register of Voters closed on 23 January, with very high registration taking place on the last day – Dublin City Council, for example, reporting 3,500 registrations on the final day allowed, and a total of 14,000 additional registrations, reported to be twice the normal amount for a general election.{{Cite news |last=Kilraine |first=John |date=23 January 2020 |title='Very high' last minute voter registration in Dublin city |publisher=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0123/1110463-voter-registration-dublin-city/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123234847/https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0123/1110463-voter-registration-dublin-city/ |archive-date=23 January 2020}}

On 3 February 2020, the returning officer for Tipperary cancelled the writ of election there, as required by Section 62 of the Electoral Act 1992, after the death of candidate Marese Skehan.{{Cite web |title=Notice of counctermand |url=https://tipperaryreturningofficer.com/index.php/general-election-2020/33-notice-of-countermand |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206092038/https://tipperaryreturningofficer.com/index.php/general-election-2020/33-notice-of-countermand |archive-date=6 February 2020 |access-date=7 February 2020 |website=Tipperary Returning Officer}}; {{cite news |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0203/1112908-marese-skehan/ |title=Tipperary vote postponed after death of candidate |work=RTÉ News |last=Murphy |first=David |date=3 February 2020 |access-date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203235619/https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0203/1112908-marese-skehan/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |url=https://extra.ie/2020/02/04/featured/tipperary-voting-candidate-death |title=Voting in Tipperary to be held February 28 or 29 'at the earliest' following candidate's death |last=Burne |first=Louise |date=4 February 2020 |website=Extra.ie |access-date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=4 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204162451/https://extra.ie/2020/02/04/featured/tipperary-voting-candidate-death |url-status=live }} However, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government formed a view that the 1992 provision breached the constitutional requirement that elections take place within 30 days of a Dáil dissolution, so on 5 February he issued a Special Difficulty Order allowing the election to proceed on the same date as other constituencies.{{Cite news |date=5 February 2020 |title=Electoral staff told Tipperary vote will go ahead on Saturday |publisher=RTÉ News |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0205/1113298-tipperary-vote/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205121202/https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0205/1113298-tipperary-vote/ |archive-date=5 February 2020}}{{Cite web |date=5 February 2020 |title=Special Difficulty Order — Dáil Election in the Tipperary Constituency to be held on 8 February 2020 |url=https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/dail-elections/special-difficulty-order-dail-election-tipperary-constituency |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206092013/https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/dail-elections/special-difficulty-order-dail-election-tipperary-constituency |archive-date=6 February 2020 |access-date=6 February 2020 |website=Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government}}{{Cite ISB |date=5 February 2020 |title=Electoral Act 1992 (Special Difficulty) Order 2020 |year=2020|type=si|num=34 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215213404/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2020/si/34/made/en/print |archive-date=15 February 2020 |access-date=8 February 2020 }} Skehan's name remained on the ballot paper.{{Cite news |last=McConnell |first=Daniel |date=5 February 2020 |title=Marese Skehan's name to remain on ballot with Tipp vote set to go ahead on Saturday |language=en |work=Irish Examiner |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/marese-skehans-name-to-remain-on-ballot-with-tipp-vote-set-to-go-ahead-on-saturday-979896.html |url-status=live |access-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213175756/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/marese-skehans-name-to-remain-on-ballot-with-tipp-vote-set-to-go-ahead-on-saturday-979896.html |archive-date=13 February 2020}}{{Cite news |title=Tipperary |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/results/#/national/tipperary |url-status=live |work=RTÉ News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213130309/https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/results/#/national/tipperary |archive-date=13 February 2020 |access-date=13 February 2020}}

The first leaders' debate took place on Virgin Media One on 22 January, but was restricted to Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin.{{Cite web |last=Duffy |first=Rónán |date=22 January 2020 |title=Personal drug use and a potential grand coalition: The key moments from the first head-to-head TV debate |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/leaders-election-debate-4976185-Jan2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123021906/https://www.thejournal.ie/leaders-election-debate-4976185-Jan2020/ |archive-date=23 January 2020 |access-date=23 January 2020 |website=The Journal}}

A leaders' debate featuring seven party leaders/representatives took place on RTÉ One on Monday 27 January, from NUI Galway.{{Cite web |last=Finn |first=Christina |date=27 January 2020 |title='There's a fair few nutters in every party': The key moments from the RTÉ leaders' TV debate |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/rte-claire-byrne-live-general-election-debate-4982320-Jan2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128041417/https://www.thejournal.ie/rte-claire-byrne-live-general-election-debate-4982320-Jan2020/ |archive-date=28 January 2020 |access-date=28 January 2020 |website=The Journal}}{{Cite web |date=27 January 2020 |title=As it happened: Claire Byrne Live leaders' debate |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0127/1111311-party-leaders-set-to-take-part-in-seven-way-rte-debate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128133340/https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0127/1111311-party-leaders-set-to-take-part-in-seven-way-rte-debate/ |archive-date=28 January 2020 |access-date=28 January 2020 |website=RTÉ}}

On 27 January, RTÉ published an article explaining its rationale as to whom it invited to appear in televised leadership debates.{{Cite news |date=27 January 2020 |title=RTÉ and party leaders' debates explained |publisher=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0127/1111039-rte-party-leaders-debates-explained/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127125405/https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0127/1111039-rte-party-leaders-debates-explained/ |archive-date=27 January 2020}} Aontú announced that it would seek a High Court injunction to prevent the broadcast of the leaders' debate scheduled for the same day but later in the day they announced that they would not proceed with the action.{{Cite news |date=27 January 2020 |title=Aontú will not seek injunction over RTÉ debate |publisher=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/campaign-daily/2020/0127/1111200-high-court-debate/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127133737/https://www.rte.ie/news/campaign-daily/2020/0127/1111200-high-court-debate/ |archive-date=27 January 2020}}

A further RTÉ debate was scheduled for 4 February, again on RTÉ One, and featuring only Varadkar and Martin. Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, had objected to her exclusion, and Sinn Féin threatened legal action if it was excluded from this debate.{{Cite news |last=O'Connell |first=Hugh |date=22 January 2020 |title=Sinn Féin issues legal letter to RTÉ over debate exclusion |work=Irish Independent |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/election-2020/sinn-fein-issues-legal-letter-to-rte-over-debate-exclusion-38887115.html |url-status=live |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123023423/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/election-2020/sinn-fein-issues-legal-letter-to-rte-over-debate-exclusion-38887115.html |archive-date=23 January 2020}} On 3 February, RTÉ announced that it had invited McDonald to participate in the final debate, in part due to Sinn Féin's standing in recent opinion polls, and Sinn Féin confirmed that it would accept the invitation.{{Cite news |date=3 February 2020 |title=Mary Lou McDonald to take part in leaders' debate |publisher=RTÉ News |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/campaign-daily/2020/0203/1112724-rte-election-debate/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203102642/https://www.rte.ie/news/campaign-daily/2020/0203/1112724-rte-election-debate/ |archive-date=3 February 2020}}{{Cite web |last=McDermott |first=Stephen |date=5 February 2020 |title='It'd be like asking John Delaney to take over the FAI again': The key points from tonight's RTÉ debate |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/rte-prime-time-leaders-debate-4992749-Feb2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204225325/https://www.thejournal.ie/rte-prime-time-leaders-debate-4992749-Feb2020/ |archive-date=4 February 2020 |access-date=5 February 2020 |website=The Journal}}

A final debate between the leader of smaller parties took place on 6 February on RTÉ One.

The table below lists all of the nominated candidates. Elected candidates are shown in bold text.

{{cnote|*|Outgoing TD}}

{{Main|Opinion polling for the 2020 Irish general election}}

Opinion polls on voting intentions were conducted regularly. Polls were published on an approximately monthly basis by The Sunday Business Post (which uses the Red C polling company) and The Sunday Times (which used the Behaviour and Attitudes polling company for all of its polls since 2016 until its final poll prior to the election, for which it used Panelbase).

Less frequent polls were published by The Irish Times, Sunday Independent, Irish Mail on Sunday, RTÉ News, and others.

The chart below depicts the results of opinion polls since the previous general election.

File:Ireland 2020 polls.svgs.]]

All opinion polls shown below were commissioned by print or broadcast media outlets, with the exception of the Survation poll conducted up to 2 February 2020, which was commissioned by Sinn Féin.

;{{small|Color key:}}

{{legend2|#EAFFEA|Exit poll|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#D7ECEA|Private poll|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

|data-sort-value="Ipsos05"|Ipsos MRBI/Irish Times{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/irish-times-poll-almost-half-voters-happy-with-varadkar-1.3244652|title='Irish Times' poll: Almost half voters happy with Varadkar|first=Pat|last=Leahy|newspaper=The Irish Times}}{{cite news |title=Irish Times Poll Portal |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poll |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=8 December 2016 |access-date=8 December 2016}}

|1,200

|style="background:#D9E9F4"|31

|29

|19

|4

|2

|2

|3

|0

|1

|9

|-

|{{dts|format=dmy|2017|09|22|}}

|data-sort-value="RedC15"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesspost.ie/more-politics/fg-up-three-points-in-early-poll-boost-7065b8ed|title=FG up three points in early poll boost|website=Business Post}}{{cite web|url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/SBP-September-2017-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf|title=General Election Opinion Poll September 17|last=Colwell|first=Richard|date=26 September 2017|access-date=26 September 2017}}

|1,004

|style="background:#D9E9F4"|30

|26

|16

|5

|4

|4

|2

|1

|2

|10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|09|12}}

| data-sort-value="B&A16"|Behaviour and Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://www.thejournal.ie/opinion-poll-fine-gael-sunday-times-ba-3601980-Sep2017/|title=Fine Gael is riding high in the latest opinion poll|date=17 September 2017 |access-date=18 September 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/Sunday-Times-September-Report-2017.pdf|title=General Election Opinion Poll - September 2017|date=17 September 2017| last=McShane |first=Ian|access-date=18 September 2017}}

| 937

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 33

| 25

| 19

| 5

| 1

| 1

| 2

| 0

| 4

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|07|21}}

| data-sort-value="MB04"|Millward Brown/The Sunday Independent{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2017/0722/892275-opinion-poll-sindo/|website=RTÉ |date=23 July 2017 |access-date=23 July 2017 |title='Support for Fine Gael rises, opinion poll suggests'}}{{cite web |url=http://www.millwardbrown.com/docs/default-source/ireland-downloads/opinion-polls/fine-gael-rise-in-popularity-not-all-down-to-leo-bounce-july-2017-opinion-poll.pdf?sfvrsn=2|publisher=Sunday Independent/Millward Brown |date=23 July 2017 |access-date=3 August 2017|title=National Opinion Poll:July 2017}}

| 956

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 30

| 29

| 20

| 7

| 1

| 0

| 2

| Renua is not mentioned.

| 5

| 7

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|07|11}}

| data-sort-value="B&A15"|Behaviour and Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://www.thejournal.ie/opinion-poll-6-3498684-Jul2017/|title=Micheál Martin is well ahead of Leo Varadkar in the satisfaction ratings|date=16 July 2017|access-date=17 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/Sunday-Times-July-2017-Report.pdf|title=General Election Opinion Poll - July 2017|date=16 June 2017| last=McShane |first=Ian|access-date=17 July 2017}}

| 923

| 29

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 30

| 18

| 5

| 2

| 1

| 2

| 0

| 4

| 9

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|07|05|}}

| data-sort-value="RedC14"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesspost.ie/more-politics/red-c-poll-leo-fails-to-get-leadership-bounce-c0868d3a|title=Red C Poll: Leo fails to get leadership bounce|website=Business Post}}{{cite web|url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/SBP-July-2017-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf|title=General Election Opinion Poll - July 17|last=Colwell|first=Richard|date=9 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017}}

| 1,000

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 27

| 24

| 18

| 6

| 4

| 2

| 4

| 3

| 4

| 8

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|06|10}}

| data-sort-value="B&A14"|Behaviour and Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2017/0610/881724-poll/|title=Increase in support for Fine Gael, opinion poll suggests|website=RTÉ.ie |date=10 June 2017|access-date=5 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/Sunday-Times-Report-Jun-2017.pdf|title=General Election Opinion Poll - June 2017|date=10 June 2017| last=McShane |first=Ian|access-date=5 July 2017}}

| 1,004

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 29

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 29

| 18

| 5

| 1

| 1

| 3

| 1

| 5

| 9

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|05|25}}

| data-sort-value="RedC13"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2017/0527/878366-opinion-poll-sbp/|title=Increase in support for Fine Gael, opinion poll suggests|website=RTÉ.ie |date=27 May 2017|access-date=5 July 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/SBP-May-2017-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf|title=General Election Opinion Poll - May 17|date=28 May 2017|access-date=5 July 2017}}

| 1,004

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 29

| 21

| 15

| 6

| 3

| 4

| 3

| 1

| 3

| 15

|-

| |{{dts|format=dmy|2017|05|13}}

| data-sort-value="B&A13"|Behaviour and Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/fine-gael-remains-irelands-most-popular-party-789600.html |title=Fine Gael remains Ireland's most popular party |date=13 May 2017 |access-date=29 May 2017}}

| 945

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 28

| 27

| 18

| 4

| 1

| 1

| 2

| 1

| 4

| 14

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|04|28}}

| data-sort-value="RedC12"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{Cite web|url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/fianna-fail-extends-lead-over-fine-gael-in-latest-poll-538386|title=Fianna Fáil extends lead over Fine Gael in latest poll|website=Newstalk}}

| 1,004

| 24

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 28

| 18

| 6

| 4

| 4

| 3

| 1

| 2

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|04|11}}

| data-sort-value="B&A12"|Behaviour and Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{Cite web|url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/fine-gael-lead-fianna-fail-in-latest-opinion-poll-540479|title=Fine Gael back on top in new opinion poll|website=Newstalk}}

| 937

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 29

| 28

| 18

| 5

| 2

| 2

| 2

|

|

| 11

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|03|24}}

| data-sort-value="RedC11"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite web |url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SBP-March-2017-Poll-Report-GE16-1.pdf |publisher=Red C/The Sunday Business Post |title=Polling Trends Suggest General Election Unlikely}}

| 1,004

| 24

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 26

| 17

| 6

| 4

| 3

| 4

| 0

| 3

| 13

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|03|08}}

| data-sort-value="B&A11"|Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/Sunday-Times-March-Report-2017.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes March 2017 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=12 March 2017 |access-date=13 March 2017}}

|934

|22

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 28

|23

|6

|2

|1

|2

|0

|6

|9

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|02|28}}

| data-sort-value="Ipsos04"|Ipsos MRBI/Irish Times{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/irish-times-poll-fine-gael-and-fianna-f%C3%A1il-almost-level-1.2994336|newspaper=The Irish Times |last=Leahy |first=Pat|date=2 March 2017 |access-date=30 November 2017 |title=Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil almost level}}{{cite news |title=Irish Times Poll Portal |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poll/poll-march-4th-2017 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=4 March 2017 |access-date=30 November 2017}}

| 1,200

| 28

| style="background:#D3F2D0"|29

| 21

| 4

| 3

| 1

| 3

| Renua is featured in Others.

| 2

| 9

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|02|23}}

| data-sort-value="RedC10"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite web|url=https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/support-sf-surges-new-high-red-c-poll-380485|title=Support for SF surges to new high - Red C poll|last=Brennan|first=Michael|date=25 February 2017|work=The Sunday Business Post|access-date=5 March 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/SBP-February-2017-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf|publisher=Red C/The Sunday Business Post |date=25 February 2017|access-date=5 March 2017|title=Is Fine Gael Leadership Battle All Over or All to Play For?}}

| 1,004

| 24

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 26

| 19

| 4

| 6

| 3

| 4

| 1

| 3

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|02|16}}

| data-sort-value="MB03"|Millward Brown/The Sunday Independent{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/opinion/comment/after-the-ugliest-week-in-years-ff-reemerges-as-poster-boy-35462997.html|publisher=Sunday Independent |date=19 February 2017 |access-date=24 February 2017 |title=After the ugliest week in years, FF re-emerges as poster boy'}}{{cite web |url=http://www.millwardbrown.com/docs/default-source/ireland-downloads/opinion-polls/after_the_ugliest_week_in_years_ff_re-emerges_as_poster_boy-sunday_independent_february-2017.pdf?sfvrsn=2|publisher=Sunday Independent/Millward Brown |date=19 February 2017 |access-date=24 February 2017|title=National Opinion Poll: February 2017}}

| 960

| 25

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 33

| 20

| 6

| 3

| 2

| 2

|

| 5

| 4

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|02|08}}

| data-sort-value="B&A10"|Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/Sunday-Times-Feb-2017-Report.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes February 2017 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=12 February 2017 |access-date=13 February 2017}}

| 955

| 21

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 32

| 19

| 6

| 3

| 2

| 2

| 0

| 5

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|01|26}}

| data-sort-value="RedC09"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite web|url=https://www.businesspost.ie/news/red-c-poll-ff-big-winner-government-support-drops-377154|title=FF big winner as government support drops|last=Brennan|first=Michael|date=28 January 2017|work=The Sunday Business Post|access-date=28 January 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/SBP-January-2017-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf |publisher=Red C/The Sunday Business Post |date=26 January 2017|access-date=7 February 2017|title=Government Under Pressure as Fianna Fail Make Gains}}

| 1,004

| 24

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 27

| 14

| 5

| 4

| 4

| 4

| 1

| 3

| 14

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2017|01|21}}

| data-sort-value="B&A09"|Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/Sunday-Times-Jan-2017-Report.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes January 2017 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=21 January 2017 |access-date=22 January 2017}}

| 921

| 23

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 29

| 17

| 5

| 5

| 1

| 3

| 0

| 3

| 15

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|12|13}}

| data-sort-value="B&A08"|Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/J.7806-Sunday-Times-Nov-2016-Report.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes December 2016 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=18 December 2016 |access-date=18 December 2016}}

| 924

| 26

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 28

| 19

| 5

| 3

| 1

| 3

| 1

| 5

| 9

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|12|06}}

| data-sort-value="Ipsos03"|Ipsos MRBI/Irish Times{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/irish-times-poll-fianna-f%C3%A1il-pulls-ahead-of-fine-gael-to-become-most-popular-party-1.2897198|newspaper=The Irish Times |date=8 December 2016 |access-date=8 December 2016 |title=Fianna Fáil pulls ahead of Fine Gael to become most popular party}}{{cite news |title=Irish Times Poll Portal |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poll/poll-8th-december-2016 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=6 December 2016 |access-date=30 November 2017}}

| 1,200

| 27

| style="background:#D3F2D0"|30

| 17

| 6

| 3

| 2

| 3

|

| 2

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|11|25}}

| data-sort-value="RedC08"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite web|url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SBP-November-2016-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf|title=The Difficult Balancing Act for Fianna Fáil – Nov 16 Poll|work=RED C|access-date=29 November 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SBP-November-2016-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf|title=The Difficult Balancing Act for Fianna Fáil – Nov 16 Poll|work=RED C|access-date=29 November 2016}}

| 1,000

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 25

| 24

| 16

| 5

| 5

| 4

| 3

| 1

| 4

| 12

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|11|09}}

| data-sort-value="B&A07"|Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/J.7806-Sunday-Times-Nov-2016-Report.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes November 2016 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=13 November 2016 |access-date=14 November 2016}}

| 924

| 28

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 30

| 17

| 3

| 3

| 0

| 2

| 0

| 5

| 11

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|10|27}}

| data-sort-value="RedC07"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite news |url=https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/red-c-poll-aaa-pbp-surges-record-high-368725 |newspaper=The Sunday Business Post |date=30 October 2016 |access-date=29 October 2016 |title=AAA-PBP surges to record high }}{{cite web |url=http://redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SBP-30th-Oct-2016-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf |publisher=Red C/The Sunday Business Post |date=23 October 2016|access-date=11 November 2016 |title=Are AAA-PBP gains more than just a one off?}}

| 1,002

| 25

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 26

| 13

| 5

| 9

| 3

| 3

| 0

| 6

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|10|20}}

| data-sort-value="MB02"|Millward Brown/The Sunday Independent{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/exclusive-poll-fine-gael-sees-slip-in-support-despite-giveaway-budget-35153309.html|publisher=Sunday Independent |date=23 October 2016 |access-date=23 October 2016 |title=Exclusive poll: Fine Gael sees slip in support despite 'giveaway Budget'}}{{cite web |url=http://www.millwardbrown.com/docs/default-source/ireland-downloads/opinion-polls/coalition_could_have_used_budget_to_stamp_identity_on_voters-_but_it_failed_oct-2016.pdf|publisher=Sunday Independent/Millward Brown |date=23 October 2016 |access-date=11 November 2016|title=National Opinion Poll: October 2016}}

| 942

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 29

| 27

| 20

| 8

| 5

| 1

| 2

|

| 5

| 3

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|10|12}}

| data-sort-value="B&A06"|Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/J.7792-Sunday-Times-October-2016-Report.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes October 2016 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=12 October 2016 |access-date=29 October 2016}}

| 917

| 26

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 30

| 17

| 5

| 2

| 1

| 2

| 1

| 4

| 11

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|10|04}}

| data-sort-value="Ipsos02"|Ipsos MRBI/Irish Times{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/irish-times-poll-fianna-f%C3%A1il-level-with-fine-gael-after-seven-point-drop-in-support-1.2818251|newspaper=The Irish Times |date=6 October 2016 |access-date=6 October 2016 |title=Fianna Fáil level with Fine Gael after Seven Point drop in support}}{{cite news |title=Irish Times Poll Portal |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poll/poll-october-5th|newspaper=The Irish Times |date=6 October 2016 |access-date=6 October 2016}}

| 1,200

| 26

| 26

| 19

| 5

| 3

| 2

| 3

|

| The poll makes no distinction between different groupings of Independents, the Independent Alliance is included in the figure for Others.

| 15

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|09|22}}

| data-sort-value="RedC06"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite news |url=http://www.businesspost.ie/red-c-poll-ff-sees-support-slip-for-first-time-since-election/ |newspaper=The Sunday Business Post |date=25 September 2016 |access-date=25 September 2016 |title=FF sees support slip for first time since election }}{{cite web |url=http://redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/SBP-25th-Sept-2016-Poll-Report-GE16..pdf |publisher=Red C/The Sunday Business Post |date=25 September 2016|access-date=25 September 2016 |title=No Momentum for Change Helps Govt. Survival Propects}}

| 1,002

| 25

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 27

| 15

| 7

| 6

| 4

| 2

| 0

| 4

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|09|14}}

| data-sort-value="B&A05"| Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/J.7678-Sunday-Times-September-Report-2016.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes September 2016 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=18 September 2016 |access-date=18 September 2016}}

| 911

| 23

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 28

| 18

| 7

| 4

| 1

| 2

| 0

| 4

| 12

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|07|27}}

| data-sort-value="RedC05"|Red C/Paddy Power{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/four-out-of-10-people-believe-taoiseach-should-quit-now-new-red-c-poll-34922360.html |title=Four out of 10 people believe Taoiseach should 'quit now' - new Red C poll |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=29 July 2016 |access-date=30 July 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Paddy-Power-29th-July-2016-Poll-Report.pdf |publisher=Paddy Power |date=29 July 2016 |access-date=30 July 2016 |title=Fianna Fáil Most Popular Party}}

| 1,000

| 27

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 28

| 15

| 4

| 4

| 3

| 3

| 0

| 5

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|07|13}}

| data-sort-value="RedC04"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite news |url=http://www.businesspost.ie/breaking-surge-in-ff-support-ratchets-up-pressure-on-kenny/ |newspaper=The Sunday Business Post |date=17 July 2016 |access-date=17 July 2016 |title=Surge in FF support ratchets up pressure on Kenny }}{{cite news |url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SBP-17th-July-2016-Poll-Report-GE161.pdf |newspaper=The Sunday Business Post |date=17 July 2016 |access-date=30 July 2016 |title=General Election Opinion Poll}}

| 1,004

| 26

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 29

| 13

| 6

| 5

| 4

| 4

| 1

| 5

| 8

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|07|13}}

| data-sort-value="B&A04"| Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/J.7619-Sunday-Times-Report-July-2016.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes July 2016 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=19 July 2016 |access-date=19 July 2016}}

| 909

| 25

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 30

| 14

| 6

| 5

| 2

| 2

| 0

| 4

| 12

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|07|07}}

| data-sort-value="Ipsos01"|Ipsos MRBI/Irish Times{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/massive-surge-in-support-for-fianna-f%C3%A1il-poll-shows-1.2712814|newspaper=The Irish Times |date=7 July 2016 |access-date=7 July 2016 |title=Massive surge in support for Fianna Fáil, poll shows}}{{cite news |title=Irish Times Poll Portal |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poll|newspaper=The Irish Times |date=6 October 2016 |access-date=6 October 2016}}

| 1,200

| 24

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 33

| 16

| 5

| 2

| 2

| 4

|

| 2

| 11

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|06|29}}

| data-sort-value="MB01"|Millward Brown/The Sunday Independent{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/poll-excluisve-public-confidence-in-independents-crashes-34851933.html|publisher=Sunday Independent |date=3 July 2016 |access-date=4 July 2016 |title=Poll exclusive: Public confidence in Independents crashes}}{{cite web|url=http://www.millwardbrown.com/docs/default-source/ireland-downloads/opinion-polls/fall_in_support_for_independent_while_main_parties_benefit_june_2016.pdf |publisher=Sunday Independent/Millward Brown |date=3 July 2016 |access-date=29 May 2017 |title=National Opinion Poll: June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711132945/http://www.millwardbrown.com/docs/default-source/ireland-downloads/opinion-polls/fall_in_support_for_independent_while_main_parties_benefit_june_2016.pdf |archive-date=11 July 2016}}

| 1,000

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 30

| 26

| 20

| 7

| 4

| 2

| 3

|

|

| 8

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|06|15}}

| data-sort-value="B&A03"| Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/Sunday-Times-Report-June-2016.pdf |title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes June 2016 Opinion Poll |last=McShane |first=Ian |date=15 June 2016 |access-date=16 October 2016}}

| 913

| 25

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 26

| 17

| 5

| 4

| 1

| 3

| 1

| 6

| 11

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|05|26}}

| data-sort-value="RedC03"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite news |url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/SBP-29th-May-2016-Poll-Report-GE16-1.pdf |newspaper=The Sunday Business Post |date=29 May 2016 |access-date=1 June 2016 |title=General Election Opinion Poll}}

| 1,004

| 26

| 26

| 15

| 6

| 5

| 4

| 2

| 0

| 4

| 11

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|05|11}}

| data-sort-value="B&A02"| Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite news |url=http://www.thejournal.ie/political-poll-2770200-May2016/ |title=Fianna Fáil has overtaken Fine Gael in popularity |publisher=The Journal |date=14 May 2016 |access-date=15 May 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/J-7504-Sunday-Times-May-2016-Report.pdf | title=Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes May 2016 Opinion Poll | last=McShane |first=Ian |date=May 2016 |access-date=15 May 2016}}

| 898

| 26

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 27

| 16

| 5

| 4

| 2

| 4

| 0

| 7

| 9

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|05|11}}

| data-sort-value="RedC02"|Red C/Paddy Power{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/paddy-power-red-c-poll-voters-want-varadkar-to-replace-kenny-34711653.html |title=Paddy Power Red C poll: Voters want Varadkar to replace Kenny |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=13 May 2016 |access-date=14 May 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Paddy-Power-13th-May-2016-Poll-Report-1.pdf |publisher=Paddy Power |date=13 May 2016 |access-date=15 May 2016 |title=General Election Opinion Poll}}

| 1,015

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 27

| 25

| 16

| 5

| 6

| 4

| 3

| 1

| 3

| 10

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|04|13}}

| data-sort-value="B&A01"|Behaviour & Attitudes/The Sunday Times{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2016/0416/782316-opinion-poll-times/ |title=Fianna Fáil overtakes Fine Gael in latest opinion poll |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=16 April 2016 |access-date=16 April 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://banda.ie/wp-content/uploads/J-7429-Sunday-Times-April-2016-Report.pdf |newspaper=The Sunday Times |date=16 April 2016 |access-date=15 May 2016 |title=General Election Opinion Poll}}

| 926

| 23

| style="background:#D3F2D0"| 26

| 17

| 4

| 4

| 2

| 3

| 1

| 8

| 12

|-

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|03|10}}

| data-sort-value="RedC01"|Red C/The Sunday Business Post{{cite news |url=http://www.businesspost.ie/another-general-election-would-produce-no-major-gains-for-ff-or-fg/ |title=Another general election would produce no major gains for FF or FG |newspaper=The Sunday Business Post |date=12 March 2016 |access-date=12 March 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/SBP-13th-March-2016-Poll-Report-GE16.pdf |newspaper=The Sunday Business Post |date=12 March 2016 |access-date=15 March 2016 |title=General Election Opinion Poll}}

| 1,006

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 27

| 25

| 15

| 4

| 4

| 5

| 3

| 2

| 5

| 9

|- style="background:#EFEFEF;" class=sortbottom

| | {{dts|format=dmy|2016|02|26}}

| data-sort-value="GeneralElection"| General election

|

| style="background:#D9E9F4"| 25.5

| 24.3

| 13.8

| 6.6

| 3.9

| 3.0

| 2.7

| 2.2

| 4.2

| 13.7This figure includes 1.5% for Independents 4 Change.

|}

File:2020 Irish general election - FPV Results.svg

Polls opened at 7{{nbsp}}am UTC and closed at 10{{nbsp}}pm. The total poll was down by 2.2% to 62.9% compared to the previous election, despite it being held on a Saturday. However, severe weather warnings were in place over much of the country due to Storm Ciara.

Counting of the votes commenced at 9{{nbsp}}am on 9 February and concluded at 11:59{{nbsp}}pm on 10 February, with Galway East being the first constituency to report and Cavan-Monaghan being the last constituency to report.{{Cite news |date=February 2020 |title=Voters go to the polls after parties hear demand for change from electorate |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/election-2020-voters-go-to-the-polls-after-parties-hear-demand-for-change-1.4165709 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208092236/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/election-2020-voters-go-to-the-polls-after-parties-hear-demand-for-change-1.4165709 |archive-date=8 February 2020 |access-date=8 February 2020 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}{{Cite web |date=11 February 2020 |title=Full house: Here are your 160 TDs elected in the 2020 general election |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/ge2020-full-house-5002362-Feb2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211014040/https://www.thejournal.ie/ge2020-full-house-5002362-Feb2020/ |archive-date=11 February 2020 |access-date=11 February 2020 |website=The Journal}}

The result showed a close contest between three parties. Fianna Fáil won 38 seats (including Seán Ó Fearghaíl returned automatically as outgoing Ceann Comhairle), six fewer than in 2016. Sinn Féin won 37 seats, a gain of fifteen over the previous election. Fine Gael, the party of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, won 35 seats, a fall of 15 from the 2016 election. Among the smaller parties, the Green Party showed the largest gains, increasing from three to twelve seats, a gain of nine over the previous election. Sinn Féin received the most first-preference votes nationwide, finishing a close second in seats. No single party secured more than 25% of the first-preference votes, nor more than 25% of the seats. According to Dublin City University political scientist Eoin O'Malley, it was the most fragmented Dáil ever, with the effective number of parties at 5.95.{{Cite tweet |number=1227147317473619968 |user=AnMailleach |title=The Effective Number of Parties, which measures fragmentation, in the 33rd Dáil is 5.95. That's the most fragmented Dáil ever. Compared to 4.93 in the last Dáil, and 3.03 in 2007. It has an impact on government formation... |date=11 February 2020}}

Journalists commented on the effects of Sinn Féin's late surge and unexpectedly high first-preference vote. John Drennan listed eleven constituencies where it might have won another seat had it run an extra candidate.{{Cite news |last=Drennan |first=John |date=9 February 2020 |title=The 11 seats Sinn Fein left behind in Election 2020 which could have changed everything |work=Extra.ie |url=https://extra.ie/2020/02/09/news/politics/the-11-seats-sinn-fein-left-behind-at-election-2020 |url-status=live |access-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213182312/https://extra.ie/2020/02/09/news/politics/the-11-seats-sinn-fein-left-behind-at-election-2020 |archive-date=13 February 2020}} Marie O'Halloran observed that Sinn Féin transfers affected the outcome of 21 constituencies, favouring other left-wing parties.{{Cite news |last=O'Halloran |first=Marie |date=11 February 2020 |title=Election 2020: Sinn Féin surpluses added extra dimension to transfer battle |language=en |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-sinn-f%C3%A9in-surpluses-added-extra-dimension-to-transfer-battle-1.4169192 |url-status=live |access-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303214147/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-sinn-f%C3%A9in-surpluses-added-extra-dimension-to-transfer-battle-1.4169192 |archive-date=3 March 2021}} Sean Murray noted that Solidarity–People Before Profit benefited most from Sinn Féin transfers.{{Cite journal |last=Murray |first=Sean |date=10 February 2020 |title=Back from the dead: How Sinn Féin surpluses helped bring left-wing candidates over the line |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/sinn-fein-left-surplus-5001343-Feb2020/ |url-status=live |journal=TheJournal.ie |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213065008/https://www.thejournal.ie/sinn-fein-left-surplus-5001343-Feb2020/ |archive-date=13 February 2020 |access-date=13 February 2020}}

The Green Party also had their best-ever result, with 12 seats, reflecting increased interest in environmentalism and climate change in Ireland.{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Dominic |title=Neither a ripple nor a wave - the Green Party's record-breaking election |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/green-party-election-result-constituency-climate-5001227-Feb2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629191906/https://www.thejournal.ie/green-party-election-result-constituency-climate-5001227-Feb2020/ |archive-date=29 June 2020 |access-date=19 February 2020 |website=TheJournal.ie|date=10 February 2020 }}{{Cite news |last=Leahy |first=Pat |date=28 May 2019 |title=Changing political climate helps Green shoots to thrive |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/pat-leahy-changing-political-climate-helps-green-shoots-to-thrive-1.3906233 |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235815/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/pat-leahy-changing-political-climate-helps-green-shoots-to-thrive-1.3906233 |archive-date=7 November 2020}}

The Social Democrats had their best-ever result, with 6 seats; they attributed this to focusing their efforts on winnable seats rather than fielding candidates in every constituency.{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Dominic |title='No paper candidates': How the Social Democrats' GE2020 strategy reaped electoral success |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/social-democrats-election-result-cork-holly-leader-5006160-Feb2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219204354/https://www.thejournal.ie/social-democrats-election-result-cork-holly-leader-5006160-Feb2020/ |archive-date=19 February 2020 |access-date=19 February 2020 |website=TheJournal.ie|date=16 February 2020 }}

Minor far-right and anti-immigration parties (the National Party, Irish Freedom Party and Anti-Corruption Ireland) fared very poorly, winning less than two percent wherever they stood. However, some independent politicians who had expressed anti-immigration views were elected, like Verona Murphy and Noel Grealish.{{Cite news |last=Gallagher |first=Conor |title=Election 2020: Far-right candidates put in dismal showing |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-far-right-candidates-put-in-dismal-showing-1.4169078 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101081913/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-far-right-candidates-put-in-dismal-showing-1.4169078 |archive-date=1 November 2020 |access-date=19 February 2020 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}{{Cite web |last=McDermott |first=Stephen |title=Far-right parties barely register after polling less than 1% in most constituencies |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/far-right-parties-ireland-election-2020-5001966-Feb2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215175618/https://www.thejournal.ie/far-right-parties-ireland-election-2020-5001966-Feb2020/ |archive-date=15 February 2020 |access-date=19 February 2020 |website=TheJournal.ie|date=10 February 2020 }}

{{Pie chart

|caption= First preference vote share of different parties in the election.

|other = yes

|value1 = 24.5

|label1 = Sinn Féin

|color1 = {{party color|Sinn Féin}}

|value2 = 22.2

|label2 = Fianna Fáil

|color2 = {{party color|Fianna Fáil}}

|value3 = 20.9

|label3 = Fine Gael

|color3 = {{party color|Fine Gael}}

|value4 = 7.1

|label4 = Green

|color4 = {{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}

|value5 = 4.4

|label5 = Labour

|color5 = {{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}

|value6 = 2.9

|label6 = Social Democrats

|color6 = {{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}

|value7 = 2.6

|label7 = PBP–Solidarity

|color7 = {{party color|People Before Profit–Solidarity}}

|value8 = 1.9

|label8 = Aontú

|color8 = {{party color|Aontú}}

|value9 = 0.4

|label9 = Inds. 4 Change

|color9 = {{party color|Independents 4 Change}}

}}

{{bar box

|title=First-preference vote share

|titlebar=#ddd

|width=600px

|barwidth=350px

|bars=

{{bar percent|Sinn Féin|{{party color|Sinn Féin}}|24.5}}

{{bar percent|Fianna Fáil|{{party color|Fianna Fáil}}|22.2}}

{{bar percent|Fine Gael|{{party color|Fine Gael}}|20.9}}

{{bar percent|Green|{{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}|7.1}}

{{bar percent|Labour|{{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}|4.4}}

{{bar percent|Social Democrats|{{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}|2.9}}

{{bar percent|People Before Profit–Solidarity|{{party color|People Before Profit–Solidarity}}|2.6}}

{{bar percent|Aontú|{{party color|Aontú}}|1.9}}

{{bar percent|Independents 4 Change|{{party color|Independents 4 Change}}|0.4}}

{{bar percent|Others|#777777|0.9}}

{{bar percent|Independent|{{party color|Independent politician (Ireland)}}|12.2}}

}}

{{bar box

|title=First-preference vote share of constituencies contested

|titlebar=#ddd

|width=600px

|barwidth=350px

|bars=

{{bar percent|Sinn Féin|{{party color|Sinn Féin}}|25.1}}

{{bar percent|Fianna Fáil|{{party color|Fianna Fáil}}|22.2}}

{{bar percent|Fine Gael|{{party color|Fine Gael}}|20.9}}

{{bar percent|Green|{{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}|7.1}}

{{bar percent|Social Democrats|{{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}|6.2}}

{{bar percent|Labour|{{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}|5.5}}

{{bar percent|Independents 4 Change|{{party color|Independents 4 Change}}|3.5}}

{{bar percent|People Before Profit–Solidarity|{{party color|People Before Profit–Solidarity}}|3.3}}

{{bar percent|Aontú|{{party color|Aontú}}|2.9}}

{{bar percent|Others|#777777|1.2}}

{{bar percent|Independent|{{party color|Independent politician (Ireland)}}|12.4}}

}}

Note: Elimination counts often include multiple candidates. There were 253 counts at which candidates were eliminated — these often included candidates from different parties

{{Pie chart

|caption= Share of Dáil seats of different parties in the election.

|other = yes

|value1 = 23.7

|label1 = Fianna Fáil

|color1 = {{party color|Fianna Fáil}}

|value2 = 23.1

|label2 = Sinn Féin

|color2 = {{party color|Sinn Féin}}

|value3 = 21.9

|label3 = Fine Gael

|color3 = {{party color|Fine Gael}}

|value4 = 7.5

|label4 = Green

|color4 = {{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}

|value5 = 3.8

|label5 = Labour

|color5 = {{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}

|value6 = 3.8

|label6 = Social Democrats

|color6 = {{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}

|value7 = 3.1

|label7 = Solidarity–PBP

|color7 = {{party color|Solidarity–People Before Profit}}

|value8 = 0.6

|label8 = Aontú

|color8 = {{party color|Aontú}}

|value9 = 0.6

|label9 = Inds. 4 Change

|color9 = {{party color|Independents 4 Change}}

}}

{{bar box

|title=Dáil seats

|titlebar=#ddd

|width=600px

|barwidth=350px

|bars=

{{bar percent|Fianna Fáil|{{party color|Fianna Fáil}}|23.7}}

{{bar percent|Sinn Féin|{{party color|Sinn Féin}}|23.1}}

{{bar percent|Fine Gael|{{party color|Fine Gael}}|21.9}}

{{bar percent|Green|{{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}|7.5}}

{{bar percent|Labour|{{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}|3.8}}

{{bar percent|Social Democrats|{{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}|3.8}}

{{bar percent|Solidarity–PBP|{{party color|Solidarity–People Before Profit}}|3.1}}

{{bar percent|Aontú|{{party color|Aontú}}|0.6}}

{{bar percent|Independents 4 Change|{{party color|Independents 4 Change}}|0.6}}

{{bar percent|Independent|{{party color|Independent politician (Ireland)}}|11.9}}

}}

With 160 TDs in the 33rd Dáil (including the Ceann Comhairle who casts a vote only in the case of a tie), 80 TDs were needed to form a governing coalition. A smaller group could form a minority government if they negotiated a confidence and supply agreement with another party.

During the campaign, the leaders of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil had ruled out forming a coalition government with Sinn Féin.{{Cite web |last=Carroll |first=Rory |date=9 February 2020 |title=Sinn Féin to try to form ruling coalition after Irish election success |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/09/sinn-fein-to-try-to-form-ruling-coalition-after-irish-election-success |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213014717/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/09/sinn-fein-to-try-to-form-ruling-coalition-after-irish-election-success |archive-date=13 February 2020 |access-date=10 February 2020 |website=The Guardian}} Some in Fianna Fáil were reported to favour going into coalition with Sinn Féin over renewing an arrangement with Fine Gael. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald announced her intention to try to form a coalition government without either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil, but she did not rule out a coalition with either party. After the results came in on 10–11 February, Leo Varadkar continued to rule out a Fine Gael coalition with Sinn Féin, while Micheál Martin changed tack and left open the possibility of a Fianna Fáil–Sinn Féin coalition or a grand coalition with Fine Gael.{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Rory |date=11 February 2020 |title=Sinn Féin begins efforts to form leftwing coalition in Ireland |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/11/sinn-fein-begins-efforts-form-leftwing-alliance-ireland-election-mary-lou-mcdonald |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211151001/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/11/sinn-fein-begins-efforts-form-leftwing-alliance-ireland-election-mary-lou-mcdonald |archive-date=11 February 2020 |access-date=11 February 2020 }} On 12 February, Varadkar conceded that Fine Gael would likely go into opposition. Varadkar argued that since Sinn Féin achieved the highest vote, it had the responsibility to build a coalition that allows it to keep its campaign promises, and that Fine Gael was "willing to step back" to allow Sinn Féin to do so.{{Cite web |last=Goodbody |first=Will |date=12 February 2020 |title=Varadkar says Sinn Féin must now build a coalition |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0212/1114778-varadkar-election/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212132257/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/0212/1114778-varadkar-election/ |archive-date=12 February 2020 |access-date=12 February 2020 |publisher=RTÉ}}

Sinn Féin stated an intention to form a broad left coalition; combined, left-leaning parties have 67 seats (37 Sinn Féin, 12 Green, 6 Labour, 6 Social Democrats, 5 Solidarity–PBP, and 1 Independents 4 Change), but other parties of the left have raised doubts about such a prospect. In addition, Sinn Féin would have needed the support of at least 13 independents (out of 19 total) to form a government.{{Cite news |last1=Hutton |first1=Brian |last2=Bray |first2=Jennifer |last3=Carswell |first3=Simon |title=Smaller parties raise doubts over prospect of a Sinn Féin-led leftist coalition |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/smaller-parties-raise-doubts-over-prospect-of-a-sinn-f%C3%A9in-led-leftist-coalition-1.4170243 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923213112/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-doherty-to-lead-sinn-f%C3%A9in-negotiations-with-smaller-parties-1.4170243 |archive-date=23 September 2021 |access-date=11 February 2020 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}

A Fianna Fáil–Fine Gael coalition would have had 73 seats and so needed support from smaller parties or independents to form a government. A Fianna Fáil–Sinn Féin coalition would have had 74 seats, which would also have required smaller party or independent support.{{Cite web |date=11 February 2020 |title=What are the possible coalition options for the next government? |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/coalition-options-5002616-Feb2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211132859/https://www.thejournal.ie/coalition-options-5002616-Feb2020/ |archive-date=11 February 2020 |access-date=12 February 2020 |website=The Journal}} These three options in an opinion poll the week after the election received respective support from 26%, 26%, and 19% of voters, with 15% preferring another election.{{Cite news |date=16 February 2020 |title=26% want 'grand coalition' involving Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and smaller parties - poll |work=Breaking News |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/26-want-grand-coalition-involving-fine-gael-fianna-fail-and-smaller-parties-poll-982019.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217180819/https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/26-want-grand-coalition-involving-fine-gael-fianna-fail-and-smaller-parties-poll-982019.html |archive-date=17 February 2020}}

On 20 February, the new Dáil met for the first time. The Fianna Fáil number dropped to 37 when Ó Fearghaíl was re-elected as Ceann Comhairle on the first day of the 33rd Dáil.{{Cite news |date=20 February 2020 |title=Seán Ó Fearghaíl re-elected as Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/election2020/se%C3%A1n-%C3%B3-feargha%C3%ADl-re-elected-as-ceann-comhairle-of-the-d%C3%A1il-1.4179572 |url-status=live |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221003737/https://www.irishtimes.com/election2020/se%C3%A1n-%C3%B3-feargha%C3%ADl-re-elected-as-ceann-comhairle-of-the-d%C3%A1il-1.4179572 |archive-date=21 February 2020}} No candidate for Taoiseach succeeded in securing support of the Dáil. Varadkar, having failed to be re-elected Taoiseach, resigned, in line with the constitutional requirement where a Taoiseach fails to enjoy the support of a majority of the Dáil. He and the other members of the government continued to carry out their duties pending the appointment of their successors. It was reported that Fine Gael was prepared to go into opposition.{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Rory |date=20 February 2020 |title=Varadkar resigns as Irish government enters stalemate |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/20/irish-parliament-set-for-stalemate-in-attempt-to-form-new-government |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312142257/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/20/irish-parliament-set-for-stalemate-in-attempt-to-form-new-government |archive-date=12 March 2020}} On 11 March, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael entered detailed talks to establish a coalition, potentially with the Green Party, and deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland.{{Cite news |last1=Leahy |first1=Pat |last2=Kelly |first2=Fiach |title=FG and FF to start government formation talks propelled by Covid-19 |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/fg-and-ff-to-start-government-formation-talks-propelled-by-covid-19-1.4199137 |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315221039/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/fg-and-ff-to-start-government-formation-talks-propelled-by-covid-19-1.4199137 |archive-date=15 March 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Cunningham |first=Paul |date=11 March 2020 |title=Significant progress towards new government - now what? |publisher=RTÉ News |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2020/0311/1121563-politics/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312185750/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2020/0311/1121563-politics/ |archive-date=12 March 2020}} As of 17 March, those talks were still scheduled for later that week. However, the Green Party suggested that it would not join such a coalition, preferring a national unity government.{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Philip |date=17 March 2020 |title=Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ramp up talks on government formation |work=Irish Independent |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/fianna-fail-and-fine-gael-ramp-up-talks-on-government-formation-39050626.html |url-status=live |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318181553/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/fianna-fail-and-fine-gael-ramp-up-talks-on-government-formation-39050626.html |archive-date=18 March 2020}} On 4 April, it was reported that FF and FG were making progress on their talks, and that the Labour Party was preferred to the Green Party as the third coalition partner due to internal divisions in the Green Party. However, the Labour Party stated that it preferred to remain in opposition. Another option would be a grand coalition which could reach a majority with the support of independents, but such a coalition would be fragile. Some Fine Gael politicians predicted another election in September, which Fianna Fáil was eager to avoid.{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Fiach |title=Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil inch towards government formation |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/fine-gael-and-fianna-f%C3%A1il-inch-towards-government-formation-1.4220179 |url-status=live |access-date=4 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407033303/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/fine-gael-and-fianna-f%C3%A1il-inch-towards-government-formation-1.4220179 |archive-date=7 April 2020}}

On 14 April, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael reached a coalition agreement, which includes a rotation for Taoiseach. However, they lacked a majority and needed to bring other parties or independents into the coalition to form a government.{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Rory |date=14 April 2020 |title=Ireland's Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil close to forming coalition government |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/14/ireland-fine-gael-fianna-fail-close-forming-coalition-government |url-status=live |access-date=16 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416032355/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/14/ireland-fine-gael-fianna-fail-close-forming-coalition-government |archive-date=16 April 2020}} The Greens required an annual 7% cut to carbon emissions, among other demands, to participate as the third party of government; these demands did not include Green leader Eamon Ryan participating in the taoiseach rotation scheme, despite rumours to the contrary.{{Cite web |date=23 April 2020 |title=Greens demand 7% carbon emissions cut if they are to enter government |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/greens-demand-7-carbon-emissions-cut-if-they-are-to-enter-government-995713.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426023036/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/greens-demand-7-carbon-emissions-cut-if-they-are-to-enter-government-995713.html |archive-date=26 April 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=www.irishexaminer.com}}{{Cite web |date=22 April 2020 |title=Government formation: Green Taoiseach 'not on our agenda', insists Eamon Ryan |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/government-formation-green-taoiseach-not-on-our-agenda-insists-eamon-ryan-995546.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425020041/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/government-formation-green-taoiseach-not-on-our-agenda-insists-eamon-ryan-995546.html |archive-date=25 April 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=www.irishexaminer.com}}{{Cite web |date=23 April 2020 |title=Michael Healy-Rae would consider leaving Ireland if Eamon Ryan became Taoiseach |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/michael-healy-rae-would-consider-leaving-ireland-if-eamon-ryan-became-taoiseach-995695.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502232133/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/michael-healy-rae-would-consider-leaving-ireland-if-eamon-ryan-became-taoiseach-995695.html |archive-date=2 May 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=www.irishexaminer.com}} The Social Democrats, Aontú, and technical groups of independents also expressed varying degrees of interest in entering into government formation negotiations with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.{{Cite web |date=21 April 2020 |title=Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael policy document leaves questions unanswered for Social Democrats |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/fianna-fail-and-fine-gael-policy-document-leaves-questions-unanswered-for-social-democrats-995299.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426235533/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/fianna-fail-and-fine-gael-policy-document-leaves-questions-unanswered-for-social-democrats-995299.html |archive-date=26 April 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=www.irishexaminer.com}}{{Cite web |date=22 April 2020 |title=Social Democrats will not be third leg of Government table with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/social-democrats-will-not-be-third-leg-of-government-table-with-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-995550.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425081557/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/social-democrats-will-not-be-third-leg-of-government-table-with-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-995550.html |archive-date=25 April 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=www.irishexaminer.com}}{{Cite web |date=20 April 2020 |title=Aontú open to joining government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/aontu-open-to-joining-government-with-fianna-fail-and-fine-gael-995020.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424223227/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/aontu-open-to-joining-government-with-fianna-fail-and-fine-gael-995020.html |archive-date=24 April 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=www.irishexaminer.com}}{{Cite web |date=21 April 2020 |title=Rural independents hold 'frank and blunt' meeting with two big parties |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/rural-independents-hold-frank-and-blunt-meeting-with-two-big-parties-995355.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423095307/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/rural-independents-hold-frank-and-blunt-meeting-with-two-big-parties-995355.html |archive-date=23 April 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=www.irishexaminer.com}}

A draft programme for government was agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Green Party on 15 June 2020. It was determined that the position of Taoiseach would rotate between Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar. Martin would serve as Taoiseach for the first half of the term, with Varadkar as Tánaiste; the two would switch positions for the second half of the term. The programme needed the approval by each party's membership. Fianna Fáil and the Green Party require a simple majority and a 67% majority, respectively, in a postal ballot of all members, while Fine Gael uses an electoral college system, with its parliamentary party making up 50% of the electorate, constituency delegates 25%, councillors 15% and the party's executive council filling the final 10%.{{Cite news |last=Hurley |first=Sandra |date=15 June 2020 |title=Selling the deal: Party memberships have final say on government |publisher=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0614/1147319-government-talks-analysis/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615114303/https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0614/1147319-government-talks-analysis/ |archive-date=15 June 2020}}

On 26 June, Fine Gael voted 80%, Fianna Fáil voted 74% and the Green Party voted 76% in favour of the programme. Clare Bailey, the leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland – a branch of the Irish Green Party – publicly rejected the idea of the Greens being part of the coalition deal with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. She said the coalition deal proposed the "most fiscally conservative arrangements in a generation".{{Cite news |date=21 June 2020 |title=Irish government: Clare Bailey of Green Party rejects coalition deal |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-53123592 |url-status=live |access-date=30 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831132447/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-53123592 |archive-date=31 August 2021}} The coalition deal allowed for a government to be formed on 27 June, with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin serving as Taoiseach until December 2022.{{Cite news |last=Lehane |first=Mícheál |date=26 June 2020 |title=FF, FG and Green Party agree historic coalition deal |publisher=RTÉ News and Current Affairs |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2020/0625/1149711-programme-for-government/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626213045/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2020/0625/1149711-programme-for-government/ |archive-date=26 June 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Finn |first=Christina |date=26 June 2020 |title=It's a yes: FF, FG and Greens to enter coalition after members back government deal |publisher=TheJournal.ie |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/government-formation-count-5133893-Jun2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627144117/https://www.thejournal.ie/government-formation-count-5133893-Jun2020/ |archive-date=27 June 2020}} Subsequently, the Dáil voted on 27 June to nominate Micheál Martin as Taoiseach. He was appointed afterward by President Michael D. Higgins and announced his cabinet later that day.{{Cite news |date=27 June 2020 |title=Micheál Martin becomes new Irish PM after vote |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53201346 |url-status=live |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628141816/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53201346 |archive-date=28 June 2020}}

The Dáil election was followed by the 2020 Seanad election to the 26th Seanad.

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{{Reflist}}

;Poll references

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;Poll footnotes

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• {{Cite book |title=Nealon's Guide to the 33rd Dáil and 26th Seanad and the 2019 Local and European Elections |date=2020 |publisher=The Irish Times |isbn=978-1-9997139-1-1 |editor-last=Ryan |editor-first=Tim}}

• [https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/electoralProcess/electionResults/dail/2020/2020-05-01_33rd-dail-general-election-results_en.pdf 33rd Dáil General Election Results] Houses of the Oireachtas
• [https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/libraryResearch/2020/2020-02-20_l-rs-infographic-general-election-2020-a-statistical-profile_en.pdf L&RS Infographic: General Election 2020 – A Statistical Profile] Houses of the Oireachtas

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{{Irish elections}}

{{Politics of the Republic of Ireland2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Irish General Election, 2020}}

General

General

2020

Category:33rd Dáil

Category:February 2020 in Ireland