Sat Nov 30 04:27:10 UTC 2024: ## Irish Election Results: Tight Race Between Three Main Parties
**DUBLIN, IRELAND** – Vote counting is underway in Ireland’s general election, with early results suggesting a tight race between the three main parties. An exit poll conducted after voting concluded Friday evening shows Sinn Fein leading with 21.1% of the vote, closely followed by Fine Gael (21.0%) and Fianna Fail (19.5%).
The final outcome may take days to determine due to Ireland’s proportional representation system, which involves multiple rounds of vote redistribution. While Sinn Fein won the popular vote in 2020, they were unable to form a coalition government.
This year’s election, called unexpectedly by outgoing Prime Minister Simon Harris on November 8th, was dominated by debates on housing, the cost of living, public spending, and immigration. Harris, despite a strong lead entering the campaign, saw his party lose ground after a viral video showed him appearing dismissive towards a care worker.
Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail emphasized their pro-business and pro-EU stances, highlighting the need for stability amidst global uncertainty and concerns about potential US tariffs under the incoming Trump administration. These concerns stem from Ireland’s reliance on foreign direct investment from US tech and pharmaceutical companies.
Sinn Fein, campaigning heavily on housing issues, positioned itself as the only alternative to the established Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, who have alternated in power since Irish independence. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald, who could become Ireland’s first female Taoiseach (Prime Minister), called Friday a “historic day” for the possibility of electing a new government. However, Sinn Fein’s progressive social and migration policies saw a dip in support during the past year, particularly as immigration emerged as a key election issue.
First Piper 