After making impressive gains in 2020, Sinn Féin was tipped to finally make it into government this year. It’s failure to do so will prompt an internal shake up.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald had vowed to deliver a step change in the drive for constitutional change if Sinn Fein entered government and she became Taoiseach

At one level, the vote was an endorsement of continuity, but the stability in Ireland’s political center ground masked volatility on the fringes.

Micheál Martin and Simon Harris are in a tight race to become Ireland’s next taoiseach, leaving Sinn Fein locked out of power, according to the latest general election results.

Most recent elections around the West have seen voters punish incumbents for rising inflation and the end of pandemic-era support programs. Ireland’s election last Friday was thus something of a relief for ruling parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.