Ireland votes: who will win the head-to-head race?

Ireland votes: who will win the head-to-head race?

In a thrilling race for voters' votes, Ireland opened the polls on Friday! The election will be marked by a bitter battle between the two centre-right parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, and the left-wing nationalist Sinn Fein, all vying for 20 percent support. Voters are being urged to cast their votes as parties fight for control of the Irish government.

The polls suggest that coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, which formed a historic alliance for the first time after an indecisive election in 2020, could potentially return to power again. This decision came after they refused to form a coalition with Sinn Fein, which was the most popular party, due to its links to the Irish Republican Army. Simon Harris, the leader of Fine Gael and incumbent Taoiseach, called the election on November 8 and announced massive tax cuts worth €10.5 billion to convince voters.

Focus on the economy and housing shortage

The choice is heavily influenced by the ongoing housing shortage and the rising cost of living. Rents and property prices have reached record highs, leading to widespread dissatisfaction with the government. Despite Ireland's healthy public finances, supported by high corporate tax revenues from US multinationals, frustration remains over the inadequate provision of housing during the boom years of the Celtic Tiger era. Sinn Fein, which has polled above 30 percent in recent years, has lost support in recent months, particularly because of its liberal stance on immigration.

Vote counting in Ireland's 43 constituencies begins on Saturday morning, but final results could be days away. Ireland's system of proportional representation requires numerous rounds of counting before final results are determined. Ireland is facing a crucial election that could shape the country's political landscape for years to come!