Ireland heads to the polls after coalition collapse

Ireland is holding a general election on November 29, 2024, to fill 174 seats in the Dail Eireann, the lower house of its parliament. This election follows the resignation of Leo Varadkar, the former Taoiseach, who shocked the nation by announcing his departure earlier in March, leading to the end of the coalition government. Subsequently, Simon Harris, Varadkar's successor from the Fine Gael Party, officially dissolved parliament on November 8, paving the way for the election. The increased seat count from previous elections indicates the evolving political landscape as the parties compete for public support. The political race features prominent parties including Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and Sinn Fein, with the latter predicted to make substantial gains. Issues such as affordable housing and immigration have taken center stage in the campaigns, reflecting the voters' primary concerns. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald is not only aiming for increased representation but also aspires to be the first female Prime Minister of Ireland, a significant milestone in the country's political history. Prior to the election, Ireland witnessed Sinn Fein entering a period of growth, particularly after its success in local elections in Northern Ireland last year, where they took control of both the Northern Ireland Assembly and many local councils. This change in momentum has prompted the major parties to reconsider their strategies as they seek to engage with the country’s 3.4 million eligible voters, who are increasingly frustrated with the coalition government's handling of critical issues. Since the last election in 2020, significant financial decisions have been made regarding national funding, notably the allocation of funds from a multi-billion-dollar tax settlement with Apple aimed at resolving the pressing housing crisis. This has added urgency to the need for effective governance in Ireland. The parliament is scheduled to reopen on December 18, signaling the next steps for whichever party or coalition emerges victorious. The election outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of Ireland's policies on housing, immigration, and broader economic challenges.