Main parties neck and neck as Ireland prepares to go to the polls
The Guardian|November 29, 2024
Ireland goes to the polls today with voters expected to choose either a second term for the incumbent centre-right coalition, or a left-leaning government led by a resurgent Sinn Fein, the IRA's former political wing.
Lisa O'Carroll
Main parties neck and neck as Ireland prepares to go to the polls

Polls show a dead heat, with the two main government parties - Fine Gael, led by the taoiseach, Simon Harris, and Fianna Fail, led by the former taoiseach Micheal Martin - and Sinn Fein all hovering at about 20%.

Priorities for all parties have never veered too far from housing, the cost of living crisis and, to a lesser extent, immigration, leaving little between them in terms of distinguishing moments in a short, sharp three-week campaign.

Fine Gael is still hoping to come out on top, claiming a Sinn Fein government would spell economic risk in the face of the upcoming Donald Trump presidency. Trump's threats of tariffs on EU exports and the promise to repatriate jobs are seen as a major peril for Ireland.

Martin, one of the most experienced political leaders in Ireland, has also been pushing economic stability.

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