Counting votes for Ireland’s general elections began on Saturday, after exit polls showed an almost even split between the three main parties.
Its main opposition party Sinn Fein is on course to win the popular vote for the second election in a row, holding 21 per cent of first-preference votes, according to the Ipsos B&A Exit Poll. But that is not enough to form a government.
Instead, the two largest parties in Ireland’s current centre-right coalition, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, could return to power with 21 per cent and 19.5 per cent of first-preference votes, according to the same poll. This would make it Fine Gael's fourth consecutive term in office, unprecedented in Irish politics.
Voters also expressed dissatisfaction with the current Prime Minister Simon Harris, while Sinn Fein's leader Mary Lou McDonald's popularity remained strong, according to the exit poll. Most voters said they would choose Fianna Fail's leader Micheal Martin, as Ireland's new Prime Minister, at 35 per cent, while 34 per cent preferred Ms McDonald. This is double the approval for Mr Harris as the next leader was 17 per cent.
The counting could take days, owing to Ireland’s system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote, where voters indicate their first and subsequent choices for the candidate on the ballot box. The poll suggests that more than three parties may be needed to form a majority. All eyes will then likely turn to the potential search for coalition partners once the final results are announced.
Leaders look to coalition
“Forming a government will depend on two of the three being able to co-operate with one another,” said Lisa Keenan, a political scientist at Trinity College Dublin.
The leaders of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have consistently ruled out entering into a future coalition with left-wing Sinn Fein, which served as the political wing for IRA militants during the Troubles.
Ms McDonald said she wanted to talk to other parties on the left of the political spectrum about the potential for forming a government.
“We have now confirmed that we have broken the political mould here in this state. Two party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history, and that in itself is very significant. The question now arises for us, what do we do with that?" Ms McDonald said.
“If you want my bottom line, the idea of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for another five years, in our strong opinion, is not a good outcome for Irish society.”
Fianna Fail's Mr Martin said it “remains to be seen” how quickly a government can be formed. He said: “It will be challenging. This is not easy.”
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris thanked the electorate for the “mandate” they gave him and his party and said he was “cautiously optimistic”.
“What I am very confident about is that my party will have a very significant role to play in the years ahead, and I’m cautiously optimistic and excited,” he said.
The Greens – the third party in the last coalition – appear to have done badly. “We took the decision to go into government in 2020, we did so with our eyes open, we knew the risk, but for the Green Party, the risk has always been paid off with delivering on policy and we've been able to do that,” Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman said.
War in Gaza
Ireland has seen a booming economy after it attracted major US tech and pharmaceuticals companies seeking a base in Europe. But Donald Trump’s pledge to cut corporate tax for companies making their products in America threatens Ireland's economic model. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warned in September that just three US firms paid 43 per cent of corporation tax in 2022.
Concerns around Ireland’s housing and cost of living crisis, anti-immigration sentiment have drawn its electorate away from traditional parties. Elsewhere, the exit poll showed: Social Democrats (5.8 per cent), Labour (5 per cent), Greens (4 per cent), Aontu (3.6 per cent), People Before Profit-Solidarity (3.1 per cent), and Independent Ireland (2.2 per cent). Independents and other candidates were on 14.6 per cent. There is a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.
The war in Gaza also played a role in the run up to the election. Ireland's parties agree on the need for a ceasefire, but some say the government's response has fallen short, particularly after delaying a contentious bill that would effectively ban trade trufrom Israeli-occupied settlements in the West Bank.
Independent Clare Daly, who served as a member of European parliament, is among those who have called for a strong stance against Israel, and is running for a seat in Dublin Central. She and fellow Irish MEP were criticised in Brussels for their position on Ukraine, that was seen as supportive of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
SPECS
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
MATCH INFO
Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)
TV: Abu Dhabi Sports
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh135,000
Engine 1.6L turbo
Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode
Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
RESULT
Uruguay 3 Russia 0
Uruguay: Suárez (10'), Cheryshev (23' og), Cavani (90')
Russia: Smolnikov (Red card: 36')
Man of the match: Diego Godin (Uruguay)
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 290hp
Torque: 340Nm
Price: Dh155,800
On sale: now
In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement
John Heminway, Knopff
Timeline
1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line
1962
250 GTO is unveiled
1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company
1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens
1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made
1987
F40 launched
1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent
2002
The Enzo model is announced
2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi
2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled
2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives
2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company
2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street
2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary
