Analysis: Micheál Martin in driving seat but road to Taoiseach’s office not an easy one


Based on the probable numbers, there are only three real options: a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition, a Fianna Fáil-Sinn Féin coalition, or a Fianna Fáil-led rainbow coalition. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael would provide both a stable government, a few seats above a majority, and a fairly cohesive plan, given how close the two are in policy.

Fianna Fáil could easily do business with the leaders of the Green Party, Labour, and the Social Democrats, with 60-odd seats between them.