Deputy leader of Fianna Fáil says he doesn't expect government formation before Christmas

Deputy Fianna Fáil leader, Jack Chambers, has said he does not expect government formation before Christmas.

This comes after Fianna Fáil wins most seats in the Irish General Election 2024, despite exit polls suggesting that the party would struggle to fill as many seats as Fine Gael and Sinn Féin.

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Speaking to RTÉ, Chambers said "I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government."

He goes on to say that factors outside of control (Covid) led to complication forming the Government in 2020 "I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people."

As all seats have been filled, Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party with 48 TDs, Sinn Féin ahead of Fine Gael with 39 and 38 seats respectively. Independents take 16 seats, Social Democrats 11, PBP 3, Aontú 2, Independent Ireland 4, Green Party 1, and Redress Party also has 1 seat.

With the national voter turnout sat at 59.7%.