Will there be an early general election? Rumours swirl after Govt parties win local elections

Expectation is growing that the Government could call an early General Election after a strong showing from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in the Local Elections.

The Government parties won around 50% of seats on local councils throughout the country, according to the most up to date results. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will win around 23% of seats each while the Greens will pick up just shy of 4% of council seats nationwide. 

The biggest party in opposition in the Dáil, Sinn Féin, will take around 12% of council seats having been expected to take close to 20% and put even more pressure on the Government.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald admitted that the party hadn't "had the day we hoped for" despite making "modest gains."

As the count continues, I wanted you to hear directly from me. pic.twitter.com/sLdIhUrIhF

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) June 9, 2024

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has stopped short of hinting at an earlier general election based on the results over the weekend. It's largely expected the Government will ride the wave of this election and call a snap general poll for later this year, possible October, rather than waiting until the term of Government ends early next year.

He said the Government is committed to delivering for people of Ireland on the "issues that matter." 

Speaking to RTE Radio and probed on possibly giving Sinn Féin time to recover a strategy before next years, Simon Harris said "I'm not going to give them an inch but what I'm going to give the people of Ireland is delivery on the issues that matter."

Critics of the Government, including Sinn Féin, argue the Government, particularly Fine Gael, have had almost 14 years in Government to deliver on those issues. 

“They’re polling around 11, 12, 14%. Not exactly a government in waiting”

Taoiseach @simonharristd joined Claire to give his reaction to the emerging picture in #elections2024 ️ pic.twitter.com/oTowDyxSTZ

— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) June 9, 2024

Tánaiste Micheal Martin was also not being drawn on the possibility of an earlier general election over the weekend. Speaking to Newstalk, he said the local election results would not have a "significant impact" on the timing of the next general election. He said the Government is focused on delivering the next Budget and passing the resultant Finance Bill and believes voters will "reward and respect serious focused politics."

'So now that you have Sinn Féin on the run, you don't want to take advantage, is that it?'

Ivan Yates questions @MichealMartinTD @ElectionNT pic.twitter.com/PGLiDHMKpY

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) June 9, 2024

However, many political commentators suggest the Government will strike when the iron is hot and opt for a general election in the next few months.