With election decided, Ireland faces weeks of talks to form a government

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Ireland’s election is over but the country faces weeks of coalition talks before it gets a new government. With all seats filled in the 174-seat legislature on Monday, center-right party Fianna Fail had won 48 seats and fellow center-right party Fine Gael 38. The two parties will now hold talks and seek support to form a stable administration. Fianna Fail deputy leader Jack Chambers, said coalition talks would require “time and space,” and it’s unlikely there will be a new government before Christmas. The result makes Ireland an exception to the anti-incumbent mood in elections around the world. Left-of-center party Sinn Fein won 39 seats but is unlikely to be part of the next government.