Nov 30, (V7N) - The preliminary results from Ireland's general election suggest a tight race, with Sinn Féin narrowly leading the popular vote at 21.1%, followed closely by Fine Gael at 21.0% and Fianna Fáil at 19.5%, according to an exit poll. Despite Sinn Féin's apparent success in securing the largest share of votes, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil—historical rivals turned coalition partners—are expected to have enough seats, along with smaller parties, to form a government without Sinn Féin.

Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have reiterated their pre-election commitments to exclude Sinn Féin from coalition talks, as they did after the 2020 election when Sinn Féin similarly won the popular vote but was sidelined in government formation. Finance Minister Jack Chambers of Fianna Fáil reaffirmed this stance, emphasizing the party's opposition to including Sinn Féin in any coalition.

If the exit poll trends hold, Ireland's next government could resemble the current coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party, with the addition of another small party if needed to secure a majority. Analysts had predicted a close contest, and these results suggest the political landscape in Ireland remains deeply fragmented, mirroring the outcome of the 2020 election.

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