Irish PM set to clinch power for third term
Saturday, May 26, 2007
IRISH Prime Minister Bertie Ahern appears set to cling to power for a record third term after cliffhanger elections, an exit poll suggested yesterday, as voters awaited official results.
Counting was still under way after last Thursday's vote, although a poll by state broadcaster RTE suggested that Ahern's centre-right Fianna Fail party had edged ahead, receiving 41.6 per cent support.
Ahern, one of Europe's longest-serving leaders, has overseen a prolonged economic boom over the last decade, and is also hoping for a boost from his role in the recent historic deal to restore self-rule in Northern Ireland.
But signs of a cooling in the economy may have played in favour of main opposition leader Enda Kenny, alongside allegations about Ahern's personal finances which have long dogged him.
Even if it comes out on top in the knife-edge vote, Fianna Fail could face having to find a new coalition partner as it battles for power with Kenny's centre-left alliance of the Fine Gael and Labour parties.
Ahern's party has been governing with the liberal Progressive Democrats, but their support has dropped and Ahern may not be able to count on them in government.
If neither of the big two blocs gets a majority under Ireland's proportional representation system, smaller parties like Sinn Fein and the Greens or independents could hold the balance of power.AFP
Counting was still under way after last Thursday's vote, although a poll by state broadcaster RTE suggested that Ahern's centre-right Fianna Fail party had edged ahead, receiving 41.6 per cent support.
Ahern, one of Europe's longest-serving leaders, has overseen a prolonged economic boom over the last decade, and is also hoping for a boost from his role in the recent historic deal to restore self-rule in Northern Ireland.
But signs of a cooling in the economy may have played in favour of main opposition leader Enda Kenny, alongside allegations about Ahern's personal finances which have long dogged him.
Even if it comes out on top in the knife-edge vote, Fianna Fail could face having to find a new coalition partner as it battles for power with Kenny's centre-left alliance of the Fine Gael and Labour parties.
Ahern's party has been governing with the liberal Progressive Democrats, but their support has dropped and Ahern may not be able to count on them in government.
If neither of the big two blocs gets a majority under Ireland's proportional representation system, smaller parties like Sinn Fein and the Greens or independents could hold the balance of power.AFP
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