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24/05/2007
Ahern hoping for third term in Irish elections
Voters in the Republic of Ireland are heading to the polls today with current taoiseach Bertie Ahern hoping to win a third term.
Mr Ahern has led the coalition government since 1997 and the opposition’s Alliance for Change hopes to end the decade of Fianna Fail rule.
More than three million voters are expected at the polls and it is likely to be a closely run contest.
Experts, however, expect the turnout to be the lowest ever due to a declining trend in voting and the numbers of college students sitting exams.
Fianna Fail, is a broadly centrist, pro-business, socially conservative and pragmatic party, and has been in power during a period of sustained economic growth for Ireland. However, Mr Ahern has been subject to criticism and his party got off to a disastrous start to its election when allegations about his personal finances dominated media coverage.
Fianna Fail may have to coalesce again with Labour or with the Greens for the first time in history. Leader of the opposition party, Enda Kenny of Fine Gael could lead an alternative government with Labour and the Greens if they can gather a majority of TDs in the 166-seat Dail parliament.
Fainna Fail is fielding 106 candidates, followed by Fine Gael with 91, Labour with 50 and the Progressive Democrats with 30.
(JM/KMcA)
Mr Ahern has led the coalition government since 1997 and the opposition’s Alliance for Change hopes to end the decade of Fianna Fail rule.
More than three million voters are expected at the polls and it is likely to be a closely run contest.
Experts, however, expect the turnout to be the lowest ever due to a declining trend in voting and the numbers of college students sitting exams.
Fianna Fail, is a broadly centrist, pro-business, socially conservative and pragmatic party, and has been in power during a period of sustained economic growth for Ireland. However, Mr Ahern has been subject to criticism and his party got off to a disastrous start to its election when allegations about his personal finances dominated media coverage.
Fianna Fail may have to coalesce again with Labour or with the Greens for the first time in history. Leader of the opposition party, Enda Kenny of Fine Gael could lead an alternative government with Labour and the Greens if they can gather a majority of TDs in the 166-seat Dail parliament.
Fainna Fail is fielding 106 candidates, followed by Fine Gael with 91, Labour with 50 and the Progressive Democrats with 30.
(JM/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
