Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said he had been given a mandate by his party to enter into negotiations with others to form a government. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament's 174 seats, while Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael won 38.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said he had been given a mandate by his party to enter into negotiations with others to form a government. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament's 174 seats, while Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael won 38.