Economists see small parties in new coalition

Leading Irish economists and stockbrokers are telling their international clients the Coalition will fall short of a majority, but could likely form the next government with the support of smaller parties and a handful of Independent deputies.

In a series of major research notes and projections published this morning, the economists said Fine Gael and Labour will fall short of the minimum 79 seats they need to secure the slimmest of majorities in the next Dáil.

“Predictions are that the Coalition will fall six seats short of the wining post for the barest of majorities.