Simon Coveney on the balancing of power in Irish politics

As a FF-FG coalition has to date been ruled out, Fine Gael is doing all it can to form a minority government, says Simon Coveney

POLITICS in Ireland has changed. It’s become more polarised, more divisive, more fragmented — many traditional loyalties gone.

The old firm still exists but is weakened; partly splintered by new small parties; challenged by more radical groupings and many Independents. The election has produced a very new political landscape, reflecting the difficulties of the last eight years. We’re a month out from the election and still not close to finalising the shape of a new government.