Election 2024: Independents could offer an alternative route to coalition deal

Across the country, particularly in rural constituencies, voters opted for Independent TDs, with 16.8% of first preferences cast in favour of a non-party candidate, including 3.6% opting for candidates under the Independent Ireland banner.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins who ran in Cork South West celebrates winning  the count centre in Mallow GAA. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

In recent months, and indeed the June local and European elections, the narrative of an independent wave was powerful and, largely, true.

Polling well and popular across the country, Independents may now hold the keys to a government made up of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael if those parties decide that a third leg of a stool is too expensive.