Fine Gael byelection troubles: Shift in power

Was it the nightmare before Christmas?

Not quite, but it is clear that the performance in the by-elections in Dublin, Cork, and Wexford has proved a Black Friday for Fine Gael and, in particular, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Fine Gael failed to secure any seats in the four by-elections, while the Green Party, Fianna Fáil, and Sinn Féin each made gains.

With Fianna Fail taking two seats and the Green Party another, there is a prospect that a viable alternative government may already be taking shape, ahead of next year’s general election.

FF leader Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan served together in the 2007-2011 coalition government.

Fine Gael will still be able to pass its legislative programme in the Dáil under the confidence-and-supply arrangement with Fianna Fáil, but that deal is due to run out in the new year, with a March poll expected.

The fact that Fianna Fáil won two seats, while Fine Gael won none, shifts the balance of power in Leinster House.