Another Fine Gael/Fianna Fáil-led coalition could be complicated by whether the two parties are willing to make concessions sought by the other.

The next Government will most likely be a Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael coalition propped up by "sensible" independents. Although a handful of seats are yet to be filled, it is expected that Fianna Fáil will be the largest party with 48 seats, Fine Gael will have 38 TDs and Sinn Féin will 39 seats.

Fine Gael is willing to ‘recognise’ the additional seats Fianna Fáil has secured, but not at the expense of parity of esteem in government

Parity of esteem is the glue that keeps a coalition together,” said one senior Fine Gael figure. It is thought a continuation of the rotating taoiseach arrangement and near p

With the two large parties look set to share power again, the shape of a programme for government can begin to be gleaned from their election promises.