Ireland's two large centre-right parties are set to begin their search for a coalition partner this week after Friday's election left them just two seats short of the 88 needed to govern, a choice that will help determine their policy platform.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael can form a majority coalition with as few as two other deputies – provided they're able to renew their agreement.

Fianna Fáil has won the most seats in the Dáil (lower house of parliament) following the Republic of Ireland's general election. It won 48 seats while Sinn Féin - the main opposition party in the last Dáil - won 39. Fine Gael, which has been in coalition with Fianna Fáil since 2020, was third with 38 seats.