76% of ISME members prefer a FF and FG-led government [Video]

The vast majority of small- and medium-sized enterprises would prefer a government led by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as the parties prepare for coalition negotiations.

A survey of Irish SME Association (ISME) members shows three-quarters (76%) support Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as their preferred government coalition.

The Civil War parties won a combined 86 seats in last Friday’s general election, two short of a majority in the Dáil.

With 48 seats, Fianna Fáil is widely expected to lead the next government, entering into coalition with Fine Gael (38 seats), and a group of like-minded independents.

Reports this week suggest Fine Gael will insist on “parity of esteem” and rotating taoisigh despite the party having nine fewer seats than Fianna Fail when excluding Seán Ó Fearghaíl, the FF TD for Kildare South who is expected to return as Ceann Comhairle.

The newly-formed Regional Group of eight independent TDs, including the likes of Michael Lowry, Seán …