Four months after an inconclusive general election that saw pro-Irish unity, Sinn Fein win a majority of the popular vote, three major political parties – Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and the Green Party – have struck a surprising deal to form a coalition government that could push Ireland closer to the formation of a new historic government. The new agreement which was announced on Monday must be ratified by members of all three parties over the next 10 days.

If accepted by party members, this would be the first time in history two centre-right parties are entering government together, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have never governed together since they emerged from opposing sides of Ireland’s 1920s civil war.

While Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have enjoyed a duopoly over the government since the republic was formed, February’s election has upended that structure with nationalist party Sinn Fein securing the most seats in Ireland’s Parliament in its history. The party doubled its vote to 24.5 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 22.2 per cent and Fine Gael on 20.9 per cent. This rise in Sinn Fein’s popularity came as voters have expressed disappointment with a lack of housing and a poor healthcare system under ruling Fine Gael.

Noting the issues that have been caused by the coronavirus, the party in a coordinated statement said, “In this Programme for Government we are asserting our ambition to meet these challenges, repair the damage that has been inflicted by the pandemic, and take the renewed spirit arising from these challenging times and translate it into action.”

Speaking on the future structure in Ireland, Prime Minister and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar told journalists on Monday the post of Prime Minister would be rotated between all three parties.

“It’s a good package overall,” said Varadkar, who leads a caretaker administration. “Now we need to make it happen,” he added, noting he did not know what cabinet post he would get when Martin leads the government in Ireland.