Irish general election, 1997
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The Irish general election of 1997 was held on Friday, June 6, 1997. The 166 newly elected members of the 28th Dáil assembled on June 26, 1997.
Overview
The 1997 General Election saw the public offered a choice of two possible coalitions. The existing government coalition of Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left – the so-called "Rainbow Coalition". This, in very broad terms could be described as a centre left coalition. It was opposed by a coalition of Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats, which most Irish commentators regarded as a centre right coalition.Following the election none of the major parties had a clear majority. A Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition was the result of various negotiations. Four Independent TDs also support the government ensuring an overall majority. Bertie Ahern becomes the tenth Taoiseach while Mary Harney of the PDs becomes Tánaiste.
Fine Gael increases its number of deputies but crosses the Dáil chamber to the Opposition benches. Dick Spring retires as leader of the Labour Party and is replaced by Ruairí Quinn. Fianna Fáil increases seat numbers but the Progressive Democrats lose more than half of it's seats, despite no decrease in it's vote.
National
Dail Membership changes
The following changes took place as a result of the election. Of the 166 outgoing TDs, 17 retired, including the Ceann Comhairle. Of the 149 TDs that stood for re-election, 121 were re-elected and 28 failed to be re-elected. Of the 45 successor TDs, 32 were elected for the first time and 13 had previously been TDs. There were 6 successor women TDs, decreasing the total number by 3 to 21.Outgoing TDs are listed in the constituency they constested in the election. For some, such as Kildare North, this differs from the constituency they represented in the outgoing Dail. Where more than one change took place in a constituency the concept of successor is an approximation for presentation only.
Elected in subsequent by-elections
Footnote
- After the election, while Gerry Adams was leader of the Sinn Féin party, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin became leader (indeed, sole member) of the Sinn Féin parliamentary party.
See also
External References
| Irish General Elections |
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