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 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.

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.

Ireland's two large centre-right parties looked on course to be returned to power after an election on Friday, but they will likely need at least one smaller partner to secure a majority, raising questions about the stability of the next government.

Ireland is heading for a return of the coalition government led by Prime Minister Simon Harris’s Fine Gael party and Fianna Fail, as voters bucked a recent international trend of ousting incumbent parties.

The incumbent centre-right parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gael looked set to retain power in Ireland as vote counting in the European Union member's general election resumed on Sunday.

Ireland's two large centre-right parties looked set to be returned to power after an election on Friday, but will likely need at least one smaller partner to secure a majority, raising questions over the stability of the next government.