As counting progresses in Ireland’s recent election, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin express cautious optimism regarding their parties’ standings. Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald claims a strong performance, aiming to form a left-leaning government. The fragmented political landscape, indicated by an exit poll placing Sinn Féin slightly ahead, complicates potential coalitions, with smaller parties and independents playing pivotal roles in government formation.

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