With the Irish General Election 2024 done and dusted, questions now turn to when Ireland will form its new Government. Tanaiste Micheal Martin says a new Irish Government before Christmas is unlikely.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been rewarded by voters who believe they have managed the economy well. Buoyed by strong corporation tax receipts, Ireland is running a budget surplus of at least €23 billion (£19 billion). As a result, all parties have committed to substantial increases in public expenditure, both current and capital.