Ireland

House of Representatives

Political system
Parliamentary system
Structure of parliament
Bicameral
IPU membership
Yes

Election results

Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections.

Background

Election date(s)
08 Feb 2020
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
14 Jan 2020
Timing of election
Early elections
Expected date of next elections
29 Nov 2024
Number of seats at stake
160
Scope of elections
Full renewal

Candidates

Number of parties contesting the election
16
Total number of candidates
531
Number of male candidates
369
Number of female candidates
162
Percentage of women candidates
30.5%

Voter turnout

Registered voters
3,509,969
Voters
2,201,192
Voter turnout
62.7%

Results

About the election

The 2020 elections returned a fragmented House of Representatives where the three largest parties won a similar number of seats (between 35 and 38) in the 160 member House of Representatives (see note). Fianna Fáil led by Mr. Micheál Martin came first with 38 seats (down from 44). Sinn Féin led by Ms. Mary Lou McDonald followed with 37 seats (up from 23), winning two more seats than Prime Minister Leo Varadkar’s Fine Gael (35 seats, down from 50). The Green Party, led by Mr. Eamon Ryan, increased its share of seats from 2 to 12, thereby becoming the fourth largest party in the new legislature.

The four largest parties nominated their respective leaders as their premiership candidates but none of them secured the required 80 votes on 20 February when the new legislature held its first session. Prime Minister Varadkar submitted his resignation to President Michael D Higgins. After nearly four months of negotiations, on 15 June, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party agreed to form a coalition government to be led by Mr. Martin (Fianna Fáil). It is the first government comprising both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Upon election by the House of Representatives on 27 June, the new Prime Minister promised to work on the social, economic, and cultural recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 elections were held one year earlier than they were constitutionally due. On 14 January, Prime Minister Varadkar announced the snap elections, stating “the election should happen at the best time for the country”, citing the government’s record on a deal on Brexit and strong economy. President Higgins dissolved the House of Representatives later on the same day, triggering early elections. The major electoral issues included tax cuts, housing and climate change. For the first time, the percentage of women surpassed 30 per cent.

Note:

The statutory number increased from 158 to 160 due to the increase in population.

Number of parties winning seats
9
Percentage of parties winning seats
56.3%
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
23.8%
Alternation of power after elections
Yes
Number of parties in government
3
Names of parties in government
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Green Party

Parties or coalitions winning seats

Parties or coalitions winning seats
Political group Total
Fianna Fáil 38
Sinn Féin 37
Fine Gael 35
Green Party 12
Labour Party 6
Social Democratic Party 6
Solidarity - People Before Profit (SOL-PBP) 5
Aontú 1
Independents 4 Change (I.4.C) 1
Independents 19
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
124
Number of women elected
36
Percentage of women elected
22.5%
Women Directly Elected
36
Sources

New legislature

Total number of men after the election
124
Total number of women after the election
36
Percentage of women after the election
22.5%
First-term parliamentarians
48
Percentage of first-term parliamentarians
30.0%
Date of the first session
20 Feb 2020

First Speaker of the new legislature

Personal details for the first Speaker of the new legislature
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Male)
Date of birth: 17 Apr 1960
Political party
Fianna Fáil
Date of election
20 Feb 2020

Historical data for IPU membership

Historical data for IPU membership
Year IPU membership
2020-09
List of values for 2020-09
No
2019-04
List of values for 2019-04
No
2018-06
List of values for 2018-06
No