Irish Political Parties

Four main political parties are represented in Dáil Éireann (parliament of Ireland). These include:

Fianna Fáil Fianna Fáil was founded in 1926 by Eamon de Valera. The party first came to power in 1932 and since then has remained the largest party in the Dáil. Fianna Fáil has been in power for almost fifty years of its existence (1932-1948, 1951-1954, 1957-1973, 1977-1981, 1982, 1987-1992 & 1997-present). Its list of leaders are:

Fine Gael Fine Gael was founded in 1933. Up to then it was known as Cumann na nGaedhael. Since it was founded Fine Gael has remained the second largest party in the Dáil. Cumann na nGaedhael formed the first government of the Irish Free State (1923-1932). Since then it has formed coalition governments, mostly with the Irish Labour Party (1948-1951, 1954-1957, 1973-1977, 1981-1982, 1982-1987 & 1994-1997). Its list of leaders are:

The Labour Party The Irish Labour Party was founded in 1912 by James Connolly as a trade union movement. Up to 1927 the party was the main opposition party in the Dáil. The Labour Party has been in power in coalition governments, mostly with Fine Gael - (1948-1951, 1954-1957, 1973-1977, 1981-1982, 1982-1987 & 1994-1997). The Labour Party formed a coalition government with Fianna Fáil from 1992 to 1994. Its list of leaders are:

Progressive Democrats The Progressive Democrats is the fourth largest political party in the Republic of Ireland. The party was founded in December 1985 by two ex-Fianna Fáil TD's - Desmond O'Malley and Mary Harney. O'Malley became president and leader. The party won 14 seats in the 1987 general election, thus becoming the third largest party in the Dáil. In 1989 the party entered into coalition government with Fianna Fáil. O'Malley became Minister for Industry and Commerce. Since 1997 the party has been in power in coalition with Fianna Fáil. Its leader, Mary Harney, is the current Tánaiste. Its list of leaders are:

Several other smaller organisations are represented in the Dáil also.

Defunct Political Parties: