Irish general election, 1992

The election for the 27th Dáil was held on Wednesday, November 25, 1992. However, the members of the new Dáil Éireann didn't assemble until January 4, 1993 and a new Fianna Fáil-Labour government wasn't formed until January 12.

National

Overview

Albert Reynolds fought his first and only election as leader of Fianna Fáil. It was one of the worst election performances for the Party in its history. John Bruton fought his first election as leader also and fared just as badly. The Labour Party recorded its best ever result and effectively held the balance of power and, after negotiations, went into coalition with Fianna Fáil. This proved unpopular with many of Labour’s supporters, due to the fact that Dick Spring had campaigned heavily against Fianna Fáil and particularly Albert Reynolds.

Following a number of scandals in 1994, particularly over the beef industry, Labour left the coalition and, after negotiations, formed the "Rainbow Coalition" with Fine Gael and Democratic Left on December 15, 1994. This was the first time in Irish political history that a party had left a governing coalition and gone into government with opposition parties without first holding an election.

Notable retirees: Two former Taoisigh, Charles J. Haughey and Garret FitzGerald.

By-Elections

• June 9, 1994: In Dublin South Central Fianna Fáil retain their seat in the constituency. However, on the same day in Mayo West Fianna Fáil loses its seat to Fine Gael.
• November 10, 1994: In Cork North Central the Labour Party loses its seat to the Democratic Left. Meanwhile in Cork South Central Fine Gael win one seat at the expense of the Progressive Democrats.
• June 29, 1995: In Wicklow Independent, Mildred Fox, retains her father's seat following his death.
• April 2, 1996: In Donegal North East Fianna Fáil regian a seat from the Independent, Neil Blaney. In Dublin West Fianna Fáil retain its seat when Brian Lenihan, Jr replaces his father.

See also

• Government of the 27th Dáil