After making impressive gains in 2020, Sinn Féin was tipped to finally make it into government this year. It’s failure to do so will prompt an internal shake up.

At one level, the vote was an endorsement of continuity, but the stability in Ireland’s political center ground masked volatility on the fringes.

Ireland’s election saw little enthusiasm for the ruling parties — but also a weakened score for opposition force Sinn Féin. Its message on housing hardened its youth support, but it was unable to build out its base across Irish society.