Irish alliance of foes in prospect on 2nd day of vote count
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A marathon election count has resumed to determine the balance of power in Ireland's next parliament, with a historic alliance between two age-old foes a potential outcome.
With nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats filled from Friday's election, the two perennial heavyweights of Irish politics — governing Fine Gael and opposition Fianna Fail — remain neck and neck with 28 seats each.
Electoral officials expect nearly all winners in Ireland's 158-member parliament to be declared by Sunday night.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have never shared power in the 94 years since Ireland won independence from Britain. But neither side has ruled out forming a partnership if government stability requires this in Ireland's increasingly fractured political landscape.
The new parliament is scheduled to convene March 10 to elect a prime minister.