Election results raise prospect of another ‘coalition of equals’, says Varadkar

European and local election results create the prospect of another “coalition of equals” between Fine Gael and Fianna áail, Leo Varadkar has said.

The former Taoiseach said “an instability” could have been created if one party had got too far ahead of the other.

The results of last week’s elections saw Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael,reinforce their positions, while Sinn Féin fell short of expectations.

Fianna Fáil doubled its presence in the European Parliament to four, with Fine Gael also on four.

Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party in local government with 248 seats on councils, with Fine Gael close behind on 245.

The results have heightened speculation that Mr Varadkar’s successor Simon Harris could call an early autumn general election.

Speaking at an event in Belfast, Mr Varadkar welcomed the election results.

“My party winning the biggest share of the vote in both the European and local…