SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
With Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny having called parliamentary elections on 26 February, Paddy Power has slashed its odds to a near certain 11/10 on a centre right coalition of Fine Gael – Fianna Fail taking over the Dail Eireann (parliament).
The bookmaker’s market details that Enda Kenny’s Fine Gael party will ditch current dancing partner Irish Labour for an uneasy alliance with fierce rival Fianna Fail.
A number of Irish polls have indicated that the current coalition government will struggle to gain the minimum 80 seats required to take governance.
The centre right parties who have dominated the Irish political scene since 1932, have seen their popularity recede as voters have turned to independent rivals promoting anti-austerity measures.
The Irish electorate remain disillusioned with years of sacrifice following the financial crisis, which has caused a general public mistrust of Ireland’s political class.
With voter confidence at a low ebb, Enda Kenny will likely have to swallow pride and form a coalition with Fianna Fail’s Micheal Martin.
However, Paddy Power, believes that Irelands political funfare will not be stopped, the bookmaker has also slashed the odds on two national elections taking place in 2016 to 6/4 having offered 9/2 just over a week ago.
Féilim Mac An Iomaire, political spokesperson for Paddy Power, said: “Enda Kenny may continue to rule out a coalition with Fianna Fáil but our punters aren’t buying it and the most shocking Irish hook-up since Miley and Fidelma got frisky in a barn in Glenroe is looking increasingly likely.”
