Breaking News Irish Opposition Historic Victory

The first results showed Fianna Fail is facing the biggest collapse in support for any party with the Irish independence from Britain in 1921, and its defeat would make it the first government of the euro area will be hit by the debt crisis.

"Good riddance to them," said Simon McGrath, a 23-year-old student. "I do not think they will be missed."

Having to go cap in hand to the European Union and the International Monetary Fund last year was a killer blow to the ruling party and will make for uncomfortable reading in Lisbon, which is regarded as next in line for salvation.
Kenny said he expects a new government, but his celebration was understated, as he promised to fulfill campaign promises to renegotiate the 85 billion euros (73 billion euros) of assistance.
"We do not have any time to lose. The country can not borrow money, banks can not borrow money, we're sick of here," he told national broadcaster RTE.
Set of high-profile independent - from the shaggy builder based former stockbroker - has swept by, and candidates who have ruled for generations.
Despite the squabbling in the election campaign, Fine Gael and Labour have a history of working well together and the vast majority should bring stability back into Irish politics after the chaos of the last days of Fianna Fáil in office. "I've seen some headlines that said 'kick them in the ballot and, of course, Fianna Fail got hit that day," said Batt O'Keeffe, a former minister who resigned before the election.
The composition of the new parliament will not be confirmed until the manual counting ends on Sunday, but a senior member of the main opposition party Fine Gael told Reuters he is likely to form a coalition with the center-left Labor Party.
"Fine Gael and Labour formed a joint platform in 2007, you expect that it should be possible even in difficult times, to negotiate a deal," said Richard Bruton, a spokesman for Fine Gael for businesses and likely future minister.