Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Greens Most Likely Government, Odds Show

(Bloomberg) -- A coalition between Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein and the Green Party is now most likely to be Ireland’s next government, betting odds indicate.

There’s 25% chance of the three parties coming together, according to bookmaker Paddy Power. Previously a Fianna Fail/Sinn Fein coalition was the favorite, the odds showed.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin had pledged not to enter government with Sinn Fein before Feb. 8t general election. He has begun to soften his position though, saying he recognized his party had an “obligation” to find a functioning government.

He also faces internal divisions over the issue. Some of his lawmakers argue he should at least open talks with Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, while others are pushing him to stick by his pre-election pledge.

A coalition between Fianna Fail and current governing party Fine Gael has about a 13% probability, odds show. While Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar is open to working with Fianna Fail, he has consistently rejected working with Sinn Fein.

To contact the reporter on this story: Peter Flanagan in Dublin at pflanagan23@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Ambereen Choudhury at achoudhury@bloomberg.net

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