Reuters AlertNet Lite - Irish PM clinches third term as Greens back him

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Irish PM clinches third term as Greens back him

13 Jun 2007 20:36:09 GMT
Source: Reuters

DUBLIN, June 13 (Reuters) - Ireland's Green Party voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to back a coalition deal that will ensure they enter government for the first time and a third term for Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.

Ahern's Fianna Fail party emerged largely unscathed from a May 24 election with 78 lawmakers in the 166-seat Dail (lower house of parliament) but needed new allies after pro-business partner, the Progressive Democrats (PDs), suffered big losses.

Backing from six Greens will give Ahern a wafer-thin majority when parliament votes in a post-election premier on Thursday. He is expected to bolster his position by keeping on two remaining PD lawmakers and bringing in four independents.

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Last updated:Wed Jun 13 20:37:42 2007