When the votes were counted, Fine Gael had returned a record 70 seats, Labour had 16 and Fianna Fáil had 75 seats. Early in the 1980s, Charles Haughey had survived a leadership challenge within Fianna Fáil by "the gang of 22".

Michael Mills, political correspondent with The Irish Press and Sean Duignan from RTÉ on what's likely to happen now following the election count and results. Neither Fianna Fail nor Fine Gael have a majority. Labour has been taking an independent stance with very different policies to Fine Gael. It points to a coalition administration. Charles Haughey refuses to concede defeat. He will not go quietly. He will continue to lead the party.

An extract from the 'News at Six Thirty' discussing who will form the next government following the third General Election in 18 months.

The photograph accompanying this clip shows Dessie O'Malley at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in 1983.

The photographer was Des Gaffney. © RTÉ Stills Library 2000/092

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