11: General Election 1992

The Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition government collapses surrounding the Beef Tribunal.

After the General Election of 5 November 1992, the Labour Party was the big winner, returning 33 deputies. Dr Mossajee Bhamjee became the first Muslim elected to the Dáil when he was elected as a Labour deputy for Clare.

Labour held the balance of power and, following long negotiations, formed a coalition with Fianna Fáil. Albert Reynolds was elected Taoiseach.

Many supporters of both parties found the formation of this coalition hard to reconcile.