Ireland: Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Greens strike coalition deal

Three political parties in Ireland have struck a deal to form an unprecedented coalition government with a rotating prime minister, four months after an inconclusive election that saw the pro-Irish unity Sinn Fein party shock the political establishment by winning the popular vote.

The agreement on Monday between historic rivals Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and the Greens, must be ratified by the members of the three parties over the next 10 days or so. Under the proposed deal, the smaller Green Party needs to secure two-thirds support, a higher bar than the larger parties that could yet scupper the deal.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have never governed together, swapping power since they emerged from opposing sides of Ireland's 1920s civil war.

"The leaders have signed off on the draft programme for government," the parties said in a coordinated statement.