Ahern May Have to Seek Partner After Close Election ; European News IN BRIEF

May 25, 02:01 AM

Current Headlines: DUBLIN Ireland voted in an election so close yesterday that Prime Minister Bertie Ahern may have to lure a left-leaning opponent if he is to stay in power. Having repeatedly ruled out entering a coalition with Mr Ahern's ruling Fianna Fail, the Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte left the door open to a deal. He said he did not look forward to the prospect but he was keen to keep Sinn Fein out of power. A close result in what the Irish Times described as "one of the most hotly contested and unpredictable elections of recent times" may lead to days of horse-trading as parties try to cobble together a majority.

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