Ireland’s Prime Minister Narrowly Wins a Second Term
DUBLIN — Prime Minister Enda Kenny of Ireland was re-elected Friday on his fourth try, ending 70 days of deadlock and clearing the way for an exceptionally fragile minority government.
Mr. Kenny received 59 votes, with 49 against, in the 158-member Parliament — by far the fewest votes ever received for a winning prime minister in Ireland, a nation used to coalition governments with stable majorities. Speculation mounted on how long this government, dozens of votes short of a majority, might survive.
In his victory speech, a subdued Mr. Kenny appealed to opposition lawmakers to “work in partnership together to build a better Ireland.”
“It will be a real test of our democracy, of our character and indeed of this house — a test I am convinced we will pass,” he said.
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