17 May – The
Fianna Fáil-
Progressive Democrats coalition was re-elected in the
general election. It was the first government to be re-elected since 1969. Fianna Fáil achieved 80 seats, just four short of an overall majority.
Fine Gael lost 23 seats, and the
Labour Party remained static. Increased support for
Sinn Féin resulted in four extra
TDs.
Michael Noonan resigned as leader of Fine Gael and
Ruairi Quinn resigned as leader of the Labour Party.
26 September – Five
Old Master paintings from the
Alfred Beit collection were stolen from
Russborough House, the fourth major art theft from this location.