The vast majority of small- and medium-sized enterprises would prefer a government led by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as the parties prepare for coalition negotiations.
A survey of Irish SME Association (ISME) members shows three-quarters (76%) support Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as their preferred government coalition.
The Civil War parties won a combined 86 seats in last Friday's general election, two short of a majority in the Dáil.
With 48 seats, Fianna Fáil is widely expected to lead the next government, entering into coalition with Fine Gael (38 seats), and a group of like-minded independents.
Reports this week suggest Fine Gael will insist on "parity of esteem" and rotating taoisigh despite the party having nine fewer seats than Fianna Fail when excluding Seán Ó Fearghaíl, the FF TD for Kildare South who is expected to return as Ceann Comhairle.
The newly-formed Regional Group of eight independent TDs, including the likes of Michael Lowry, Seán Canney, Verona Murphy and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, is open to entering into government with the parties.
Labour and the Social Democrats, parties that each won 11 seats in the election, have not ruled out the prospect of entering government.
The ISME survey shows SMEs are optimistic yet cautious, with 45% forecasting revenue growth in 2025, while 31% predict increased profitability, and 45% expect reduced profits.
Accordingly, the key priorities for ISME members are: reducing the cost of doing business to ensure competitiveness; streamlining and minimising regulatory burdens that hinder operations; and investment in infrastructure, including housing, transport, and energy, to support business sustainability.
"As discussions progress, it is vital for the government to recognise that SMEs are the backbone of the economy," said Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME.
"By addressing these priorities, we can unlock growth, encourage innovation, and secure the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
"Our survey shows that ISME members remain very concerned about their future and we will continue to engage with political parties to ensure the concerns of SMEs are reflected in the upcoming programme for government.”
When asked which party or combination of parties they believed would be most positive for their business, three-quarters answered with FF and/or FG.
Independents were the next most popular category with 25.3% followed by Labour (16.9%), the Greens (15.7%), the Soc Dems (12.1%), and Sinn Féin (8.4%).
Photo: (l-r) Micheál Martin and Simon Harris. (Pic: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie)
