<P> There are a number of political parties in Ireland , and coalition governments are common . The state is unusual as a developed nation in that politics is not primarily characterised by the left - right political divide . The two largest political parties , Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael , arose from a split in the original Sinn Féin party in the 1922 -- 1923 Civil War , Fine Gael from the faction ( Cumann na nGaedheal ) that supported the 1921 Anglo - Irish Treaty and Fianna Fáil from the anti-Treaty faction . This enduring characteristic of the Irish party system is sometimes pejoratively referred to as `` Civil War politics '' . The Labour Party was formed in 1912 , and it has usually been the third party in parliamentary strength , though it is currently the fourth largest party in Dáil Éireann . In recent years , Sinn Féin has risen to prominence , surpassing the Labour Party in the 2016 general election . </P>
what are the main political parties in ireland
Fianna Fáil Fine Gael Labour Party Sinn Féin