Ireland's two large centre-right parties are set to begin their search for a coalition partner this week after Friday's election left them just two seats short of the 88 needed to govern, a choice that will help determine their policy platform.

As the complex counting continues, unpredictability has given way to clarity in Ireland’s election. It looks like the country has bucked the trend across the world, in a year of numerous elections, by putting the outgoing centrist government parties in prime position to go back into power.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael can form a majority coalition with as few as two other deputies – provided they're able to renew their agreement.