Simon Clark - Taking Liberties

Don't ask me to analyse the election results in Ireland.

As things stand it could be weeks before a new government is confirmed.

I'm sure the country will cope just fine (a few years ago Belgium 'survived' for 18 months without a government) but there are some interesting stories to report.

One is the fact that James Reilly, the former health minister who turned the war on tobacco into a personal crusade, could be about to lose his seat.

It's not been confirmed yet so the prosecco is on ice until it is but I'm sure Forest won't be the only ones celebrating.

For those with short memories (or no interest in Irish politics), here are three previous posts I've written about this odious politician:

Why Irish health minister James Reilly should resign
James Reilly: All mouth and no trousers
James Reilly: the face of Big Government wants war with Big Tobacco

James Reilly topped the poll in four-seat Fingal in 2011. Now it's a five-seat but he's about to lose his seat to a SF candidate. #ge16
— Colette Browne (@colettebrowne) February 28, 2016

Fine Gael people in the count centre in Dublin Fingal believe James Reilly will lose his seat. https://t.co/o4O9py1aeW
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) February 28, 2016

No fan of SF, but losing the arrogant and self-serving James Reilly is one of the best stories of #GE16 #dubf https://t.co/nLPzvpdwqM
— Keith Mills (@KeithM) February 28, 2016

Have you read our manifesto, @DrJamesReilly? 1 in 5 voters smoke. https://t.co/6RG7NwKc8g #SmokersAreVoters #GE16 pic.twitter.com/sDIkfCSIRD
— Forest Eireann (@FEireann) February 17, 2016