Superficially, the results seem to favor FF. But considering the seats FG lost, for the most part, did NOT go to FF or Labour, but rather to the Indendents and left of center parties (Socialist, Greens, SF) means that the Irish electorate is looking for serious opposition parties, not just revolving door ministries between FG/FF with whomever the current Labour/PD leader in opposition.

It really does seem as though 20-25% of the electorate are interested in substantial change from the political institutions.

To suggest that the SF gains in the Republic don't really matter is a ludicrous idea, IMO. If in the next election SF is able to keep their momentum going in the north, they will become the most powerful republican force on the island. And that will make waves, north and south.