The 1977 General Election was one of the most significant for Fianna Fáil in all its history. It resulted in the defeat of the ruling National Coalition of Fine Gael and the Labour Party and the victory of Fianna Fáil. Jack Lynch became Taoiseach for the second time while the leaders of Fine Gael and the Labour Party, Liam Cosgrave and Brendan Corish respectively, resigned as leaders of their politicial parties.

Fine Gael and the Labour Party fought the election campaign as a team again. They hoped that their record alone would guarantee re-election, however, this was not the case. However, certain events including the resignation of President Ó Dálaigh in 1976 and the redrawing of constituency boundaries would go against the coalition. Fianna Fáil ran a tightly controlled campaign. They promised big tax cuts and increased public spending. Jack Lynch toured the country in an American-style meet and greet of the electorate.

Many commentators had predicted a return to power for the National Coalition, however, Fianna Fáil returned to government with a twenty-seat Dáil majority. It was and still remains the biggest Dáil majority ever achieved by a single party. New TDs elected to Dáil Éireann on this occasion include future Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Albert Reynolds, Charlie McCreevy, Jim Mitchell, Martin O'Donoghue and Síle de Valera. Former Cabinet ministers Conor Cruise O'Brien and Justin Keating lost there seats at this election.

See also:

• Government of the 21st Dáil