The government formed on 12 January 1993 brought Fianna Fáil and Labour together in coalition for the first time. Albert Reynolds remained Taoiseach while Dick Spring became Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The arrangement reflected the fragmented result of the November 1992 general election, when Labour had made major gains and neither of the traditional large parties could easily form a government alone.
Dublin was officially inaugurated as European City of Culture in March 1991, succeeding Glasgow. The designation brought a year-long programme of performances, exhibitions, commissions and community projects. Ceremonies at the Mansion House, St Stephen’s Green and the National Concert Hall marked the opening, with Taoiseach Charles Haughey among those attending. The programme sought to present Dublin not merely as an historic capital but as a contemporary European city with a lively artistic life.
