TWELVE MONTHS AGO we were ending the year knowing an election was around the corner but not knowing exactly when.

A year on, we have the same Taoiseach but political realities have changed dramatically.

In the February general election, Fine Gael won 27 fewer seats than 2011 but cobbled together a minority government with some independents.

The arrangement might have its critics and is heavily depended on the acquiescence of a rejuvenated Fianna Fáil, but has so far proved workable.

Sinn Féin continued its slow and steady growth and refused to countenance going into government.

There were mixed fortunes for smaller parties. AAA-PBP doubled their Dáil representation, Renua was wiped out electorally and the Social Democrats concentrated on consolidation.

The Greens also showed they have durability. Labour had a tumultuous year but managed to remain relevant.

All things considered, what political party had the best 2016?

[Note: We're just including the names of parties and groups that have been elected to the current Dáil. Other political parties are also available. The exclusion of the Social Democrats was an error, with two elected TDs they should have been included on that basis.]