 It initially appeared that Labour would rejoin the coalition with Fianna Fáil under Ahern, allowing Ahern to ascend to the position of Taoiseach.Instead, Spring led Labour into successful coalition negotiations with Fine Gael and Democratic Left, and Fianna Fáil found themselves in opposition, against a Rainbow Coalition.Reynolds remained as acting Taoiseach until John Bruton took office on 15 December, and then returned to the opposition backbenches.