The Labour Party and the Social Democrats have both made good gains in the general election. But both are understood to be wary of becoming the junior member of a predominantly centre-right coalition – given the centre-left party which took that role the last time has suffered a near wipeout at the polls.

Ireland has proved a partial exception to the anti-incumbent mood in elections around the world. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, which have dominated Irish politics for a century, remain in the driving seat, though their combined share of the vote has declined to just over 40%.

Sinn Féin, the former political arm of the IRA, is hoping Ireland's 2024 election will bring it to power for the first time ever.

Vote counting got underway Saturday in Ireland’s national election after an exit poll suggested the contest is a close-fought race among the country’s three largest political parties. Ballot boxes were opened at 9 a.

Join Chris Buckler and Elaine McGee for live coverage of the race for the Dáil.

People in Ireland are going to the polls Friday, as the country holds a general election to fill 174 seats in the Dail Eireann or lower house, the principal chamber of the country's parliament, the Oireachtas.