Sinn Fein has won Ireland’s election, according to exit polls on Friday night, but looks certain to be shut out of power by its rivals after failing to get enough votes to enter government for the first time.

The three main parties are all within 2% of each other in the exit poll but Ireland's electoral system means it is likely Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will make up another coalition government.

An exit poll in Ireland’s general election suggests the three biggest parties have won roughly equal shares and the country is headed for another coalition government. A poll released as voting ended at 10 p.