Ireland election: Exit poll suggests little change

[RandySF]

Polls closed on Friday in Ireland's general election amid a tight race between the incumbent coalition parties and the opposition party Sinn Fein.

According to exit polls, Ireland's three largest parties were projected to get roughly equal shares of the vote, with Sinn Fein slightly ahead on 21.1%, Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.

If they stand, the exit polls would represent little change to the current make-up of the Irish parliament, meaning that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael would likely hold on to power in coalition with each other and a few smaller parties.

The exit poll is only indicative of the support base for each political parties, but the final results will be determined by transfer votes, which is a key part of Ireland's proportional representation electoral system.




https://www.dw.com/en/ireland-election-exit-poll-suggests-little-change/a-70914602

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. First round results in; 1st 3 parties swap order from the exit poll

With all 43 constituencies' initial counts in, first preference percentage share for the largest three parties is: Fianna Fáil 21.9%, Fine Gael 20.8%, Sinn Féin 19.0%.

So far, 95 of 174 seats have been filled, with counting having resumed on Sunday morning.
...
Political pundits are currently predicting that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael could secure a combined total of more than 80 seats - within touching distance of the golden figure of 88 TDs needed to secure a majority in the Dáil.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9373ew5yd9o

Mob boss Gerry Hutch has thankfully been eliminated (from election, not murdered by a rival. He himself got off a murder charge, but is still on bail for money laundering.