Dublin, Ireland – Counting has officially commenced in the Irish general election, following a closely contested race between the three major parties. Initial figures from exit polls indicate Sinn Féin leading slightly ahead of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in terms of first preference votes.
A total of 174 Teachtaí Dála (TDs) are vying for election, an increase from the 160 seats in 2020 due to a restructuring of constituencies. With 43 Dáil constituencies now in place, each electing between three to five TDs, a minimum of 88 TDs is needed for an overall majority in the Dáil.
Over 680 candidates competed for the remaining 173 seats, with votes being counted at over 40 centers across the Republic of Ireland from 09:00 local time. Early trends suggest a tight race among the major parties, with potential upsets anticipated in various constituencies.
In Dublin, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Taoiseach Simon Harris are both facing uncertainties in their constituencies. Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman from the Green Party is also in a precarious position in early tallies. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald appears poised to secure a seat in the Dublin Central constituency.
According to the exit poll results released at 22:00 local time, Sinn Féin is leading with 21.1% of first preference votes, followed closely by Fine Gael at 21% and Fianna Fáil at 19.5%. The poll also indicates a tight competition among smaller parties, with less than 2% separating Labour, the Green Party, and the Social Democrats.
If the exit poll projections hold true, Sinn Féin could win the popular vote for the second consecutive general election. However, the party may still face challenges in forming a coalition government, as both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are positioned to potentially return to power with the support of a smaller party.
Counting in the Republic of Ireland employs a system of proportional representation known as the single transferable vote, where voters rank candidates in order of preference. The process is carried out in multiple rounds until all seats are filled.
The outcome of the election will be crucial in determining the direction of the new government, with coalition negotiations expected to extend beyond the first meeting of the new Dáil on 18 December. As winners and losers emerge, the political landscape in Ireland is poised for potential shifts in leadership and policies in the coming days.