Despite having spent the last four years in Government, the Green Party is potentially facing a total wipeout in the current election.

The two main parties in the outgoing Irish government have again ruled out Sinn Fein as a potential coalition partner in the next government. The leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin were taking part in a TV debate just days before the general election.

The protracted process of counting votes in Ireland’s General Election will begin as an exit poll put the three main parties virtually tied.