Dublin reaction: The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister will discuss the immediate prospects for political development in Northern Ireland in Cardiff today as results from later counts are declared throughout the morning.
The two leaders, who will be in Cardiff for a meeting of the British-Irish Council, will discuss the results on the margins of the meeting.
While the Government is not expected to comment on the election result until the outcome is clearer, there was growing concern in Dublin last night that Sinn Féin and DUP gains could transform the political climate in the North.
The Taoiseach will be accompanied by the Minister for Communications, Mr Dermot Ahern, and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Noel Ahern, at the council meeting.
While the summit of political leaders from Britain and Ireland is to deal with minority and lesser-used languages, it will be overshadowed by the political drama being played out in the North.
The BIC was established under the Belfast Agreement and involves the Taoiseach and the British prime minister, the first ministers from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and leaders from the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.
Ms Angela Smith, political undersecretary at the Northern Ireland Office, will also attend.