A handful of constituencies will determine if Fianna Fáil can form a majority government in the next Dáil at the end of a thrilling election count.
In Galway West, Fianna Fáil’s Ms Margaret Cox is battling with the PD Mr Noel Grealish for the fifth seat and last seat. The PDs’ decision to run three candidates for the seat vacated by Mr Bobby Molloy has been questioned by analysts following the surprisingly good showing by the party.
In Limerick East Fine Gael’s Ms Mary Jackman and Mr Tim O’Malley of the PDs are neck and neck for the last seat. After the fourth count Ms Jackman has just edged ahead of Mr O’Malley.
Longford Roscommon is also too close to call with PD candidate threatening to split the Fianna Fail ticket of Dr Greg Kelly and Mr Peter Kelly.