FF and FG doing well at expense of others
Early indications across the 43 constituencies suggest Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are performing well in the early stages of the counts at the expense of smaller parties.
The junior coalition partner, the Progressive Democrats, appeared to be struggling, with its leader Michael McDowell and deputy leader Liz O’Donnell engaged in fierce battles to hold onto their seats in Dublin South East and Dublin South.
Sinn Féin sources are beginning to fear their Dublin South West TD Sean Crowe could lose his seat, with Fine Gael’s Brian Hayes benefiting.
However the party is still targeting gains, with Padraig Mac Lochlainn in the hunt for a seat in Donegal North East, Joe Reilly performing well in Meath West, Dessie Ellis and Larry O’Toole battling for seats in Dublin North West and Dublin North East.
