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

The shape of the next government is emerging. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have both reiterated their view tonight that they want to form a stable government.

The selection by Fine Gael of Senator John McGahon in Louth has also dogged the Taoiseach’s campaign. Mr McGahon was found not guilty of assaulting a man outside a Dundalk nightclub in a criminal case two years ago, but a civil action earlier this year found him liable and he was ordered to pay damages.