Counting has begun in the Irish general election, as exit polls suggest a close contest between the three major parties.

The first meeting of the new Dáil is due to take place on the 18th of December, but the government will be officially formed whenever the Dáil passes a vote to install the new Taoiseach

The Irish General Election 2024 will be held this Friday, November 29 - here, an overview of the major political parties running candidates. What parties are running in the Irish General Election 2024?

Ireland's main opposition Sinn Fein looked on course to win the most votes at a general election by the narrowest of margins on Friday, but its two main centre-right rivals will likely have enough seats to govern again without it,

Counting is to get under way later on Saturday morning in the Irish general election, as exit polls suggest a close contest between the three major parties. Figures from Friday's exit poll show Sinn Féin slightly ahead of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in first preference votes.

Sinn Féin, the former political arm of the IRA, is hoping Ireland's 2024 election will bring it to power for the first time ever.

Gradually reduce the rate of annual spending growth from 6.6% in 2026 to 5.5% by 2030, with no cap on day-to-day spending. Transfer the same amount as Fine Gael to the two wealth funds. Sinn Fein: Increase current and particularly capital expenditure by more than the other two parties to leave 15 billion euros to invest in the wealth funds.

Boxes opened in count for Irish General Election - The boxes holding the ballots were opened at 9am at count centres across the country.

Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris votes as his Fine Gael party seeks a fourth term in office :: November 29, 2024 :: Wicklow, Ireland A slide in support for his Fine Gael party showed signs of stabilising with last opinion poll indicating a likely return of the centre-right led coalition to government.