Progressive Democrats leader Michael McDowell has said his days as a public representative are over.

Outgoing PD deputy Liz O'Donnell has been eliminated in Dublin South where Seamus Brennan and Tom Kitt have both been returned for FF.

The final seats that decide the balance of power in the 30th Dáil will come down to the crucial but volatile system of vote transfers.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern looks set for a record third term in power, according to an exit poll in the General Election.

More than three million voters go to the polls today in one of the tightest general election contests in history.

The opposition parties have heavily criticised the PDs in the wake of this morning's press conference at which PD leader Michael Mc Dowell called for a 'comprehensive' statement from Bertie Ahern on the Taoiseach's finances.

Fine Gael and Labour say their 'Alliance for Change' will set the country on a new path.