Meath by-election proves a tight affair

The result of the first count of the by-election in Meath is still a close call and will be later than expected, according to the initial tallies.

Shane MacEntee from Fine Gael and Shane Cassels from Fianna Fáil are the front runners for the seat left vacant by John Bruton, who is now the EU's Ambassador to the US.

The first count results are not expected until after 5pm.

First preferences are being sorted and all indications are that Fine Gael’s Shane MacEntee will top the poll - at around 34% of the vote - followed closely by Fianna Fáil’s Shane Cassels with 32%.

Sinn Féin’s Joe Reilly is looking to take about 12% of the vote and it is his transfers will prove crucial to the final outcome.

It is expected to be a nail-biting climax to the first by-election in Meath for 46 years.