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.