Conor Lenihan concedes defeat in Dublin South West

Fianna Fáil's Conor Lenihan, contesting Dublin South West, has conceded defeat.

“Unfortunately we are going to lose both seats here,” he told RTE television.

“It’s not entirely a dishonourable place to be.”

Mr Lenihan, a former junior minister who comes from a powerful Fianna Fáil dynasty, accepted he had seen his support collapse from being top of the poll in the 2007 election.

He added: “Clearly the tide was out for Fianna Fáil in Dublin and naturally 15% is not a party that’s going places.”

The Fianna Fáil support in Dublin was forecast to fall from 18 seats down to as low as one - Brian Lenihan appearing to be the only party candidate able to retain enough votes.

Noel Dempsey, a former Fianna Fáil minister retiring from politics, said a nationwide total of 20-plus seats was all the party could hope for.

“It’s looking pretty grim,” he said.

“And to get a result in the low 20s would be good.”