Flanagan likely to take seat in Laois-Offaly

There is as yet no official word on the outcome of polling in the Laois-Offaly constituency, where the outgoing Taoiseach's brother, Barry Cowen, is now running.

Fine Gael's Charlie Flanagan looks set to take a seat, and said that whatever the result, it will be "down to business" right away next week.

"One thing about this election, there will be no honeymoon for whatever party is in Government," he said, "because people need decisive action over a range of issues, most importantly a question of hope and confidence...that has been sadly lacking under a failed Fianna Fáil legacy."