#GE2020 tallies: Surge sparks calls from within Fianna Fáil to talk to Sinn Féin

Counting is underway to elect 159 members of the next Dáil and Sinn Féin looks set to make serious gains based on early tallies of votes across the country.

Sinn Féin could increase its Dáil seat numbers by between 10 and 15, cementing their place as the third large party in Irish politics.

The extent of the surge has led to early calls from within Fianna Fáil for them to open discussions with Mary Lou McDonald's party about government formation.