Projection that Sinn Féin will be in next Government has been ‘shattered’

Tally indications show a surge in the Sinn Féin vote has not materialised in the local elections, while the Government coalition parties are cautiously welcoming early results.

Votes are counted at RDS count centre in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

The public expenditure minister has said the projection that Sinn Féin will be in the next Government has been “shattered”, as the opposition party faces a tough local election battle.

A day after voters headed to the polls in three highly anticipated elections, the ballot boxes were opened at 9am on Saturday and counting is well under way.