Election 2024: Exit poll deadlock - Sinn Fein on 21.1%, Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fáil on 19.5%

Transfers are now likely to play a significant role in the eventual make-up of a coalition Government, which may require at least four parties.

Fine Gael Simon Harris, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. 

A nationwide exit poll has revealed Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are deadlocked at the top, with Fianna Fáil narrowly behind in a tight three-way race.

The poll indicates that Sinn Féin has received 21.1% of first preference votes, closely followed by Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fáil on 19.5%.