Government formation talks underway with TDs setting out key issues

A coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and a third element — possibly made up of Independents or another smaller party —  is still seen as the only viable option.

As the final bundle of ballots are checked in Cork North Central, successful TDs are already looking ahead to the possible formation of the next Government. Picture: Chani Anderson

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has spoken to Labour and the Social Democrats in a bid to form a left-leaning Government.

As the makeup of the incoming Dáil becomes clear, Labour's Ivana Bacik has also approached the Green Party and the Social Democrats about a centre-left negotiating bloc.