‘There is very little to do apart from wait’

After weeks of knocking on doors, leaflet drops, and media debates, for more than 500 candidates contesting the election the coming hours will be the most nerve-racking and longer than any day spent canvassing in the rain.

At 9am today, ballot boxes are to be opened in community halls, hotels, theatres, and GAA clubhouses across the country, which will be used as count centres in the coming hours and perhaps days as rounds of eliminations, vote transfers, and recounts continue.

But the count is just the beginning for political parties and Independent candidates, who will be turning their attention away from their own constituencies to forming a government.