Micheál Martin looks set to return to the Taoiseach's Office, with Fianna Fáil edging ahead of Fine Gael in a general election that will return the Grand Coalition for another five years. However, it will be into the new year before a government is formed, as the two main parties go in search of a replacement for the battered Greens.
Sinn Féin performed better than would have been expected after June's local elections, leading Mary Lou McDonald to insist she will try to build a left-wing coalition. However, in reality her ambition to lead the country will have to wait yet again as the numbers simply do not add up for her.
Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris said the outcome of the election was "too close to call", while Mr. Martin said there is a "very clear route" back to government for Fianna Fáil.
The Green Party was all but wiped out; Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was on the verge of losing his seat; and criminal Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch was in the shake-up for a seat in Dublin Central.
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