A range of independent TDs are contemplating the prospect of entering Ireland’s next coalition government as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael consider ways to secure a solid majority.Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan.

The next Government will most likely be a Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael coalition propped up by "sensible" independents. Although a handful of seats are yet to be filled, it is expected that Fianna Fáil will be the largest party with 48 seats, Fine Gael will have 38 TDs and Sinn Féin will 39 seats.

Fianna Fáil is predicted to become the biggest party in the Dail with 45 seats, Sinn Féin the second largest with 40 and Fine Gael the third with 39 – once the counting of votes in General Election 2024 has concluded.