Counting has begun in the Irish general election, as exit polls suggest a close contest between the three major parties.

An exit poll on Friday night suggested that Sinn Fein would narrowly get the highest share of first-preference votes, 21.1%, ahead of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail at 21% and 19.5% respectively, but in fact the latter two parties outpolled SF in the end.

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said it is "too close to call" how many seats his party will win in the Irish general election. Exit polls suggest a close contest between the three major parties. Figures show Sinn Féin slightly ahead of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in first preference votes.