Elections: Early indications show tough day for Sinn Féin, smaller losses for Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil

James Cox

It's still early days as counting in the local and European elections continues, but early indications show a tough day for Sinn Féin with signs of a drop in support since the general election.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will lose seats too, but the losses may be smaller than expected.

The Green Party is enjoying more success than expected in Dublin.

In terms of Europe, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil look on course to claim a seat in each constituency. Sinn Féin should do the same, but it could be tighter for the party.

Independents are expected to make huge gains at local and European level.

Counting has been under way for the local and European elections since 9am. However, results in Europe cannot be declared until late Sunday night when all EU member states have finished polling.

Ireland uses a system of proportional representation which allows voters to rank every candidate in each race by order of preference.

Candidates must reach a certain quota of votes in order to be deemed elected.