Ireland Election: Sinn Fein and Fine Gael Tied for Top Spot

First-Preference Votes Show Tight Race Between Parties

Sinn Féin (21.1 per cent) and Fine Gael (21 per cent) are virtually neck-and-neck in terms of first-preference votes in the general election, according to an exit poll.

Other Parties’ Performance

• Fianna Fáil: 19.5 per cent

• Social Democrats: 5.8 per cent

• Labour: 5 per cent

• Green Party: 4 per cent

• Aontú: 3.6 per cent

• People Before Profit-Solidarity: 3.1 per cent

• Independent Ireland: 2.2 per cent

• Independents and other candidates: 14.6 per cent

Margin of Error

The exit poll has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.

Methodology

The survey was commissioned by The Irish Times, RTÉ, TG4, and Trinity College Dublin and carried out by Ipsos B&A. It is based on about 5,000 interviews conducted with voters immediately after voting in the 43 constituencies across the country. The interviews were very short, self-administered, and conducted in private to mimic the voting experience as closely as possible.

Next Steps

More detailed results will be released over the weekend, including what were the most important issues for voters as they cast their vote and attitudinal and policy questions. This will provide a much more detailed picture of the mood and profile of the electorate.

Exit Poll Results

According to an exit poll, Sinn Féin (21.1 per cent), Fine Gael (21 per cent), and Fianna Fáil (19.5 per cent) are virtually neck-and-neck in terms of first-preference votes.

Breakdown of Party Votes

• Sinn Féin: 21.1 per cent

• Fine Gael: 21 per cent