GENERAL ELECTION EXIT POLL: SF and FG on 21%, FF on 19.5%

Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are virtually level when it comes to first preference votes, according to a general election exit poll.

Sinn Féin obtained 21.1 per cent, Fine Gael got 21 per cent, and Fianna Fáil are on 19.5 per cent.

The exit poll, carried out by Ipsos Behaviour and Attitudes for RTÉ, The Irish Times, TG4 and Trinity College Dublin.

The exit poll is based on 5,018 completed interviews conducted immediately after people voted at polling stations in 43 constituencies across the country.

It indicates Green Party first preference support stands at 4%; Labour at 5%; the Social Democrats at 5.8%; People Before Profit-Solidarity at 3.1%; and Independents at 12.7%, Independent Ireland 2.2% with others on 1.9%.