Simon Harris, leader of Fine Gael, states the Irish general election is 'too close to call' with Sinn Féin slightly leading in first preference votes. Key leaders including Harris, Micheál Martin (Fianna Fáil), and Mary Lou McDonald (Sinn Féin) have been elected in various constituencies. The election sees a record number of 174 TDs, with a competitive atmosphere among parties. Sinn Féin is considering options for government formation, while Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have ruled out a coalition with them. The counting of votes has begun, and the process of forming a government may take time. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)