Irish election exit poll predicts even split between three main parties

Sinn Fein and Fine Gael both scored 21% in the poll, slightly ahead of Fianna Fail on 19%

An exit poll in Ireland suggests a dead heat between Sinn Fein and the taoiseach's party Fine Gael in the general election, with Fianna Fail only slightly behind.

The survey of first preference votes is the first real indication of how Ireland voted after three weeks of canvassing in the snap election called by Simon Harris.