Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in pole position to form new Irish government

But Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald vows to fight for left alliance for government as Greens face wipeout

Ireland has bucked the European trend of elections going against incumbent governments, with two of the parties in its ruling coalition in pole position to lead the next parliament.

An exit poll showed an appetite for change, with 60% backing opposition parties. But the prospect of an alternative left-leaning government still looks unlikely to materialise.