Centre-right Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael set to retain power in Ireland

Parties expected to hold talks as election results show incumbents closing in on majority needed to govern

The two main centre-right parties in Ireland are expected to start talks on returning to government as the general election put the incumbents within touching distance of forming the 34th Dail.

With all Teachta Dala (TD) seats filled by 10pm on Monday evening, Fianna Fail - led by Micheal Martin - and Fine Gael - led by the taoiseach, Simon Harris - won 86 seats, just two shy of the 88 needed for a majority.