The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has retained his seat in Mayo.

He was elected on the first count with 13,318 votes, well in excess of the quota, and it seems he will be joined by his running mate Michael Ring.

Enda Kenny says he has a duty to remain on as Taoiseach, having regard to the will off the voters, but refused to say what shape the government might take:

After a shaky start by the Government parties, it now looking slightly more promising, with many of those in the Taoiseach's inner circle retaining their seats. 

Although the Taoiseach conceded that the coalition has failed to get re-elected.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald was among the first TDs to be elected, retaining her seat in Dublin Mid West on the first count.

Meanwhile, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar topped the polls in Dublin West and was elected on the third count. Tánaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton filled the final seat in the constituency on the fifth count.

Fine Gael's Simon Harris filled the third seat in Wicklow and says newly elected TDs have to act like grown-ups and talk to each other:

 Fine Gael Deputy Leader James Reilly is in a precarious position in Dublin Fingal, as he faces a battle for the fifth seat.