Anxious times as Fine Gael's Richard Bruton talks to the media. Picture by: Brian Lawless / PA Wire/Press Association Images

Flying High: Sinn Fein candidate for Dublin North West Dessie Ellis is lifted by supporters on his arrival at the election count centre at the RDS in Dublin. Picture by: Brian Lawless / PA Wire/Press Association Images

Family support: Fianna Fail's Michael McGrath with his wife and daughter Sarah and Kate during the count at the City Hall in Cork. Picture by: Chris Radburn / PA Wire/Press Association Images

Number crunchers. The tally men and women at Cork City Hall. Picture by: Chris Radburn / PA Wire/Press Association Images

 Pigeon-holed: A count worker in Cork. Picture by: Chris Radburn / PA Wire/Press Association Images