Sinn Fein has won Ireland’s election, according to exit polls on Friday night, but looks certain to be shut out of power by its rivals after failing to get enough votes to enter government for the first time.

Transfers are now likely to play a significant role in the eventual make-up of a coalition Government, which may require at least four parties.

The three larger parties are practically neck-and-neck in an exit poll, with Sinn Féin marginally ahead of Fine Gael