There are 48 TDs for Fianna Fáil, 39 for Sinn Féin, 38 for Fine Gael, 16 for Independents, 11 for Labour, 11 for Social Democrats, 3 for PBP-Solidarity, 2 for Aontú, 4 for Independent Ireland, 1 for Green Party, and 1 for 100% Redress Party.

The final two TDs elected were Niamh Smyth and Brendan Smith, both Fianna Fáil.

Although the counting is complete, the process of assembling a government is actually only getting started.

There are already clear signs that this will require some time. There is already some communication between the left-wing parties, and tomorrow (Wednesday), the parliamentary parties of Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, and Fianna Fáil will all meet.

The results of the internal meetings between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil may allow for some interaction before Christmas, but the hard negotiations may not begin until January.

The Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael seats combined total 86, which is just two seats short of a majority.

However, it may take up to eight additional TDs to guarantee that a functioning majority can survive any setbacks. This implies that a smaller party or a number of independent TDs would need to back a new administration.