Exit poll puts Fine Gael ahead to lead Ireland’s next government

Ireland’s main opposition party Fine Gael is on course to lead the next government but without an overall majority, according to an exit poll by the state broadcaster RTE.

It now appears certain that Enda Kenny will be the country’s new prime minister with 36 percent of votes, but below exceptions of a record victory.

Nonetheless, if confirmed the result would mark a massive defeat for the ruling Fianna Fail party – its worst ever showing.

It is tipped to win just 15.1 percent under Ireland’s system of proportional representation as its leaders appear to be paying the price for their handling of the country’s economic crisis.

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