Fianna Fáil TD Willie O'Dea has ruled out a coalition between his party and Fine Gael.

The former Minister is expected to take the first seat in the Limerick city constituency later.

Speaking at the count centre in the University of Limerick, he said a snap election may be on the cards soon.

“There will ne no question of FF coalescing with Fine Gael, that is an absolute no-no,” he said.

“It’s just not a matter for FF, hopefully we’ll get 35, 40 seats in this election, which is a remarkable achievement and indeed it’s incumbent on all of us to try to put a Government together.

“The people have spoken, we have to try to put a Government together but, as I say, I don’t underestimate the difficulties.

“If in the fullness of time, it proves impossible to put a stable Government together, the obviously we have to re-consult the people.”