The electorate would “see through” the Government if it called a general election after success in the locals, the Tánaiste has said. 

Despite poll projections, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are in a tight race to be the largest party in local Government.

It has been a poor election for Sinn Féin, who polled around 11% of the votes currently counted. 

The success of the two main Government parties has fuelled rumours they will call a general election earlier than expected. 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin, however, has said he and Taoiseach Simon Harris maintain they “want to go to the full distance”. 

“The focus is on doing what’s right by the people,” he said.

“A stable coherent Government that doesn't allow party self-interest to come in the way. 

“The public will see through any attempted manoeuvres based on just trying to suit a political party or two. 

“We need to focus on the key issues.” 

Martin criticises opinion polls

Mr Martin noted polls and political pundits’ predictions made it seem like Fianna Fáil would finish at a “distant third” in local elections. 

“Instead, we’re fighting Fine Gael for the largest local party,” he said. 

“If people believe in their polls, then either Fianna Fáil has had a breathtakingly good campaign, or polls are not as accurate as being put forward. 

“I would now in advance of a general election, advise that we'll have a greater deal of realism around polls.” 

The most recent poll by The Sunday Independent saw support for Fianna Fáil at 17%, compared to 22% for Sinn Féin and Fine Gael.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald casts her vote at the polling station in the Deaf Village, Dublin. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said running for election is “one of the hardest things you can do”. 

He said many of the 130 Green candidates will not get elected, and the party will lose seats across local Governments. 

“Our thoughts are with them first,” he said. 

Mr Ryan agreed that a “narrative” has emerged that the Green Party is against rural Ireland which is “hard to break”. 

Over 200 seats have now been filled in local elections, with 949 seats available. 

Counting is also underway for European elections, although results will not be announced until at least 10pm tonight.