British Prime Minister David Cameron's returned to London - with the expectation he'll keep his job following the general election.

Last night's exit poll suggests the Conservatives are on course for 316 seats - 10 more would give him an overall majority.

Labour's had a bad night - with Ed Miliband admitting his party's performance was 'disappointing'.

Their share of the vote collapsed in Scotland, with the SNP taking almost all their seats and becoming the third biggest party at Westminster.

A major report on patient safety standards at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise is expected to heavily criticise the HSE.

It follows the deaths of five babies in similar circumstances at the hospital.

The search is continuing this morning for an escaped prisoner from Cloverhill in Dublin.

The man in his 20s escaped through a door at Bray Circuit Court where his case was being heard yesterday morning, while being led to a holding cell.

The association of Higher Civil and Public service is welcoming suggestions of pay restoration for the sector.

The body will meet today for their annual delegate conference ahead of talks with unions and the Public Expenditure Minister next week.

Reports suggest that up to €300m is being set aside by the Government to meet the cost of restoring cuts to the employees pay packets.

A file is to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions after five people were arrested at an anti water charges protest in Waterford.

The two men and three women have been released without charge following the incident in the Bishop's Field area this afternoon.

Separately a woman has been treated for minor injuries sustained in a protest in the Glencairn Dale area of Lepoardstown.