Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has expressed disappointment with the party's performance and admitted candidates were "squeezed" in the battle between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Gerry Adams speaking to reporters in the RDS. Photos: Piaras Murphy
Arriving at the RDS in Dublin shortly after 5.30pm, Mr Adams joined Sinn Féin MEP and Dublin Central candidate Mary Lou McDonald outside to speak to media.
"I think our people fought a very good campaign. We were clearly squeezed in the surge for Fianna Fáil. The people decided I think only in the last maybe week or so who they wanted . . . for taoiseach and they wanted Bertie Ahern for taoiseach," Mr Adams said.
Mr Adams said he was particularly disappointed for Seán Crowe, the sitting TD in Dublin South West.
"Fianna Fáil did what they do best, so I want to congratulate them on that also, but you know, we're a bit philosophical about this. We still have big issues to be sorted out. The issues which we tried to get debates on like public services, the economy serving the people, a united Ireland, the equality agenda, all those issues still need sorted out and we'll be there to sort them out.
"I lost a seat myself in west Belfast, and we came back and we'll come back again," Mr Adams said.
Mary Lou McDonald said a result was still awaited in the Dublin Central constituency, although it is unlikely she will now win the seat she was tipped to take.
Mary Lou McDonald in the RDS
"We got squeezed in the contest between the two big parties and the candidates for taoiseach. But you know we're long-term political activists, we have a big political project, we'll be here tomorrow," she said.
"Sinn Féin ran a great campaign. The issues that were the big issues yesterday are still the big issues today. We said it very clearly . . . it's about housing, health, education, about the peace process. So obviously, the competition when it came down to it was about who the people wanted for taoiseach. And the people overwhelmingly made it clear that that person is Bertie Ahern," Ms McDonald added.
Elsewhere, Daithí Doolan, the Sinn Féin candidate in Dublin South East, has been eliminated.
In Dublin North East, Larry O'Toole polled well on the first count with 4,661 votes.
However, the three sitting TDs, Michael Woods of Fianna Fáil, Tommy Broughan of the Labour Party and Martin Brady of Fianna Fáil look likely to be returned.
Sinn Féin vice president Pat Doherty said: "All of the smaller parties have been engulfed in the surge for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. We have been particularly squeezed in Dublin."