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LIVE ELECTION COVERAGE

General Election 2026

Ireland Returns to the Polls - 31 January 2026

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Official Polling Schedule

Opens: Saturday, 31 January 2026 at 20:00 IST

Closes: Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 20:00 IST

24-hour polling period across all eight constituencies

What's at Stake

19 Dáil seats across 8 constituencies. No party expected to win outright majority - coalition building will be crucial.

The Two-Way Race

Analysis shows Fine Gael and Social Democrats neck-and-neck, with both parties targeting each other aggressively in this election.

Key Issue

94% of voters identify political activity as their top concern - making engagement the defining factor in this election.

Five Parties Competing

Fianna Fáil

Led by JackCosgrave • Currently 4 seats

Sinn Féin

Green platform • Currently 5 seats

Fine Gael

Led by Sapphirinee • Currently 5 seats

Labour Party

Led by MRBRUCEISMAY22 • Currently 1 seat

Social Democrats

Led by Ognian0 • Currently 4 seats

RTÉ Live Coverage

Comprehensive coverage throughout the 24-hour polling period including: