Fianna Fáil's director of elections, Dara Calleary, says the party appears to be doing better in the regions - but they have some major battles ahead.

He told Ivan Yates the party looks set to have several fights on its hands.

It comes after the three biggest parties saw their support on 22% each.

The Ipsos-MRBI exit poll had Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil all on 22% support.

Depty Calleary says the party is not having a good day.

"We're certainly disappointed with the exit poll, but look it's still early days.

"We're going to be involved in a lot of battles... we'll be involved in those battles right up to the very end".

He says the Fianna Fáil vote seems to be there in the regions, but it is too early to tell.

"It seems to be holding up in the regions, but it's too early to get the full analysis.

"Certainly the early tallies are showing that Sinn Féin surge is being reflected.

"I think looking at the early tallies here in Mayo, [Sinn Féin's] Rose Conway-Walsh will be elected and will be comfortably elected".

"I'm making that call on the basis of the boxes that are opened".