<p><br /> Counting began on Saturday in Ireland's General Election with centre-right party Fine Gael expected to take power.<br /> </p><p><br /> Voter turnout was reported to be one of the highest for many years with officials putting the figure in the region of 70 per cent.<br /> </p><p><br /> Almost 3.2 million voters were registered to cast their ballots, with more than 550 candidates running in 43 constituencies for 165 of the 166 seats.<br /> </p><p><br /> Opinion polls have put Fine Gael well in front to lead the next government securing as much as 40 per cent of the popular vote - potentially allowing for a single-party government propped up by independents.<br /> </p><p><br /> A record number of independents have also joined the race to drive change in Irish politics.<br /> </p>
