Watch: How do political parties carry out tallies?

At the count centre in Portlaoise William Delaney, PRO for Laois Fianna Fáil explains how political parties carry out a tally on the votes. 

"When the counting staff open up the ballot boxes. We will look at each individual area, where the number one vote in that particular area goes and which candidate it goes to," he said. 

"That gives us a geographical representation of what areas are strong for certain candidates and which areas are weak. 

"By 12 o' clock today we will have 90-95% accuracy on what the first preference for Laois will be."