Ireland's two main governing parties looked on course to return to power as polls opened on Friday, thanks to a giveaway October budget and a loss of momentum by opposition Sinn Fein - a result that would buck a global trend of voters rejecting incumbents.

Promises made by the Sinn Fein pro-Irish unity party to tackle a housing and cost-of-living crisis and stop young people leaving the country have bolstered its popularity ahead of a general election on Friday.

Ireland’s two centre-Right parties have vowed to extend Sinn Fein’s 100-year stint on the political sidelines as they clashed ahead of this week’s closely fought general election.

Ireland goes to the polls November 29 in an election dominated by the implications of Sinn Fein's collapsing support and shift to the right.

If you're still undecided, here's our guide to the main parties and candidates who are likely to have a say in the composition of the next government

The selection by Fine Gael of Senator John McGahon in Louth has also dogged the Taoiseach’s campaign. Mr McGahon was found not guilty of assaulting a man outside a Dundalk nightclub in a criminal case two years ago, but a civil action earlier this year found him liable and he was ordered to pay damages.