DUBLIN (BNO NEWS) -- Early results from Ireland's general election suggests that opposition Fine Gael is set to lead the next government, causing an electoral meltdown for the ruling Fianna Fáil party, the Irish Times reported Saturday.

Latest indications suggest Fine Gael will win 76 seats, while the Labour party will take 36 and Fianna Fáil will get 25. The turnout was 68.8 per cent, higher than the 67 per cent recorded at the last poll in May 2007.

Fine Gael is on course for its strongest showing in more than 28 years, with Fianna Fáil suffering its worst since the foundation of the party, the newspaper reported.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who was elected on the first count in Mayo, said the people of Ireland had given his party a "massive endorsement" to form the next government.

"I intend to send out a clear message around the world that this country has given my party a massive endorsement to provide stable and strong government with a clear agenda," he said.

Fine Gael's Micheal Noonan, who was elected on the first count in Limerick City, said Labour would be his favoured option as coalition partners.

Current Prime Minister Brian Cowen, who resigned as leader of Fianna Fáil at the end of January following criticism of his handling of the country's current financial crisis, conceded it had been a "difficult day for Fianna Fáil." He insisted, however, his party took tough but necessary decisions while in office to stabilize the country's finances.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, who was elected on the first count in Dún Laoghaire, said this afternoon it was too early to speculate on the formation of the next government.

Final official results are expected by late Saturday or even Sunday.

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