If at 12 noon on the day (disregarding any excluded day) next following the latest date for receiving nominations—

(a) the number of candidates standing nominated exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled, the returning officer shall adjourn the Dáil election and take a poll in accordance with this Act, or
(b) the number of candidates standing nominated is equal to or less than the number of vacancies to be filled, the returning officer shall forthwith declare the candidates standing nominated to be elected and shall return their names to the Clerk* of the Dáil in the manner provided for in section 39 (4) and give public notice in accordance with the provisions of section 127.