An elderly woman despondent about the state of the country has returned to the island she lived on for 56 years to cast her vote.

More than 950 voters on islands off Donegal and Mayo go to the polls this morning as the election campaign enters its last two days.

Some 12 offshore islands vote today in the local and European elections.

A "flying doctor" helicopter service is needed for Ireland’s remote islands, the Dáil heard today.