Voter turnout lower than expected
Party strategists said the final turnout was expected to be between 40% and 45% in both constituencies, compared to voting levels of over 50% in last year’s local elections and the 2002 general election.
By teatime yesterday, turnout in major centres like Naas, Kilcock and Clane in Kildare and Dunboyne and Ashbourne in Co Meath were struggling to hit 20%.
However, a late surge in voting was expected in the commuting belts of both counties, as voters returned home from work in Dublin.
While by-elections traditionally attract lower turnouts than general elections, the dip in turnout was last night being attributed to cold and squally weather as well as the fact that voting was on Friday, a day when many city workers go for a drink after work.
In the more established urban centres of Co Meath, turnout was a little higher with Kells, Trim and Navan all showing turnout of about 25% by mid-afternoon.
The election in Meath is expected to be a straightforward duel between Fianna Fáil’s Shane Cassells and Fine Gael’s Shane McEntee.
The only poll conducted in Co Meath showed that the Fianna Fáil candidate enjoyed a 15-point lead.
The race in Kildare North is expected to be much closer, with three or possibly four candidates all in contention for the seat.
The favourites are Catherine Murphy (Independent) and Paddy McNamara (Labour).
However, a low turnout could favour Fianna Fáil’s Áine Brady and Fine Gael’s candidate Darren Scully.
Party activists said yesterday that Kildare North could turn out to be an extremely tight contest, with only a few hundred votes separating the top four candidates.
The destination of transfers will be crucial.
With the count starting at 9am, the first tally in Kildare is expected by midday, with the first count in mid-afternoon. In the much larger Meath constituency, the first tally should be available by lunchtime, with the first count expected in late afternoon.
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