Voter turnout lower than expected

VOTER turnout for the Meath and Kildare by-elections was lower than expected as polling stations closed last night.

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%.