Longer lines and fewer boxes await Kerry voters

Bigger ballot papers with voters taking longer than ever to select their preferences, and fewer ballot boxes, will result in longer queues and pressures at polling stations in Kerry.

Special voting arrangements have taken longer than normal, and voters everywhere will take more time before casting their vote in local and European papers, Kerry County Registrar Padraig Burke said.

This, coupled with fewer ballot boxes in Kerry, because 42 polling booths have been taken out to reduce costs, is likely to see queues at traditional rush-hour periods, Mr Burke warned.