Voting begins in abortion referendum

Voting on the abortion referendum has begun throughout Ireland, with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern among the first to cast his vote. 2.9 million Irish people are eligible to vote in the referendum, which seeks to outlaw suicide as grounds for abortion.

Polling stations in the 41 constituencies will remain open until 9pm and the results of the vote are expected some time tomorrow evening. Despite appeals from all sides, today’s turnout is expected to be low. Just 35% of the Irish electorate voted in the referendum on the Nice Treaty last June.