Ahern hoping for high turnout

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern kicked off the voting today, being one of the first to mark his card at the polls.

As he cast his vote for the local Government and European Parliament elections and the Citizenship Referendum, Mr Ahern said he was hoping for a good turn out.

“Everyone’s put in a good campaign,” he said.

“It’s still sometimes disappointing for political activists that have worked so hard for so many weeks when still maybe only 40% of people turn out, but that’s how it is.”

Mr Ahern arrived at Drumcondra National School, North Dublin, shortly after 8am.

Around three million people are eligible to vote throughout the Republic today.

The polls opened at 7am and will close at 9pm. The majority of voters are expected in early morning or later this evening.

All opposition parties have expressed high hopes of success and predicted a significant slump for the Government.

The elections are widely expected to deliver one of the biggest shake-ups of the Irish political landscape in recent years.

Local Government and referendum results will be counted and announced tomorrow while the European Parliament result will be declared on Sunday.