By-election results expected this afternoon

Counting got underway at 9am today in both the Kildare North and Meath constituencies where by-elections were held yesterday.

The Meath vote is being counted at Simonstown Gaels GAA club in Navan, while the Kildare vote for a replacement for EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevey is being counted at Sallins GAA Club.

A result in both constituencies should be available by late afternoon, barring any recounts.

Tallies should be available by lunchtime.

Voter turnout in both constituencies was low. Turnout is thought to have been just over 40% in Meath, where voters were selecting a replacement for former Taoiseach John Bruton.