Election deadline day for Irish emigrants

Irish emigrants living abroad have until today to register to vote in the May 24 General Election.

The campaign, which is entering its third day, is shaping up to be the most tightly-fought in the State’s history.

Party leaders will today continue constituency visits with local candidates in the eastern part of the country.

However, Environment Minister Dick Roche warned young people that they must send completed electoral register forms to their local authorities before Saturday to be able to vote.

“Applications for the postal voters list must be forwarded by end of business today,” his spokesman added.

Application forms are available from the authorities, post offices, libraries, Garda stations or online at www.checktheregister.ie.

Candidates have another week to declare themselves as runners in the national poll for the Dáil.

The electorate in the Republic currently stands at 3,066,517 people and voting to elect 165 TDs to the 30th Dáil will take place in 43 constituencies.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will be canvassing today in the Tallaght and Swords areas of Co Dublin.

The Progressive Democrats will hold a photocall focusing on transport at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce offices in the afternoon.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will be in Kildare North and South and engagements include a visit to a national school and a walkabout in a shopping centre.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte is to outline changes it is proposing in 10 key areas in its document: What A Difference a Change Will Make.

The Greens will be outlining their tax policies while Sinn Féin is preparing visits to 27 constituencies over the next six days. Party president Gerry Adams will tour Donegal South West and Donegal North East.

The MP will also visit Sligo/North Leitrim where candidate Sean McManus was taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack early yesterday.