Voters urged to get out and exercise democratic right

The leaders of the main political parties are calling on voters to get out and exercise their democratic right in today's general election.

Speaking as he cast his vote in Drumcondra today, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said he had heard that many people failed to receive a polling card.

He said they should come down to their polling station anyway because they are probably still on the register and will be allowed to vote if they produce ID.

The outgoing Tánaiste and PD leader Michael McDowell, meanwhile, said jokingly that he would be blaming the opposition if the weather failed to hold up for the day.

Mr McDowell showed up at his Ranelagh polling station with his dog Jack.

Elsewhere, voting in Castlebar, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny thanked the public for their courtesy and encouragement during the election campaign.

"I hope as many as possible go to vote in respect of their political preferences," he said.

"All the pundits and all their views over the last month are now cast aside. This is the people's day and that's the way it should be."

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, meanwhile, told reporters in Clondalkin that it was every citizen's duty to vote and he hoped the trend of falling turnouts would be reversed.