High turnout key to change of Government, say FG

A high voter turnout in the general election will help Opposition parties put the Government out of power, politicians said tonight.

Fine Gael and Labour expect an evening rush to the polls to surpass the 63% of the electorate who cast their ballots at the last general election in 2002.

The Alliance for Change parties had been concerned that a possible anti-Government vote from students would be hit by the choice of Thursday for polling day.

Outgoing Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is hoping to secure a third term in office, but may not be able to muster a Dáil parliament majority with current Government partners, the Progressive Democrats.

"Extra people coming out will be coming out to vote for change," said Fine Gael's director of elections Frank Flannery.

"We could get a turnout in the high 60s. A strong vote is a vote for change.

"Most people in Ireland traditionally like to vote in the evening, so we'll know later.

"Parties always like a strong turnout to show that their hard campaigning has made an impact on people," he added.

Fine Gael also believes more voters in Dublin and other urban areas will help the party regain some of the 23 seats it lost in 2002.

Labour also expects a turnout increase of up to 3% to bring it into the mid-60s.

"Obviously the weather is drier than five years ago so it will help matters," said Labour's director of elections, James Wrynn.

"It's an inexact science but we're hearing from constituencies that it is considerably up in a lot of places."

The Greens, who have not agreed a pre-election pact with Fine Gael and Labour, believe first-time voters are also casting their ballots.

"We're hearing that it is brisk all around. It's definitely encouraging that people are making the effort," said director of elections and outgoing TD John Gormley.

Earlier, the main party leaders voted in ballot stations in their constituencies.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny helped local bride Janine Down cast her ballot in Castlebar's Scoil Rafferty before going to the church.

RTÉ Radio will broadcast results of is Lansdowne Exit Poll tomorrow morning before ballot boxes are opened at 9am.

Earlier in urban areas, party workers were leafleting letterboxes from early morning and distributing specially-printed reminder cards to pedestrians.

The Data Protection Commissioner said it received complaints from consumers who received canvass texts on their mobile phone from candidates.