Early figures confirm low turnout in North

Early figures for voter turnout for the European Parliament election have confirmed fears of a huge drop in the numbers voting.

The initial tallies point to a major drop in turnout on the last Euro poll of 51.72%, with today’s figures as low as 38.9% in some areas.

Figures are emerging from the King’s Hall count centre in Belfast as the votes are verified ahead of the counting process which is to begin on Monday.

As the first sets of ballot boxes were opened today, the turnout for six constituencies were confirmed as:

:: Belfast South: 42.1%

:: Belfast West: 46.6%

:: Lagan Valley: 38.86%

:: South Down: 44.97%

:: Mid Ulster: 52.83%

:: North Antrim 43.7%