Surfing and puppies will be on minds of some of those relaxing after a long campaign 

Candidates contesting the EU and local elections have a range of ways to ease their nerves

A cold pint is how Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín is planning to end canvassing in his own campaign in Midlands North West. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

From pints to puppies, candidates contesting the EU and local elections have come up with a range of ways to ease the nerves of election day and vote counting.

As voters go to the polls today it will be an anxious wait for those seeking election, and with 73 candidates across the three constituencies in the European elections it could be many days before the final seats are filled.