Politics

Voting gets under way in two Dáil byelections

Polls open in Roscommon-South Leitrim and Dublin South West

Polling stations in Roscommon-South Leitrim and Dublin South West are open from 7am to 10pm. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Polling stations in Roscommon-South Leitrim and Dublin South West are open from 7am to 10pm. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Fiach Kelly
Fri Oct 10 2014 - 07:35

Polls have opened in the two Dáil byelections being held today, with campaigners anticipating a low turnout.

Polling stations in Roscommon-South Leitrim and Dublin South West are open from 7am to 10pm. Photographic identification will be required at polling stations.

Roscommon-South Leitrim poll is being held to fill the Dáil seat vacated by newly-elected MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, while the seat in Dublin South West was left vacant following the election of Fine Gael's Brian Hayes to the European Parliament.

Activists in both constituencies say turnout will be very low, with one figure suggesting a possible figure of 30 per cent in Dublin South West.

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The low level of interest is attributed to lacklustre campaigns and debates, as well as the byelections coming soon after the local and European elections last May.