Live BlogLAST UPDATE | 4 mins ago
IT’S FINALLY HERE.
After three weeks of campaigning and debates, the public are having their say on who will make up the next Dáil.
Polling stations are open around the country until 10pm, with an RTÉ exit poll due shortly after that.
The exit poll results will be delivered on The Late Late Show and will give an indication of what the next government will look like.
Recent opinion polls have shown a tightening of the race, with Fine Gael and Sinn Féin neck-and-neck and Fianna Fáil enjoying a slight edge (although, it’s all within the margin of error).
Join us as we keep you up to date with the latest news throughout the day.
With updates by Órla Ryan (now) and Lauren Boland (earlier)
Another constituency to keep an eye on is Donegal.
If local election results are anything to go by, the lineup of TDs in the sprawling constituency may be in line for a shake-up. A recent poll also showed that Fine Gael may lose its seat.
As homes continue to crumble and young people continue to emigrate, the need for sustained attention on Donegal is evident, Mairead Maguire writes.
As of midday, turnout in Galway West and Galway East has ranged from 8 to 16%
29 November 2024 will be memorable for Holly Cairns for more than one reason, the Social Democrats’ leader has given birth to a baby girl.
Congratulations!
This is the most gorgeous news! Congrats Holly and Barry 💜 https://t.co/RPK4Xg5pYt
— Jennifer Whitmore TD (@WhitmoreJen) November 29, 2024
It’s understood that it’s now very unlikely, and understandable, that Cairns won’t get to vote today.
Sylvia Power, a 29-year-old who lives in Dublin, has a strong message for all candidates about the housing crisis.
In this Voices column, she writes:
“…As we approach the end of 2024 and the upcoming election, the government’s promises to turn the ship around haven’t materialised, and my generation faces a housing crisis that becomes more dystopian by the day.
A mouldy, cramped one-bed apartment in Ireland’s cities now costs roughly €2,000 per month to rent, and it is quite common to see prices of €2,500 or more.
“Increasingly ludicrous property advertisements on websites taunt young adults looking to get an honest shot, and these often go viral on social media.”
Party leaders and deputy leaders are continuing to cast their votes in various constituencies:
Richard Boyd Barrett, leader of People Before Profit-Solidarity, has voted in Glasthule, Dublin | Follow live updates: https://t.co/MefDz9hqkn pic.twitter.com/lgTuyycaP7
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 29, 2024
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has voted in Johnstown in Navan, Co Meath | Follow live updates: https://t.co/MefDz9hqkn pic.twitter.com/Rpaft6CVkX
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 29, 2024
Deputy leader of the Social Democrats, Cian O'Callaghan, cast his ballot in Howth | Follow live updates: https://t.co/MefDz9hqkn pic.twitter.com/iTeo5UFD5x
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 29, 2024
McDonald, who is running in the Dublin Central constituency, told reporters: “We’ve lost count of the number of conversations that we’ve had with people with disabilities, children waiting and waiting for services, and that is really hard and really unacceptable, but we need to mark today with a note of optimism and hope and confidence and ambition, because today is election day.
“And the great beauty of this, and it’s a moment of almost, of actual unique equality for every citizen, because your vote holds exactly the same weight, whether you’re down on your luck and you’re struggling, or if you’re a multi millionaire, your vote carries equal weight.
“So this is the moment where people can really shape the next government, and we need a new government, but really have your say on an equal basis.
“So I always think that that’s a really positive thing.”
Outside the polling station at the Deaf Village in Cabra, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told young voters “this can be your election”, PA News reports.
She said: “This is a really important election for everybody.
“I think it has a particular significance for younger people because there is a generation of people for whom housing is out of reach, opportunity out of reach, and in frightening numbers now are deciding that perhaps they will leave – others that are away and believe that they have no opportunity to come up.
“That’s not acceptable to us, simply not acceptable. So a significant day for everyone, a particular significance for younger people, and we’re asking young people especially, make the effort to vote today. Please don’t miss this. This can be your election.”
Speaking of Simon Harris, Carl Kinsella takes a look at the Taoiseach’s percevied lack of empathy following his interaction with a care worker in Kanturk last weekend – in what may prove to be the most pivotal moment of the campaign, or at least the most-talked-about moment.
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris was approached during a canvass this evening by a woman who says she is a carer, and who said she believes the Government has "done nothing for us" | follow live: https://t.co/eUoCK3Qb5Y pic.twitter.com/MXiN9b60Ke
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 22, 2024
Our columnist writes:
It is a time-honoured tradition that each Taoiseach eventually makes a rod for their own back — there was Brian Cowen’s ‘tired and emotional’ interview on Morning Ireland, there was Bertie Ahern’s bank accounts or lack thereof, and now, Simon Harris has Kanturk. Quite impressive really, given that – as he keeps reminding us – he’s only been in the job seven months.
The Taoiseach has since apologised to Charlotte Fallon and agreed to go to her place of work, St Joseph’s Foundation.
One of the main talking points of the last few days has been whether or not Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will lose his seat in Wicklow.
Thanks to @MichealMartinTD for canvassing with me in #Wicklow today and great to have engagement with voters ahead of tomorrow #GE2024 #DonnellyNumber1 pic.twitter.com/Fs1PdGYDxL
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 28, 2024
Micheál Martin was out canvasing with Donnelly in Greystones yesterday in a bid to shore up more votes.
The constituency (which also includes Taoiseach Simon Harris) has gone from a five to a four-seater, so someone is assured to lose a seat.
St Vincent’s polling centre on Griffith Avenue in Dublin was also busier than usual, according to workers there.
A group of nuns were spotted entering the building earlier – so that’s one square ticked on today’s election bingo sheet. Sadly, no footage was captured.
Have you been listening to our election podcast, The Candidate?
We’re biased, but it really is very good.
Catch up on the latest epsiode here:
A record 3.7 million people are eligible to vote, but what will turnout be like?
Ireland Votes is estimating a national turnout of 4.9% as of 9:30 this morning.
— Ireland Votes (@Ireland_Votes) November 29, 2024
Follow our LIVE blog for turnout updates throughout the day 🔗 https://t.co/S1ZAlbF3QM#GE24 pic.twitter.com/Kqgmbzlics
We’re re-sharing this guide, ICYMI: Here’s everything you need to know about voting in the general election
It’s busier than usual in St Andrew’s polling station in Dublin Bay South, according to staff working there.
Sinn Féin’s Chris Andrews was spotted dropping off an elderly lady who said she wasn’t going to vote until he offered her a lift.
Another woman shouted at her: “You better give him your number one so.”
An interesting development in Dublin city, where Labour’s political director Cathal McCann says the recording of party leaders casting their vote has apparently been banned.
Absolutely ridiculous decision by Dublin City returning officer to ban the recording of Party leaders in Dublin casting their vote. It’s already been done outside Dublin. #ge24 Will be interesting to see if the ban is now lifted for others…
— Cathal McCann (@Cathal_McCann) November 29, 2024
Polling stations: The Irish just do it better
Only in Ireland 💚
— Today FM 💛 (@TodayFM) November 29, 2024
Some of our favourite polling stations from around the country 🇮🇪#GE24 #GeneralElection pic.twitter.com/80vzzOrpFD
Speaking to reporters in Cork, Martin said he is “cautiously hopeful” of the outcome of what he called a “close fought” election battle.
He said Fianna Fáil had a “stronger team” than they had in the 2020 election, when they came back with 38 seats.
Asked if he will sleep tonight, he said, “oh I will, yeah”. Asked if he has any rituals on count day, Martin said: “I take it easy..
“I’ll have a very good breakfast tomorrow morning, and I tell everyone not to come near me until about midday.
“I don’t want to hear a tally from the 44th box, no point. I can go over all that later.
Actually, I’m very relaxed on count day and the only challenge is to make sure that I can keep the noise out.
“I will probably go into town and do a few things, go to Douglas market maybe. Then in around midday, 1pm maybe, depending when the tally will be finished, head to the count centre, and it’s very familiar ground for me, Nemo Rangers, and I’ll enjoy that.
“Maybe that’ll be a good omen,” he said, referring to the fact that his son Micheál Aodh plays football for Nemo Rangers GAA club.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has urged voters to brave the weather and cast their vote in the general election.
The Fianna Fáil leader said the rainy weather was “a great pity” but that there had been bad weather on polling days before, PA News reports.
“It’s not a good weather day but we’ve had these before in different elections and people still turn out to vote,” he said after voting with his family at his local polling centre in Ballinlough, Cork.
I encourage people to vote – it’s a key part of our democracy. The weather notwithstanding we encourage people to come out to vote but yes it is a pity that it’s such a wet morning.
Asked whether a fractured or unclear outcome could see another poll being held in 2025, Martin said: “I think that’s something we clearly do not want to do, but it’s in the hands of the people.”
Asked about the election campaign, the Tánaiste said he was “fighting to be Taoiseach” after the election but added “nothing is certain until every vote is counted”.
“But certainly I did have a good feeling in the last two to three days in terms of the response that I was getting after the debates, and very warm response in Louth and in Wexford and Wicklow yesterday.
“We’re hopeful of a good result but we take nothing for granted. We’ve a long day ahead of us. The focus now on the party is to get our supporters our friends our families to get the vote out notwithstanding the weather.”
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina have cast their vote in the general election. They voted at St Mary’s Hospital in Phoenix Park in Dublin.
The president wished the election officials well as he cast his ballot, PA News reports.
Another useful tool to help any last-minute undecided voters is the WhichCandidate website, developed by the University of Limerick.
The tool aims to show voters which candidates in their constituencies most align with their views, based on a number of questions about key issues.
Around 3.7 million people are eligible to vote today – the largest ever number. Here’s a breakdown of how many people are registered to vote in each constituency:
In some non-election news, Irish rap trio Kneecap have won their legal challenge over a decision by former UK business secretary Kemi Badenoch to refuse them a £14,250 (about €17,000) funding award after the British government conceded at Belfast High Court it was “unlawful”.
They don’t like that we oppose British rule, that we don’t believe that England serves anyone in Ireland and the working classes on both sides of the community deserve better; deserve funding, deserve appropriate mental health services, deserve to celebrate music and art and… pic.twitter.com/8L9SnU5aTC
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) November 29, 2024
My colleague Jane Matthews, our political correspondent, also read through the manifestos of the three biggest parties to see where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin stand on issues like housing, health, tax cuts and cost-of-living measures.
It’s Órla here, taking over from Lauren. Thanks for staying with us so far this morning!
If you’re still undecided about who to vote for, or who to transfer to, we’re here to help.
Our candidate database - featuring profiles of all candidates from the 43 constituencies - is a good first port of call.
We’ve also rounded up where parties stand on major issues like housing, Gaza and how’d they’d spend the Apple Tax billions.
As we near ten o’clock, that’s it from myself (Lauren) for the moment – handing you over to my colleague Órla Ryan.
There’s Labour leader Ivana Bacik, who’s on the ballot in Dublin Bay South, cycling to cast her vote this morning.
A reminder from the Electoral Commission to make sure your ballot is officially stamped:
Today, your ballot paper should be stamped by the polling staff 📃
— An Coimisiún Toghcháin, The Electoral Commission (@ElecCommIRL) November 29, 2024
If your ballot isn’t stamped, your vote won’t count, so double check your ballot paper when you receive it in the polling station 🗳️https://t.co/CIv8jvfBqQ pic.twitter.com/x4n5h6kMX5
A nice video here from RTÉ doing a mock election with children at Scoil Cholmcille An Tearmann to demonstrate PR-STV in action. (Who’d you vote for? The ice-cream party?)
A lot of fun putting this together with the brilliant students at my old school, Scoil Cholmcille An Tearmann.
— Barry Gallagher (@b_gallagher2) November 28, 2024
Hopefully this comes in handy for someone out there 🗳️#Election2024 https://t.co/KSr7qNzKng
Harris also said he expects it to be a “fascinating couple of days” of counting the votes before the final result emerges.
“Isn’t it the beauty and the complexity of our system that when the clock strikes 10 o’clock tonight, there’ll be an exit poll but that won’t even tell us the outcome of the election because of our PR-STV,” he said.
He took a bit of a dig at the UK’s approach: “Compare and contrast that with the British system, Big Ben hits 10 o’clock and Sky News can say ‘the winner is…’ we don’t live in that sort of system.”
Rather, with Ireland’s system, he said, “where the fourth seat goes in a five-seat constituency or where that third seat goes in a crucial third-seat constituency, that – I believe – it’s going to play a major role in deciding the composition of the next government and the relative strength of potentially different parties in that coalition government”.
Speaking to media earlier as he arrived at his polling stations at Delgany National School in Co Wicklow, Simon Harris said he was “feeling really good” and “really hopeful – hopeful in terms of the election but also hopeful for the future of our country”.
“I wanted to vote early because I now want to head across our country today, continuing to encourage everyone to get out and have their say in this election.”
He’s expected to make a whirlwind tour around parts of the country today, stopping in Dublin, Carlow, Laois, Monaghan and Tipperary.
In the competitive constituency of Dublin Central, turnout has been slow so far at the St Paul’s CBS polling station. They’re expecting the usual post-work rush this evening.
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has been out with his wife Caoimhe and his children Cillian and Saoirse to cast his vote.
If you need to look up which candidates are running in your area or learn a little bit about them, our candidate database is a handy tool.
Don’t forget your umbrella! Met Éireann is forecasting a wet and breezy morning, with outbreaks of rain in the west and southwest of the country spreading nationwide by noon. The afternoon looks to be a bit drier with some sunny spells before the weather turns wetter again in the late evening.
If you need something to listen to on your way to vote, the latest episode of our podcast The Explainer is all about how exactly our voting system – proportional representation with a single transferable vote – works .
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