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Poll turnout may be less than 50% Poll turnout may be less than 50%
(30 minutes later)
The first figures for the European election on Thursday indicate the turnout could be less than 50%.The first figures for the European election on Thursday indicate the turnout could be less than 50%.
Initial tallies point to a drop in the numbers voting in the last Euro poll - which was 51.72% - as this year's figures are as low as 38.9% in areas. Initial tallies point to a drop in the numbers voting in the last Euro poll - which was 51.72% - as this year's figures are as low as 34% in areas.
Figures are emerging from the King's Hall in Belfast as the votes are verified ahead of the counting process.Figures are emerging from the King's Hall in Belfast as the votes are verified ahead of the counting process.
They suggest turnout in Lagan Valley is 38.86%, South Belfast is 42.1 %, South Down is 44.97%, Mid Ulster is 52.83%.
Turnout in West Belfast is 46.6 % whilst Newry and Armagh is 43.7%
Sinn Fein's Daithi McKay said he had been told the North Antrim turnout is 43.17%.
Some anecdotal accounts have suggested weaker polling in unionist and working class areas.Some anecdotal accounts have suggested weaker polling in unionist and working class areas.
The verification process suggests the following turnouts:
• Lagan Valley 38.86%
• South Belfast 42.1 %
• East Belfast 38.82%
• North Belfast 40.98%
• West Belfast 46.6 %
• South Down 44.97%
• North Down 34.48%
• Mid Ulster 52.83%.
• Newry and Armagh 43.7%
• East Antrim 34.53%
• South Antrim 38.03%
• Strangford 34.24%
Sinn Fein's Daithi McKay said he had been told the North Antrim turnout is 43.17%.
However, the seven candidates will not know their fate until Monday as the count is being delayed until after all the European union member states have completed their voting.However, the seven candidates will not know their fate until Monday as the count is being delayed until after all the European union member states have completed their voting.
Meanwhile, polling stations in the Republic of Ireland have opened for voting in the European, local and by-elections. Meanwhile, polling stations in the Republic of Ireland are open for voting in the European, local and by-elections.
For the first, time immigrant candidates will be standing, not just as independents, but for all the main political parties in the local elections with the exception of Sinn Fein.