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Votes counted in Irish elections Irish government hit in polls
(30 minutes later)
The sorting and counting of votes is under way in the local elections and two Dublin by-elections in the Republic of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland's governing party has had a big drop in support in the local elections and two Dublin by-elections, according to exit polls.
It is Brian Cowen's first election since he became Irish prime minister and Fianna Fail leader just over one year ago. It is Brian Cowen's first election since he became Irish prime minister and Fianna Fail leader last year.
Turnout was between 55% and 60% throughout polling on Friday and first results are expected later on Saturday. Turnout was between 55% and 60% and an exit poll conducted by broadcaster RTE indicated significant losses for Fianna Fail on the last local election.
It suggested FF will get 24% of the vote - eight points lower than in 2004.
During the counting process in Dublin a woman who dropped her wedding ring into a ballot box had it returned to her.
Counting in the European elections will begin in the Irish Republic on Sunday.Counting in the European elections will begin in the Irish Republic on Sunday.
BBC Northern Ireland Dublin correspondent Shane Harrison said Fianna Fail was bracing itself for a backlash. In the Dublin South by election, Fine Gael's George Lee looks set to be elected on the first count in Dublin South, with Fianna Fail's Shay Brennan likely to be pushed into third place behind Alex White of Labour.
"Fine Gael's George Lee, RTE's former economics editor, is favourite to win the Dublin South by election, but a closer result is expected in Dublin Central, although an opposition win is still likely," he said. With 90% of the vote in the constituency counted Mr Lee, a former RTE economics editor, has taken about 55% of the first preference vote.
Mr Brennan said that the government was being punished by the electorate for the unpopular cost-cutting measures it was taking to tackle the economic downturn.
"I won't say disastrous there is evidently a protest vote against the government," he said.
In Dublin Central, the contest appears to be between Independent Maureen O'Sullivan and Paschal Donohoe of Fine Gael, with Labour's Ivana Bacik in third place.
BBC Northern Ireland Dublin correspondent Shane Harrison said Fianna Fail had been bracing itself for a backlash.
"The government parties, Fianna Fail and the Greens, are also expected to poll badly in the local elections where traditionally independents do well."The government parties, Fianna Fail and the Greens, are also expected to poll badly in the local elections where traditionally independents do well.
"Counting in the Europeans begins on Sunday, with a lot of attention focused on whether Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald can keep her Dublin seat.""Counting in the Europeans begins on Sunday, with a lot of attention focused on whether Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald can keep her Dublin seat."