Polls about to close in Ireland on local and European elections

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Irish Polling stations | Photo 02

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The polling stations in Ireland are about to close after being open for 15 hours today. The islands off the coast of Ireland voted to choose their MEPs yesterday. Voting stations were fairly busy today compared with the last local elections. A lot of public anger at the way the present Fianna Fail and Green Party government has dealt with the demise of the Celtic tiger (a term used to describe Irelands booming economy up to a couple of years ago) is bringing some people out to send a message to the government. Many others are so weary of tribunals and revelations about public money being spent in inappropriate ways that they are too apathetic to vote. Opposition parties keen to cash in on the atmosphere are using catchy slogans such as "Had enough of that shower?" (Libertas - Ireland's newest political party) "The best fighter money can't buy" (Joe Higgins and the Socialist workers party) and "Turn your anger into action" Sinn Fein.

European votes will begin to be counted at 9am tomorrow morning Irish time while the local ones will commence as soon as the stations close.