#GE2020: Micheál Martin and Michael D Higgins cast their votes

Carmelite Nuns Sr. Catharina Murphy and Sr. Magdalene Dinneen and Making sure to cast their voice at the general election in Loughrea, Co. Galway. Picture: Hany Marzouk

Polling stations in Co Wicklow and Co Limerick have seen some of the highest turnouts in the early hours of voting in the General Election.

St Peter's polling station in Bray is among the highest turnouts early on with 11% in one booth and there is a 10% turnout in Ballybrown, Co Limerick.

Under 4% of voters had cast their ballots in south Roscommon by 9.30am.

In early to vote in Kerry were TDs Micheal and Danny Healy-Rae

Around 50 of the Healy Rae team had also arrived.

First into vote was Cllr Johnny Healy Rae, county councillor, followed by his father Danny the TD and Michael the TD.

However, they were also met by two protesters.

A woman dressed as celery was ejected from a polling station in Kilgarvan early this morning as she attempted to accompany the TDs into vote in his home village.

Gardaí were at the scene.

It appears the pair are vegan and involved in anti meat eating campaigns.

Speaking afterwards Johnny Healy Rae said:

I have no meas on celery- there’s no meat in it.

Mr Burke said gardaí had identified the protestors and were on the alert.

Meanwhile after an early surge in Killarney voting in Kerry has slowed.

Earlier: Micheál Martin and Michael D Higgins cast their votes

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has cast his vote as the polling stations around the country have opened for the General Election.

Mr Martin cast his vote alongside his family at St Anthony's Boys National School in Ballinlough, Cork.

Micheal Martin and family voting in the General Election at St Anthony's Boys National School in Ballinlough, Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane

President Michael D Higgins went to St Mary’s Hospital in Phoenix Park in Dublin to vote.

He was accompanied by his wife Sabina Higgins and they said hello to the assembled press.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald are expected to cast their votes around 12 noon.

In the last major survey of the electorate before polling day, Sinn Féin was leading the popularity stakes on 25%, with Fianna Fáil second on 23% and Fine Gael on 20%.

Earlier: Ireland goes to the polls

Voting will take place today in the 2020 General Election. Polling stations are open between 7am to 10pm today, Saturday.

This is the first time since 1918 that voting has taken place on a Saturday.

Voters do not need a polling card to vote, but may be asked to show a photo ID at their polling station - a driving licence, passport or student/ employee identity card are among the IDs accepted.

A total of 516 candidates are running in 39 constituencies in this General Election. The 33rd Dáil will have 160 seats - two more than the outgoing one. This is due to a population increas since the last Dáil was formed in 2016.

A party or coalition must win 80 seats to form a government.