VOTERS WILL go to the polls today to elect the country’s ninth president as well as to decide two referendums on reducing judicial pay and on greatly broadening the power of Oireachtas committees to hold inquiries.
Seven candidates are contesting the presidential election, a record number.
Today’s polling has come at the end of what has been described as one of the most divisive and bitter campaigns in modern electoral history.
In the last 72 hours, the front-runner Seán Gallagher became embroiled in controversy over his business dealings and activities for Fianna Fáil, following a dramatic confrontation with Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness on RTÉ's Frontlineon Monday night.
Yesterday, the businessman Hugh Morgan, who alleged Mr Gallagher personally collected a €5,000 cheque from him on behalf of Fianna Fáil, made available extracts from his diary to support his claim. Mr Gallagher again rejected Mr Morgan’s allegations.
In his final press conference, Labour’s Michael D Higgins said he was “firing on all pistons” both intellectually and physically.
Mr McGuinness said he had “done a service” to the Irish people with his dramatic interjection on Frontline.
Independent candidate Mary Davis said she was the only true Independent in the field. David Norris claimed he was experiencing a late surge in support and was a genuine contender. Likewise, Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell said he was still confident, adding that the election remained open. Independent Dana Rosemary Scallon said it had been a dirty campaign, and unnecessary information had been put into the public domain.
