After the most extraordinary, the hardest fought, general election in living memory, voters go to the polls today to choose the members of the 30th Dáil and to shape the composition of a new government. The vigour of the campaigns conducted by the various parties, the controversies invoked and the apparently wide-open nature of the outcome should encourage a high turnout.
That is to be welcomed. The politicians have had their say. Now it is the turn of the people.
The opinion polls suggest the likelihood of a hung Dáil, with neither Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats nor their challengers, Fine Gael and the Labour Party, able to secure an overall majority. Such has been the volatility of voters during the campaign, however, that they may confound these predictions when they mark their ballot papers today. And, if that does occur, a variety of coalition options will come into play.
It has been an extraordinary campaign which will enter the political textbooks. The manner in which it was called, with a Sunday morning trip to Áras an Uachtaráin by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern followed by a refusal to answer questions concerning his personal finances, was an uncharacteristically mute launch for Fianna Fáil. Their partners, the PDs, spent a weekend contemplating pulling out of Government. Michael McDowell called on Mr Ahern to make a public statement about his personal finances and, on the following Sunday, that defused the situation for the outgoing Government.
The alternative government parties virtually ignored the Taoiseach's personal difficulties. They sought to concentrate on policies, with the emphasis on better public services and health. The Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny offered a "contract" to voters, guaranteeing to retire as taoiseach if he failed to fulfil certain undertakings and pledging accountability in government. The Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte promoted childcare, law and order and a fairer society.
While there were many skirmishes during the campaign, the opinion polls again suggest that the leaders' debate on RTÉ was another defining moment. Mr Ahern won by a mile on the detail.
For all of the foregoing, this is an important general election because it coincides with serious concern that the Celtic Tiger is slowing down. Is the outgoing Government responsible for the slowdown? Will a change of government make a material difference?
The jury of public opinion, in its purest expression, has serious issues to determine today. In the crude calculus of our electoral system, this devolves into 43 constituencies where national dilemmas compete with local personalities and issues.
The major controversies and events of this campaign, and the record of important events, have been set out for your consideration. This is your opportunity to register your opinion and to determine the composition of your preferred government. Cast your vote.