Just hours to go to polling in Presidential Election but will Limerick voters show up?

AS IRELAND prepares to vote in the presidential election this Friday, it will be fascinating to see how many people actually turn up at the polling stations.

In 2018, when Michael D Higgins was re-elected, turnout slumped to just 43.9%,  the lowest ever recorded for a presidential contest. Compare that to 1973, when 62.2% of voters turned out, and you have to wonder, has public interest in the role of president waned, or have our lives simply become too busy and crowded to care as much?

It sometimes feels as if the national media are more invested in the race than the general public, who are caught up in demands of everyday life, and are only half-listening - hearing the odd clip or seeing a headline about the two remaining candidates.

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All indications suggest turnout could again be on the low side, or even the very low side. Much has been made of Catherine Connolly’s popularity among younger voters  but will that enthusiasm translate into votes, or merely retweets and Instagram posts? And can Daniel O’Donnell’s backing of Heather Humphreys really mobilise older voters who might otherwise stay at home?

As ever in Ireland, the weather could have its say. The forecast promises scattered showers which could encourage people to stay indoors. The real dampener seems to be the lack of choice with just two candidates this time, both women in their 60s, compared to six hopefuls - four men and two women - in 2018.

Despite the odd flash of drama, including the Jim Gavin rent controversy, the campaign’s closing weeks have been pretty dull.

Whatever your preferences, the most important thing is to exercise your right to vote.

It’s easy to be a hurler on the ditch, or a keyboard warrior on the couch, but casting your ballot is your moment to have a say in who represents us all on the bigger stage.