Voting in Northern Ireland was described as brisk before polls closed at 10 pm this evening.
DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley after casting his vote in Belfast today. Photo: PA
DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley after casting his vote in Belfast today. Photo: PA
Rain during the day may have kept turnout down among the 1.1 million registered voters in what is being seen as a pivotal election.
Results are widely expected to underscore the positions of Sinn Fein and the DUP as the big parties on either side of the political divide.
The new British government and the make up of the next House of Commons will be known well before vote counting even gets under way in Northern Ireland.
A 9am start - rather than an overnight count - will see results trickling out during the afternoon tomorrow, but with close races in several of the 18 constituencies, recounts are being predicted.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today the Government stood ready to resume work on the peace process with the political parties after the election.
Speaking in Dublin, Mr Ahern said: "Whatever happens today and tomorrow, the Irish Government is ready to take things on.
"I will hope to have an early date for talks with whatever Prime Minister is elected tonight and get on with the business. "