Research by a Fianna Fáil cumann suggests that up to 44 per cent of Dubliners may lose out on their right to vote because they are not properly registered, the party says.
A survey carried out in the Dublin South East constituency by the Trinity College cumann of Fianna Fáil suggests that some 17,000 people entitled to vote are not on the register, while a further 15,000 people who have moved or have died remain registered.
Shane Conneely, a final year political science and economics student at TCD directed the survey among a sample of 1,171 voters.
Mr Conneely said the survey was conducted among a random sample of voters living in 15 of the 32 polling areas in the constituency.
It was then adjusted to reflect the correct proportions of the constituency's population living in flats and private houses.
The two Fianna Fáil candidates in the constituency expressed concern at the findings. Chris Andrews said he was asking his canvassers to check the electoral register with everyone they met to ensure they were registered.
The other candidate, Jim O'Callaghan, said yesterday: "The state of the register, not just in Dublin South East, but across the country leaves the entire election open to abuse. It is vital that steps are taken to correct the situation."