Voting figures at 67.3%, up 5% on 2002

Turnout:Turnout in the election was significantly higher than in 2002, with 67.3 per cent of voters casting ballots, up from 62.6 per cent, almost five percentage points. Polling was highest in Connacht/Ulster (69 per cent), and lowest in Dublin (64 per cent).

The constituency which polled highest in 2002 was Cork North West with 73.36 per cent turning out. By a remarkable coincidence, the figure this year was 73.37 per cent, but Cork North West was pushed into third by Tipperary North on a whopping 78 per cent.

The lowest turnout was in Dublin South East at 53.8 per cent.

The upturn in voting reverses a long-term downward trend - in the 32 years from 1970 Ireland's turnout had declined in general elections from 78 to 63 per cent.