The unprecedented Saturday choice of polling day (only a century ago, people was called to vote on a Saturday) and the stormy weather as well as some high-profile sports events have all affected usual voting day patterns and have made a final turnout figure difficult to predict.

Severe wind warnings encouraged voters to turn out in the morning, reaching 34 per cent in some areas by noon and up over 60% in some rural areas by 5pm.

In comparison, turnout in Dublin was lower, at 20% or below by midday and still as low as 30% in some areas by 5pm.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald cast her ballot at St Joseph’s School on the Navan Road in Cabra at around midday.

She said: “People have told us throughout this campaign that they want change, that they want a change in our presentation and they want a change in government, so I am saying to people please come out today and vote for a change.