Voters in Northern Ireland go to the polls

Voters were going to the polls today to elect representatives for the Northern Ireland's Legislative Assembly.

Over one million people are entitled to vote in the election being held today, which has 256 candidates vying for the 108 MLA (Members of the Legislative Assembly) seats spead across the 18 constituencies.

However, the poor weather, voter apathy and a live European football game this evening are all expected to affect this year's turnout.

Commentators view the Assembly election as a fight by the DUP to become the largest voice in unionism and as an opportunity for Sinn Féin to overhaul the SDLP to become the largest nationalist party.

However, up to 30,000 people may not have the proper photographic ID to allow them to vote in the election. A driving licence, EU, UK or Irish passport or a Translink Smartpass are acceptable as identification to vote.

Polling booths opened at 7am on Wednesday and are expected to close at 10pm.

Eighteen independent observers from the Electoral Commission will individually attend each polling station during the day to ensure fair play.

However, while extra police are also being drafted in to prevent any threat from dissident republicans, 4NI has learned that from five o'clock this evening polling stations will in most places be guarded only by a civilian security company.

Northern Ireland's power sharing executive was suspended in October 2002, and subsequent attempts to restart assembly elections were twice postponed by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

(MB)