THE first votes in the abortion referendum have been cast as islanders took to the polling stations.
An electorate of just over 2,000 in islands off the west coast of the country are able to cast their votes a day before the rest of the country, as Ireland decides whether to reform some of the strictest termination laws in Europe.
Ballot boxes were taken by boat to 12 islands in Donegal, Galway and Mayo on Thursday morning, before the main vote on Friday, to prevent delays in transportation and counting of ballot papers.
On Gola Island in Donegal, the polls opened shortly after 11am for the 29 registered voters to have their say.
Presiding officer Nancy Sharkey and Guard Pat McElroy took the ballot box on the 10-minute boat journey over to the island, where the polls were due to be open until 3pm.
The polling station was opened in the home of Jimmy Sweeney (65) who has lived on the island since he was born.
Voting on Gola Island, Donegal, as islanders go to the polls to cast their vote in the referendum on the 8th Amendment of the Irish Constitution #8thAmendment pic.twitter.com/7U4mLCpwru
— Brian Lawless (@lawlessbrian) May 24, 2018
Mr Sweeney, who was the first person to cast a vote, said: "We always have the polling station in here, we've no objection."
He added: "There's a lot of interest in the vote."
His son Hugh, 26, was second to go to the ballot box.
He said: "This vote means a lot to young people.
Striking @PA image as the ballot box leaves Gola Island off the coast of Co Donegal after 11 of the island’s 29 registered voters cast their votes in Ireland’s abortion referendum. pic.twitter.com/c5TAg9fFs6
— David Young (@DavidYoungPA) May 24, 2018
"It's a difficult one because in the media you have people pushing a Yes vote and people pushing a No vote and you just need to make up your own mind."
The country is voting on whether to repeal the Eighth Amendment, which effectively outlaws abortion in all cases unless a mother's life is in danger.
Islanders in south-west Cork will vote on Friday along with the rest of the country.
If people vote Yes in the referendum, the Government intends to allow terminations within the first 12 weeks, subject to medical advice and a cooling-off period, and between 12 and 24 weeks in exceptional circumstances.
