The consistency of the two exit polls is remarkable and the result is crystal clear. Despite a concerted effort by the establishment parties to avoid an election, when it did eventually happen, the campaign was a damp squib. Voter turnout in the Presidential election across the country is set to be the lowest ever, reflecting the low-key nature of the campaign. Previously, the lowest turnout recorded in a Presidential election was in 1997, where just 46.7% of those eligible to vote cast their ballot. The highest turnout recorded in a Presidential election was 65.3% in 1966 when Eamon DeValera defeated Thomas F O'Higgins to secure his second term in the Aras.

Source: Irish Examiner October 26, 2018 21:33 UTC