RESULTS of the first count in the Presidential Election and Blasphemy Referendum for Donegal are expected to be announced shortly

A subdued atmosphere prevails at the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny where counting is taking place. 

According to initial tallies from boxes opened at the centre, Michael D Higgins is emerging with the highest number of votes in the county, however, Peter Casey is a very close second.

 

Final voter turnout figures are expected to show Donegal as having among the lowest numbers in the country.

By late Friday afternoon turnout in Greencastle, where Presidential Candidate Peter Casey voted, turnout was estimated at just 20 per cent. Across the county, voter turnout is below 40 per cent.

 

Exit polls also suggest that Blasphemy will be repealed from the Constitution.