Voting 'surprisingly' brisk across Cavan and Monaghan

Voting is underway in two referenda around family and care in the home.

Polling has been "surprisingly" brisk in some areas across counties Cavan and Monaghan and the portion of North Meath that still remains part of the constituency.

In Belturbet a few dozen had cast votes in the first hour, but turnout there was still "slower than usual".

At St Mary's in Virginia turnout this morning was "surprisingly high" despite a perceived apathy towards the proposed amendments.

In Cavan Town, where voting takes place at St Clare's NS, early reports are that turnout is "busier than expected".

In Monaghan's main towns - Monaghan, Carrickmacross and Castleblayney - turnout has been slow but "steady".

There is widespread agreement these referenda have not attracted the same level of public interest as previous referenda - on Abortion and Marriage Equality.

The consensus is that a low turnout could result in a 'no' result to one or both amendments.

What's certain is that right up to even polling day, there were a large number of people still undecided or on the fence.

There is also, depending on who you speak to, the potential for a strong anti-government showing.

All the main government parties are calling for yes votes; while Aontú is the only political party advocating for the referenda to be rejected.

Polls remain open until 10pm this evening.