GOVERNMENT and Opposition, parties are expressing confidence that the bail referendum will be carried when the results are known later today.
A low turnout of about 35 per cent was predicted by strategists in most parties last night. The bad weather, as well as confusion and a lack of interest, were being cited as the reasons for the low poll.
The turnout, however, is not expected to be the lowest in the 16 referendums held since 1937.
Only 28.6 per cent turned out for the twin referendums in 1979 on adoption and university representation in the Seanad. The next lowest poll was 44.1 per cent in the 1987 referendum on the Single European Act.
Sorting and counting of votes will start at 9 a.m. today at 30 counting centres throughout the State. A good indication of the outcome should be available by noon, with the official result expected to be announced by mid afternoon.
The current referendum campaign has been unusual in many respects. All Dail parties, with the exception of the Green Party have supported the proposal to give the courts greater discretion to refuse bail to accused persons.
The campaigns have been very low profile. This 16th amendment to the Constitution is the first referendum after the Supreme Court judgment in the McKenna case a year ago. That judgment precludes the Government from spending taxpayers money to advocate a particular result.
In Limerick East the poll is expected to be about 31.5 per cent. Polls of 30 per cent were estimated in Kilkenny constituencies. A similar percentage was recorded in Dublin South.
In Meath the close of poll estimate was 22-26 per cent.
In Sligo/Leitrim the turnout was 25-35 per cent. The turnout in Sligo town was 20-33 per cent and in Co, Sligo 25-39 per cent.
The Fianna Fail spokesman on justice, Mr John O'Donoghue, blamed the low turnout on the distractions of the past few weeks, which he said could all be attributed to the Government and especially the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen.
