Weather delays offshore Lisbon voting

Updated: 21:04, Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Voting in the Lisbon referendum was delayed on Tory Island and Inishbofin because of bad weather.

1 of 2 Arranmore Garda carries ballot box
Arranmore
Garda carries ballot box
2 of 2 Referendum Island residents casting votes
Referendum
Island residents casting votes

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A plan to bring ballot boxes the islands by Aer Corps helicopter had to be abandoned because of weather conditions in the area.

Poor visibility prevented the helicopter from reaching the islands this morning.

The boxes were then brought to Tory Island by a ferry from Magheraroarty and the boxes for Inishbofin were brought by a private boat.

Voting hours were extended so the islanders had a chance to cast their votes.

A total of five offshore islands voted in the referendum today.

The islands cast their votes ahead of the mainland to ensure that adverse weather conditions do not hinder the return of ballot boxes.

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