In pictures: Islands go to the polls

Updated / Friday, 7 Feb 2020 19:13
Presiding Officer Nancy Sharkey travels to Gola Island with the ballot box
Presiding Officer Nancy Sharkey travels to Gola Island with the ballot box

Island residents off Galway, Mayo and Donegal got to cast their votes in the 2020 General Election today, a day ahead of the rest of the country.

Traditionally islanders voted ahead of the rest of the country to ensure that bad weather did not hamper the return of ballot boxes to the mainland in time for the count.

Planned legislation to allow island communities vote on the same day as people on the mainland has not yet been passed.

Press Association photographer Liam McBurney was there to capture democracy in action on Gola, off Co Donegal.

Garda Tom McBride is there to oversee proceedings and help take the ballot box off the boat
Garda Tom McBride is there to oversee proceedings and help take the ballot box off the boat
Around 750 people are registered to vote on five islands in Donegal
Around 750 people are registered to vote on five islands in Donegal
The polling station on Gola is a local house
The polling station on Gola is a local house
Nancy Sharkey sets up the polling station for the islanders
Nancy Sharkey sets up the polling station for the islanders
Eddie Joe McGee is one of the first there to collect his ballot paper
Eddie Joe McGee is one of the first there to collect his ballot paper
Garda McBride stands guard as Eddie casts his vote
Garda McBride stands guard as Eddie casts his vote
There's time for a quick chat afterwards
There's time for a quick chat afterwards
Then it's back to the boat with the ballots
Then it's back to the boat with the ballots
The votes are transported back to the mainland for counting on Sunday with the rest of the constituency
The votes are transported back to the mainland for counting on Sunday with the rest of the constituency

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