The Donegal by-election could prove vital for Brian Cowen Voters in south-west Donegal go to the polls later to elect a new TD (MP) to the Irish Parliament.
The by-election was called after Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher, the sitting Fianna Fail TD, became an MEP.
It comes after the Irish government unveiled a range of tough austerity measures designed to help solve the country’s debt crisis.
The vote is being interpreted by some as a referendum on the record of Fianna Fail leader Brian Cowen.
Should the party fail to hold the seat it will place more pressure on his premiership.
Among the spending cuts and tax rises are a reduction in the minimum wage, a new property tax and thousands of public sector job cuts.
Brian O Domhnaill is hoping to retain the seat for Fianna Fail.
He faces opposition from four other candidates.
Pearse Doherty is standing for Sinn Fein. He recently took court action against the government to force the by-election.
Barry O’Neill is running for Fine Gael, and Frank McBrearty, a Raphoe businessman, is standing for the Labour Party.
Thomas Pringle, a former Sinn Fein councillor, is running as an Independent although he is regarded as an outsider.
Voters on Donegal’s islands have already cast their votes and the result will be declared on Friday.
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