Polling stations have opened across the country for today's general election.
Voters will take to the polls in what's the first Saturday election since 1918.
Stations will stay open until 10pm this evening.
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Hong Kong has started a mandatory two-week quarantine for anyone arriving from mainland China.
It comes as the death toll from coronavirus reached 724 people overnight.
More than 34,000 people have been infected, the vast majority in China.
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Orange wind alerts will take effect in Donegal, Mayo and Galway this afternoon ahead of Storm Ciara tomorrow.
A yellow wind warning will be in place for the rest of the country from 9am this morning, along with a yellow rainfall alert from midday.
Gusts of up to 120 kilometres per hour are expected.
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President Michael D Higgins formally launches Galway's year as the European capital of culture today, the culmination of a week of events which began last Sunday in Clifden.
This year Galway holds the title of European culture capital jointly with the Croatian city of Rijeka.
Weather permitting, the opening ceremony is due to kick off at 6pm in South Park.
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Donald Trump appears to be seeking revenge after being acquitted of the impeachment charges lodged against him.
He's ousted two officials who provided damaging testimony in the Democratic-led congressional hearings.
Alexander Vindman was escorted out of the White House - and the ambassador to the European Union - Gordon Sondland - is also being removed.
