Sinn Fein tested in by-election

Votes in the Meath by-election will be counted on Saturday

A by-election in the Irish Republic is being seen as the first test at the polls for Sinn Fein's popularity following recent controversies.

The party has come under pressure over allegations about IRA involvement in the Northern Bank robbery and the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney.

Its candidate in the County Meath poll, Joe Reilly, narrowly missed out on a seat in the 2002 general election.

He said he would regard anything above that in Friday's election as a victory.

BBC Northern Ireland's Dublin correspondent, Shane Harrison, said it would be a poor result for Sinn Fein if the former IRA prisoner, who polled 9% of the vote three years ago, finished below third place.

Mr O'Reilly said Sinn Fein's recent difficulties had hardly featured in his campaign.

"Ninety seven per cent of the issues raised on doorsteps have been local. Three per cent have been about issues regarding the six counties," he said.

"We deal with them, we engage with them and explain things to people."

Voting for the five-seat constituency takes place on Friday, with ballots being counted one day later.