Turnout in yesterday's Assembly elections was on course for around 60 per cent - down 9 percentage points on 1998. All areas reported some brisk voting in the morning but it became sluggish until the traditional rush after 5 p.m.
The four main parties told The Irish Times last night that voter turnout was as expected for the time of year. The recent protracted instability is also deemed to have been a factor.
The Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists were most upbeat last night, reporting that while voter totals had slipped, the party's core support had cast their ballots. One party insider suggested that middle-class unionist areas, which had been specifically targeted by the party, had responded well.
A spokesman said: "It's been a good day all round. We're performing well in areas where we are strong and up to par in other areas. We're looking forward to the count."
The Ulster Unionists said their support in such areas had turned out well, but added that working-class unionist voting had slipped. Voting west of the Bann was said to be strong, as expected.
With transfers, especially from pro-agreement voters across the traditional political divide, playing a key role in this election, the UUP said it had received inquiries from Catholic voters considering transferring to unionists for the first time.
Sinn Féin, which has claimed it will take five extra seats to bring its Stormont total to 23, was pleased with the turnout.
"We are on course for the Westminster total," a spokesman said. The party doubled its Westminster tally at the 2001 general election.
Mr Gerry Adams, the party president, toured Belfast urging the republican electorate to turn out. Sinn Féin is running nine candidates in the four city constituencies and hopes to have eight of them elected.
The SDLP also reported that turnout was up to expectation, adding that it was particularly pleased at the response in key constituencies, where it is hoping to pick up vital final seats from anti-agreement unionists.
Mr Mark Durkan voted early in his Foyle constituency yesterday before beginning a tour of all 18 constituencies in his first major election since assuming the leadership in November 2001.
Voting took place yesterday against a backdrop of threats of violence from dissident republicans as highlighted on Tuesday by the chief constable, Mr Hugh Orde.
He had drafted some 2,000 officers on duty and election day passed without incident at the 612 polling stations across the North.
Just under 1,110,000 electors were eligible to vote for the 256 candidates for the 108-member Assembly, which remains suspended since October 14th, 2002.
A key British source told The Irish Times yesterday that there would be no rush to end suspension until it was clear there was a prospect of the formation of an Executive and the election of a first and deputy first minister.
Counting at eight centres begins today at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to end at around 8 p.m. this evening before continuing to a conclusion tomorrow.
The crucial first preference totals should be known by midday today.