Poll shows Ahern ahead in Irish election
Ap, Dublin
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern appeared on course to extend his 10-year reign, after an exit poll gave his Fianna Fail party a surprisingly strong lead in parliamentary elections. But the poll for national broadcaster RTE also indicated Ireland is likely turn to the left after a decade of center-right government. The estimated outcome of Thursday's election was released shortly before vote-counting began Friday, with official results not expected before Saturday. The survey of 3,000 voters measured voter support for Fianna Fail at 41.6 percent. That would be marginally better than the share his centre-ground party received in the last elections five years ago.
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