There was a slow start to the turnout at Ireland's polling stations this morning , and we may have figured out why.

As well as being voting day for the general election in the Republic of Ireland, February 26 also happens to be Free Breakfast Friday at McDonald's.

And when it comes to demand, it seems a free Egg McMuffin definitely trumps a ballot box – just take a look at the MENTAL queues this morning:

Diners were treated to a free Sausage and Egg McMuffin or a Bacon and Egg McMuffin this morning until 10am at all 89 Irish McDonald's outlets.

 

Thanks for the #freebreakfastfriday

A photo posted by Paddy O'Reilly (@paddy2k) on

Happy days.

And a few smart souls even got their freebie as a post-voting snack:

A happy Friday indeed!