The Tánaiste has expressed regret that today's referendum in Crimea is taking place and said Ireland will not recognise the outcome of today's vote.

Eamon Gilmore said the vote is illegal, and that the results won't have any legal standing.

Gilmore said that Ireland, and the "majority of the International community" will not recognise the outcome.

Polling across Crimea closed at six o'clock Irish time.

It's expected a majority will vote to leave Ukraine.

Foreign editor of the Sunday Times Peter Conradi says it's a complex issue.