Laura Huhtasaari, the presidential candidate for the eurosceptic Finns Party, has vowed to take Finland out of the EU and tighten immigration rules if elected.

Criticising Brussels, she told supporters at the weekend: "If I become president, I will defend Finland and the interests of Finns."

She also blasted the EU, accusing the bloc of preventing Finland from making its own decisions, and forcing it to prop up other struggling euro economies.

Ms Huhtasaari said: "We are a big net payer, who holds the financial straits of other euro countries on our shoulders.

"Gradually, the EU has scrapped our rights to decide for ourselves."

She also hit out at the notion of a borderless Europe, saying she would return to the "normal" situation of having to check papers at the Finnish border.

Ms Huhtasaari remains an outside contender for the Finnish presidency, however her anti-immigration and anti-EU platform has inspired many voters.

The incumbent president Sauli Niinistö is expected to win another term in the January 28 election.

Mr Niinistö went into the election with a huge lead over his opponents, as an October poll of 1,460 Finns indicated he could win around 75 percent of the vote.

This would make him the first candidate to win the presidency in the first round of the election since the system was created in 1994.

The Finnish system requires a presidential candidate to gain over 50 percent of the vote to win an election in the first round. If no candidate manages this, the two highest scoring candidates face a second round or voting.

While Mr Niinistö’s position initially seemed so secure that the would not have to face a second vote, this is now a greater possibility.

Over the weekend one poll of 1,500 Finns by broadcaster Alma Media showed his vote share has dipped closer to 50 percent, and now stands at a possible 58 percent.

Pekka Haavisto of the Greens is set to scoop second place with 14 percent, and is the most likely candidate for the second round of the election.

Paavo Väryrynen, a former Centre Party member who is now running as an independent, could win 8 percent of the vote. Ms Huhtasaari remains an outside contender, with six percent support.

The first results of the election are expected at 6pm GMT on January 28.

The presidency in Finland is largely a ceremonial role, with some responsibilities for foreign and defence policies.