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sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_crime-law"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law/courts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Courts</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Property</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_property" aria-label="Show Property sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_property"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/residential" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Residential</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/commercial-property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Commercial Property</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/interiors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Interiors</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/food" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Food</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_food" aria-label="Show Food sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_food"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/drink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Drink</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/recipes" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Recipes</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/restaurants" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Restaurants</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/health" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Health</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_health" aria-label="Show Health sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_health"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-family" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Family</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Fitness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-wellness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Wellness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness/get-running" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Get Running</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Life & Style</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_life-style" aria-label="Show Life & Style sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_life-style"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fashion" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fashion</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/beauty/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Beauty</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fine-art-antiques" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fine Art & Antiques</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/gardening" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gardening</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/people" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/travel" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Travel</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/culture" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Culture</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_culture" aria-label="Show Culture sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_culture"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/art" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Art</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/books" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Books</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/film" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Film</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/music" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Music</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/stage" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Stage</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/tv-radio" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">TV & Radio</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/environment" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Environment</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_environment" aria-label="Show Environment sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_environment"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/environment/climate-crisis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Climate Crisis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/technology" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Technology</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_technology" aria-label="Show Technology sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_technology"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/big-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Big Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/consumer-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Consumer Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/data-security" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Data & Security</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/gaming" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaming</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/science" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Science</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_science" aria-label="Show Science sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_science"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/science/space" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Space</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/media" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Media</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/abroad" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Abroad</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/obituaries" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Obituaries</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/transport" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Transport</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/motors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Motors</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_motors" aria-label="Show Motors sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_motors"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/motors/car-reviews/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Car Reviews</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/listen/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Listen</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Podcasts</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_podcasts" aria-label="Show Podcasts sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 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data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__lead text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/">Election 2024 exit poll: Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on course for photo finish </a></h3><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/">If the findings are borne out a return of a coalition based around Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil looks likely</a></p><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Pat Leahy</span></span></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item grid-column-span-6" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item grid-column-span-3" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/">Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition</a></h3></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/">Election Daily: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation? </a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__audio"><button aria-label="Listen to Election Daily: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation? " class="c-button c-button--small c-button--primary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M425 215C439.3 223.8 448 239.3 448 256C448 272.7 439.3 288.2 425 296.1L137.03 472.1C122.21 482 103.66 482.4 88.52 473.9C73.377 465.4 64 449.4 64 432V80C64 62.64 73.377 46.63 88.52 38.13C103.66 29.64 122.21 29.99 137.03 39.04L425 215Z"></path></svg></button><span class="b-flex-promo-card__audio-text">Listen | 14:34</span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/">How The Irish Times will cover the results and key times to watch out for</a></h3></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/explainer-how-does-proportional-representation-work/">Explainer: How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div id="arcad-feature-f0ffOnN4ftcD3vn-14f43dc552efc5" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:970px;min-height:107px"><div id="arcad_f0ffOnN4ftcD3vn-14f43dc552efc5" class="arcad ad-970x90"></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block align-center font-normal "><div class="c-stack b-it-header-block__heading-h5 align-center font-normal" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h2 as="h5" class="c-heading align-center font-normal margin_none">HIGHLIGHTS</h2></div></div></div></div><div id="lazy_43509" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__3333 has-divider gap-divider" style="--c-stack-gap:var(--global-spacing-0)"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><article class="b-xl-manual-promo"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-xl-manual-promo__img" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/constituency-profiles/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Every candidate listed, every constituency profiled" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/X47MOJMD6FABXO2SQV5Q3JN3RI.png?smart=true&auth=1eb28f3c5574f43fd93efb618e9bc6437258696aa2800baa34f63aefb7d8c659&width=600&height=400" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/X47MOJMD6FABXO2SQV5Q3JN3RI.png?smart=true&auth=1eb28f3c5574f43fd93efb618e9bc6437258696aa2800baa34f63aefb7d8c659&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/X47MOJMD6FABXO2SQV5Q3JN3RI.png?smart=true&auth=1eb28f3c5574f43fd93efb618e9bc6437258696aa2800baa34f63aefb7d8c659&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/X47MOJMD6FABXO2SQV5Q3JN3RI.png?smart=true&auth=1eb28f3c5574f43fd93efb618e9bc6437258696aa2800baa34f63aefb7d8c659&width=600&height=400 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/X47MOJMD6FABXO2SQV5Q3JN3RI.png?smart=true&auth=1eb28f3c5574f43fd93efb618e9bc6437258696aa2800baa34f63aefb7d8c659&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/X47MOJMD6FABXO2SQV5Q3JN3RI.png?smart=true&auth=1eb28f3c5574f43fd93efb618e9bc6437258696aa2800baa34f63aefb7d8c659&width=1200&height=800 1200w" width="600" height="400"/><span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></figure><p class="c-paragraph">Every candidate listed, every constituency profiled</p></div></article></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><article class="b-xl-manual-promo"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-xl-manual-promo__img" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meet-the-voters/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Our correspondents are out and about talking to the electorate" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/E5ZSXUKT6BEKHKYWIRXHWBCW34.png?smart=true&auth=1b2b40d3acde2e01b5a25af7a7dde9768120bd39fd4dd64af136645f13bc6ea4&width=600&height=400" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/E5ZSXUKT6BEKHKYWIRXHWBCW34.png?smart=true&auth=1b2b40d3acde2e01b5a25af7a7dde9768120bd39fd4dd64af136645f13bc6ea4&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/E5ZSXUKT6BEKHKYWIRXHWBCW34.png?smart=true&auth=1b2b40d3acde2e01b5a25af7a7dde9768120bd39fd4dd64af136645f13bc6ea4&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/E5ZSXUKT6BEKHKYWIRXHWBCW34.png?smart=true&auth=1b2b40d3acde2e01b5a25af7a7dde9768120bd39fd4dd64af136645f13bc6ea4&width=600&height=400 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/E5ZSXUKT6BEKHKYWIRXHWBCW34.png?smart=true&auth=1b2b40d3acde2e01b5a25af7a7dde9768120bd39fd4dd64af136645f13bc6ea4&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/E5ZSXUKT6BEKHKYWIRXHWBCW34.png?smart=true&auth=1b2b40d3acde2e01b5a25af7a7dde9768120bd39fd4dd64af136645f13bc6ea4&width=1200&height=800 1200w" width="600" height="400"/><span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></figure><p class="c-paragraph">Our correspondents are out and about talking to the electorate</p></div></article></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><article class="b-xl-manual-promo"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-xl-manual-promo__img" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/election-2024-how-do-your-views-match-with-election-candidates-in-your-area-use-this-tool-to-find-out/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Use the Whichcandidate tool to help your voting decision" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4B7ZBSGP6REVFH2UIMLWOBYCIU.png?smart=true&auth=58c2ebcbfaa53718f17bb241abe912bc7433fc302073414c41aa110b6866ebfb&width=600&height=400" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4B7ZBSGP6REVFH2UIMLWOBYCIU.png?smart=true&auth=58c2ebcbfaa53718f17bb241abe912bc7433fc302073414c41aa110b6866ebfb&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4B7ZBSGP6REVFH2UIMLWOBYCIU.png?smart=true&auth=58c2ebcbfaa53718f17bb241abe912bc7433fc302073414c41aa110b6866ebfb&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4B7ZBSGP6REVFH2UIMLWOBYCIU.png?smart=true&auth=58c2ebcbfaa53718f17bb241abe912bc7433fc302073414c41aa110b6866ebfb&width=600&height=400 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4B7ZBSGP6REVFH2UIMLWOBYCIU.png?smart=true&auth=58c2ebcbfaa53718f17bb241abe912bc7433fc302073414c41aa110b6866ebfb&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4B7ZBSGP6REVFH2UIMLWOBYCIU.png?smart=true&auth=58c2ebcbfaa53718f17bb241abe912bc7433fc302073414c41aa110b6866ebfb&width=1200&height=800 1200w" width="600" height="400"/><span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></figure><p class="c-paragraph">Use the Whichcandidate tool to help your voting decision</p></div></article></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><article class="b-xl-manual-promo"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-xl-manual-promo__img" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/promises-promises-what-do-the-election-2024-parties-stand-for-use-this-tool-to-compare-their-manifestos/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Promises, promises - compare each party's stance on these 10 issues" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZPKSIJ3D7ZFXRKWCXQOEYT6DZ4.png?smart=true&auth=ecaaa2c4cd62d7dd4d8ba5527753e456939be60604a0d116d3773d9ffdd247d8&width=600&height=400" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZPKSIJ3D7ZFXRKWCXQOEYT6DZ4.png?smart=true&auth=ecaaa2c4cd62d7dd4d8ba5527753e456939be60604a0d116d3773d9ffdd247d8&width=200&height=133 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZPKSIJ3D7ZFXRKWCXQOEYT6DZ4.png?smart=true&auth=ecaaa2c4cd62d7dd4d8ba5527753e456939be60604a0d116d3773d9ffdd247d8&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZPKSIJ3D7ZFXRKWCXQOEYT6DZ4.png?smart=true&auth=ecaaa2c4cd62d7dd4d8ba5527753e456939be60604a0d116d3773d9ffdd247d8&width=600&height=400 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZPKSIJ3D7ZFXRKWCXQOEYT6DZ4.png?smart=true&auth=ecaaa2c4cd62d7dd4d8ba5527753e456939be60604a0d116d3773d9ffdd247d8&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZPKSIJ3D7ZFXRKWCXQOEYT6DZ4.png?smart=true&auth=ecaaa2c4cd62d7dd4d8ba5527753e456939be60604a0d116d3773d9ffdd247d8&width=1200&height=800 1200w" width="600" height="400"/><span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></figure><p class="c-paragraph">Promises, promises - compare each party's stance on these 10 issues</p></div></article></div></div></div></div><div id="lazy_42694" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__222222 has-divider gap-divider" style="--c-stack-gap:var(--global-spacing-0)"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-video-player b-video-player__inline" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><div class="c-video__frame"><div class="c-video video-container" style="--aspect-ratio:0.5625;--height:65"></div></div></figure></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-video-player b-video-player__inline" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><div class="c-video__frame"><div class="c-video video-container" style="--aspect-ratio:0.5625;--height:65"></div></div></figure></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-video-player b-video-player__inline" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><div class="c-video__frame"><div class="c-video video-container" style="--aspect-ratio:0.5625;--height:65"></div></div></figure></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-video-player b-video-player__inline" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><div class="c-video__frame"><div class="c-video video-container" style="--aspect-ratio:0.5625;--height:65"></div></div></figure></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-video-player b-video-player__inline" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><div class="c-video__frame"><div class="c-video video-container" style="--aspect-ratio:0.5625;--height:65"></div></div></figure></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-video-player b-video-player__inline" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><figure class="c-media-item"><div class="c-video__frame"><div class="c-video video-container" style="--aspect-ratio:0.5625;--height:65"></div></div></figure></div></div></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block align-center font-normal "><a class="c-link b-it-header-block__link align-center font-normal" href="https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/poll/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank"><div class="c-stack b-it-header-block__heading-h5 align-center font-normal" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h2 as="h5" class="c-heading align-center font-normal margin_none"><span class=" align-center font-normal">THE IRISH TIMES POLL <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="14" height="24" viewBox="0 0 14 24" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" class="c-icon"><path d="M1.13096 0.799122C1.80974 0.102652 2.7203 -0.288062 3.25008 0.255525L13.3161 10.5835C14.2279 11.4523 14.228 12.9331 13.3161 13.802L3.78 23.0857C2.92237 23.9029 2.18997 24.7165 0.637788 22.9345C-0.650965 21.455 0.273466 20.6414 1.1311 19.8243L8.71733 12.5593C8.91647 12.3686 8.92364 12.0527 8.73336 11.8531L0.748709 3.47961C-0.108924 2.6625 0.0713963 1.88627 1.13096 0.799122Z"></path></svg></span></h2></div></div><span class="visually-hidden">Opens in new window</span></a></div></div><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0fVwAlzT0cQGf" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fVwAlzT0cQGf"></div><div><iframe title="Party support November 25th 2024" aria-label="Interactive line chart" id="datawrapper-chart-LxwXc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LxwXc/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="446" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}(); </script></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0fVwAlzT0cQGf" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fVwAlzT0cQGf"></div><div id="lazy_41182" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__66 has-divider gap-divider"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><article class="b-flex-promo-card"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__lg text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/26/fine-fail-fine-gael-still-most-popular-choice-for-coalition-despite-alarm-over-exhausted-harris/">Irish Times poll: Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael the most popular choice for new coalition</a></h3><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Pat Leahy and Jennifer Bray</span><span class="c-separator"></span></span><time class="c-it-promo-date" dateTime="2024-11-26T06:00:00Z">Tue Nov 26 2024 - 06:00</time></div></div></div></article></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/26/fine-fail-fine-gael-still-most-popular-choice-for-coalition-despite-alarm-over-exhausted-harris/">Irish Times poll: Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael the most popular choice for new coalition</a></h3></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/26/election-2024-tv-debate-assumes-unexpected-gravitas-in-uncertain-race/">Election 2024: TV debate assumes outsize importance in uncertain race</a></h3></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card bottom-divider"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/editorials/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-view-on-the-latest-opinion-poll-the-race-tightens-entering-the-last-lap/">The Irish Times view on the latest opinion poll: the race tightens entering the last lap</a></h3></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/">The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A November 25th poll: the full results in charts</a></h3></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/></div><div class="c-grid b-it-right-rail-advanced__rail-container"><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-interior-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-interior-item-1" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI.jpg?smart=true&auth=1d9c930c8a67396404719766bccb9f7d237191befa0a1c0b6b8d63deb0a04e07&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI.jpg?smart=true&auth=1d9c930c8a67396404719766bccb9f7d237191befa0a1c0b6b8d63deb0a04e07&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI.jpg?smart=true&auth=1d9c930c8a67396404719766bccb9f7d237191befa0a1c0b6b8d63deb0a04e07&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI.jpg?smart=true&auth=1d9c930c8a67396404719766bccb9f7d237191befa0a1c0b6b8d63deb0a04e07&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/">Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-live-updates-voting-begins-at-polling-stations-around-the-country/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Election 2024: Analysis and reaction as exit poll shows tight race, but what do these results mean?" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU.gif?smart=true&auth=56a51fc50533a7c0870294191408289e9344f62b416c68999d734f33be6e7b56&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU.gif?smart=true&auth=56a51fc50533a7c0870294191408289e9344f62b416c68999d734f33be6e7b56&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU.gif?smart=true&auth=56a51fc50533a7c0870294191408289e9344f62b416c68999d734f33be6e7b56&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU.gif?smart=true&auth=56a51fc50533a7c0870294191408289e9344f62b416c68999d734f33be6e7b56&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-live-updates-voting-begins-at-polling-stations-around-the-country/">Election 2024: Analysis and reaction as exit poll shows tight race, but what do these results mean?</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Conor Pope, Ronan McGreevy, Sarah Slater and Harry McGee</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Election Daily: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation? 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" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--primary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M425 215C439.3 223.8 448 239.3 448 256C448 272.7 439.3 288.2 425 296.1L137.03 472.1C122.21 482 103.66 482.4 88.52 473.9C73.377 465.4 64 449.4 64 432V80C64 62.64 73.377 46.63 88.52 38.13C103.66 29.64 122.21 29.99 137.03 39.04L425 215Z"></path></svg></button><span class="b-flex-promo-card__audio-text">Listen | 14:34</span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/life-style/people/2024/11/29/snap-election-how-irish-times-photographers-captured-campaign-life-through-a-lens/" aria-hidden="true" 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width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/life-style/people/2024/11/29/snap-election-how-irish-times-photographers-captured-campaign-life-through-a-lens/">Snap election: How Irish Times photographers captured campaign life through a lens </a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Election 2024 exit poll: Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on course for photo finish " class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg?smart=true&auth=2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg?smart=true&auth=2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg?smart=true&auth=2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg?smart=true&auth=2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/">Election 2024 exit poll: Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on course for photo finish </a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Pat Leahy</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" 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https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UBDO7LLIMVHXH3F25NT7ZABOF4.jpg?focal=3840%2C1479&auth=bcd46fa9e584df6d40e79c22a1d813897514e3cafda903f3ab850a848c8b837d&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/">As if the election campaign wasn’t tedious enough, brace yourself for ‘the counts’</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> John McManus</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/2024/11/30/olivia-oleary-if-this-election-campaign-has-proven-anything-its-that-voters-are-not-eejits/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="If this election campaign has proven anything, it’s that voters are not eejits" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TVR5QK2RUDLSXA6VVSFIJ5FLZE.jpg?smart=true&auth=5cd50f6c3b6f2be77fdacb7478c1185e06124403845229a1f0ddbd14d3923b4d&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TVR5QK2RUDLSXA6VVSFIJ5FLZE.jpg?smart=true&auth=5cd50f6c3b6f2be77fdacb7478c1185e06124403845229a1f0ddbd14d3923b4d&width=400&height=400 400w, 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class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Olivia O'Leary</span></span></div></div></div></article></div><div id="arcad-feature-f0fvHsvBftcD3yf-1f4f236b42b8d9" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 kjbLvz arcad-feature"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:fluidpx;min-height:NaNpx"><div id="arcad_f0fvHsvBftcD3yf-1f4f236b42b8d9" class="arcad ad-fluid"></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-divider" aria-hidden="true"/><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/im-sort-of-bracing-myself-for-the-days-of-counting-ahead-foreign-journalists-views-on-the-general-election/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="‘I’m sort of bracing myself for the days of counting ahead’: Foreign journalists’ views on the general election" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ.jpg?focal=1075%2C600&auth=249139a5c8cae89f3d8e835bf9c6cc2d173fc6feb5151fc0135d97e7d9a51479&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ.jpg?focal=1075%2C600&auth=249139a5c8cae89f3d8e835bf9c6cc2d173fc6feb5151fc0135d97e7d9a51479&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ.jpg?focal=1075%2C600&auth=249139a5c8cae89f3d8e835bf9c6cc2d173fc6feb5151fc0135d97e7d9a51479&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ.jpg?focal=1075%2C600&auth=249139a5c8cae89f3d8e835bf9c6cc2d173fc6feb5151fc0135d97e7d9a51479&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/im-sort-of-bracing-myself-for-the-days-of-counting-ahead-foreign-journalists-views-on-the-general-election/">‘I’m sort of bracing myself for the days of counting ahead’: Foreign journalists’ views on the general election</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Sarah Burns</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Who are the candidates in my constituency? A general election guide" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=f88eadc63d844d7a922af4da8a0b714d624750878271b0ad78d9363f3a18d3ac&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=f88eadc63d844d7a922af4da8a0b714d624750878271b0ad78d9363f3a18d3ac&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=f88eadc63d844d7a922af4da8a0b714d624750878271b0ad78d9363f3a18d3ac&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=f88eadc63d844d7a922af4da8a0b714d624750878271b0ad78d9363f3a18d3ac&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/">Who are the candidates in my constituency? A general election guide</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/general-election-housing-cost-of-living-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-campaign-latest/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Housing and cost of living dominated public debate in election campaign" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY.gif?smart=true&auth=ec7afb82ff3c4b66cc641d240d6683b58afecfe129b9fb14b6482fb5b0dca772&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY.gif?smart=true&auth=ec7afb82ff3c4b66cc641d240d6683b58afecfe129b9fb14b6482fb5b0dca772&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY.gif?smart=true&auth=ec7afb82ff3c4b66cc641d240d6683b58afecfe129b9fb14b6482fb5b0dca772&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY.gif?smart=true&auth=ec7afb82ff3c4b66cc641d240d6683b58afecfe129b9fb14b6482fb5b0dca772&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/general-election-housing-cost-of-living-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-campaign-latest/">Housing and cost of living dominated public debate in election campaign</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Sarah Burns</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/three-big-parties-in-near-dead-heat-at-end-of-election-campaign/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="General election 2024: Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil in near dead heat at end of campaign" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TTENPNKQU4TB6SNHIXVQ2UB3VQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=4eff9c81e28dc10c087df47522a03d1987f89251ed074d50bf070bef75e9357a&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TTENPNKQU4TB6SNHIXVQ2UB3VQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=4eff9c81e28dc10c087df47522a03d1987f89251ed074d50bf070bef75e9357a&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TTENPNKQU4TB6SNHIXVQ2UB3VQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=4eff9c81e28dc10c087df47522a03d1987f89251ed074d50bf070bef75e9357a&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TTENPNKQU4TB6SNHIXVQ2UB3VQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=4eff9c81e28dc10c087df47522a03d1987f89251ed074d50bf070bef75e9357a&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/three-big-parties-in-near-dead-heat-at-end-of-election-campaign/">General election 2024: Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil in near dead heat at end of campaign</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Pat Leahy</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/explainer-how-does-proportional-representation-work/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Explainer: How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA.jpg?focal=1791%2C1084&auth=fc41984b79f073702294374ac1775410d64f805db64ddbf0e08b3a512d4e10c6&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA.jpg?focal=1791%2C1084&auth=fc41984b79f073702294374ac1775410d64f805db64ddbf0e08b3a512d4e10c6&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA.jpg?focal=1791%2C1084&auth=fc41984b79f073702294374ac1775410d64f805db64ddbf0e08b3a512d4e10c6&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA.jpg?focal=1791%2C1084&auth=fc41984b79f073702294374ac1775410d64f805db64ddbf0e08b3a512d4e10c6&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/explainer-how-does-proportional-representation-work/">Explainer: How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Sarah Burns</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/culture/tv-radio/2024/11/29/newstalks-interview-with-gerry-hutch-is-an-anticlimax-after-kevin-myerss-inflammatory-opinions-fill-the-air/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Radio review: Newstalk’s interview with Gerry Hutch is an anticlimax after Kevin Myers’s inflammatory opinions fill the air" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bd6cbb97bed4d978a11514d90f7489f60e60a6adfe94b31460ccf4fd4cf41b9e&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bd6cbb97bed4d978a11514d90f7489f60e60a6adfe94b31460ccf4fd4cf41b9e&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bd6cbb97bed4d978a11514d90f7489f60e60a6adfe94b31460ccf4fd4cf41b9e&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bd6cbb97bed4d978a11514d90f7489f60e60a6adfe94b31460ccf4fd4cf41b9e&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/culture/tv-radio/2024/11/29/newstalks-interview-with-gerry-hutch-is-an-anticlimax-after-kevin-myerss-inflammatory-opinions-fill-the-air/">Radio review: Newstalk’s interview with Gerry Hutch is an anticlimax after Kevin Myers’s inflammatory opinions fill the air</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Mick Heaney</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/editorials/2024/11/29/the-irish-times-view-on-using-your-vote-a-precious-right-that-must-be-defended/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Voting is a precious right and the best way to protect it is by using it" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74.jpg?focal=950%2C477&auth=abc2de1dcbfd7f8a7c2c379d6f80461b410ee80debb8d78f9f1d11942105d95a&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74.jpg?focal=950%2C477&auth=abc2de1dcbfd7f8a7c2c379d6f80461b410ee80debb8d78f9f1d11942105d95a&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74.jpg?focal=950%2C477&auth=abc2de1dcbfd7f8a7c2c379d6f80461b410ee80debb8d78f9f1d11942105d95a&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74.jpg?focal=950%2C477&auth=abc2de1dcbfd7f8a7c2c379d6f80461b410ee80debb8d78f9f1d11942105d95a&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/editorials/2024/11/29/the-irish-times-view-on-using-your-vote-a-precious-right-that-must-be-defended/">Voting is a precious right and the best way to protect it is by using it</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-campaign-live-updates/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Election 2024 updates: Simon Harris conducts last-minute Dublin canvass as campaign enters final stretch " class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY.jpg?smart=true&auth=b723acae284f2a76ef51d12363aff24fbf2ff017767e30c8a51a9056d2e04757&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY.jpg?smart=true&auth=b723acae284f2a76ef51d12363aff24fbf2ff017767e30c8a51a9056d2e04757&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY.jpg?smart=true&auth=b723acae284f2a76ef51d12363aff24fbf2ff017767e30c8a51a9056d2e04757&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY.jpg?smart=true&auth=b723acae284f2a76ef51d12363aff24fbf2ff017767e30c8a51a9056d2e04757&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text 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height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/would-you-not-be-better-off-going-independent-canvassing-with-sinn-fein-in-dublin-mid-west/">Canvassing with Sinn Féin in Dublin Mid-West: ‘Would you not be better off going independent?’</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Sarah Burns</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/carers-and-the-election-i-had-to-borrow-35000-because-my-son-has-never-had-a-public-therapy-session/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Carers and the election: ‘I had to borrow €35,000 because my son has never had a public therapy session’" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/W5FUKU4DKZC2JCANA4SJHZOQFQ.JPG?focal=2634%2C1204&auth=cf2859e75548c31ae707dc98964b25b143c50d839afe1a81e4ba18f3bbfd70f1&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/W5FUKU4DKZC2JCANA4SJHZOQFQ.JPG?focal=2634%2C1204&auth=cf2859e75548c31ae707dc98964b25b143c50d839afe1a81e4ba18f3bbfd70f1&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/W5FUKU4DKZC2JCANA4SJHZOQFQ.JPG?focal=2634%2C1204&auth=cf2859e75548c31ae707dc98964b25b143c50d839afe1a81e4ba18f3bbfd70f1&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/W5FUKU4DKZC2JCANA4SJHZOQFQ.JPG?focal=2634%2C1204&auth=cf2859e75548c31ae707dc98964b25b143c50d839afe1a81e4ba18f3bbfd70f1&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/carers-and-the-election-i-had-to-borrow-35000-because-my-son-has-never-had-a-public-therapy-session/">Carers and the election: ‘I had to borrow €35,000 because my son has never had a public therapy session’</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Ronan McGreevy</span></span></div></div></div></article></div><div id="arcad-feature-f0fV605HftcD3X4-bb0c817e844e5" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:728px;min-height:107px"><div id="arcad_f0fV605HftcD3X4-bb0c817e844e5" class="arcad ad-728x90"></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-divider" aria-hidden="true"/><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/mary-lou-mcdonald-indicates-sinn-fein-voters-should-transfer-to-social-democrats-or-pbp/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="General election: Mary Lou McDonald indicates Sinn Féin voters should transfer to Social Democrats or PBP" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ.jpg?focal=3220%2C2364&auth=cdf07bb2c8b70f92b2b2e46d86d4057c33ccb8cc35939761ec057d8113218027&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ.jpg?focal=3220%2C2364&auth=cdf07bb2c8b70f92b2b2e46d86d4057c33ccb8cc35939761ec057d8113218027&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ.jpg?focal=3220%2C2364&auth=cdf07bb2c8b70f92b2b2e46d86d4057c33ccb8cc35939761ec057d8113218027&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ.jpg?focal=3220%2C2364&auth=cdf07bb2c8b70f92b2b2e46d86d4057c33ccb8cc35939761ec057d8113218027&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/mary-lou-mcdonald-indicates-sinn-fein-voters-should-transfer-to-social-democrats-or-pbp/">General election: Mary Lou McDonald indicates Sinn Féin voters should transfer to Social Democrats or PBP</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Jack Horgan-Jones, Cormac McQuinn and Marie O'Halloran</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/green-party-asks-voters-to-stick-with-us/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Green Party asks voters to ‘stick with us’ " class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=cedf145a65279a640272b1d601b70bd7656fc454c2ca880807701920cc324abe&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=cedf145a65279a640272b1d601b70bd7656fc454c2ca880807701920cc324abe&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=cedf145a65279a640272b1d601b70bd7656fc454c2ca880807701920cc324abe&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=cedf145a65279a640272b1d601b70bd7656fc454c2ca880807701920cc324abe&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/green-party-asks-voters-to-stick-with-us/">Green Party asks voters to ‘stick with us’ </a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Marie O'Halloran</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/eamon-ryan-opens-cycle-lane-first-campaigned-for-30-years-ago-in-last-event-at-minister/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Eamon Ryan opens cycle lane he first campaigned for 30 years ago in last event as Minister" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU.jpg?focal=2685%2C1406&auth=0ebcb2da17a6be8e81709cc3f27b984a0d818865e7134016f9af6e187899166d&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU.jpg?focal=2685%2C1406&auth=0ebcb2da17a6be8e81709cc3f27b984a0d818865e7134016f9af6e187899166d&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU.jpg?focal=2685%2C1406&auth=0ebcb2da17a6be8e81709cc3f27b984a0d818865e7134016f9af6e187899166d&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU.jpg?focal=2685%2C1406&auth=0ebcb2da17a6be8e81709cc3f27b984a0d818865e7134016f9af6e187899166d&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/eamon-ryan-opens-cycle-lane-first-campaigned-for-30-years-ago-in-last-event-at-minister/">Eamon Ryan opens cycle lane he first campaigned for 30 years ago in last event as Minister</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Olivia Kelly</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-the-highs-and-lows-of-a-tense-campaign/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Election Daily: the highs and lows of a tense campaign" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/K5ZWAGNHLFCUXGN6F5D7BYKXIY.JPG?smart=true&auth=76df9cf6fd756d271cd5966198dce39394debfc4238507f1753abc395779e73f&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/K5ZWAGNHLFCUXGN6F5D7BYKXIY.JPG?smart=true&auth=76df9cf6fd756d271cd5966198dce39394debfc4238507f1753abc395779e73f&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/K5ZWAGNHLFCUXGN6F5D7BYKXIY.JPG?smart=true&auth=76df9cf6fd756d271cd5966198dce39394debfc4238507f1753abc395779e73f&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/K5ZWAGNHLFCUXGN6F5D7BYKXIY.JPG?smart=true&auth=76df9cf6fd756d271cd5966198dce39394debfc4238507f1753abc395779e73f&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-the-highs-and-lows-of-a-tense-campaign/">Election Daily: the highs and lows of a tense campaign</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__audio"><button aria-label="Listen to Election Daily: the highs and lows of a tense campaign" class="c-button c-button--small c-button--primary-reverse" type="button"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M425 215C439.3 223.8 448 239.3 448 256C448 272.7 439.3 288.2 425 296.1L137.03 472.1C122.21 482 103.66 482.4 88.52 473.9C73.377 465.4 64 449.4 64 432V80C64 62.64 73.377 46.63 88.52 38.13C103.66 29.64 122.21 29.99 137.03 39.04L425 215Z"></path></svg></button><span class="b-flex-promo-card__audio-text">Listen | 39:14</span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/independent-waterford-td-apologises-for-displaying-election-message-on-waterford-hospital-building/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Independent Waterford TD apologises for displaying election message on Waterford hospital building" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4.jpg?smart=true&auth=48182c6e71c8a3a5b560f57c72b8a72f8604d8c292467f02ffb3ef2316779156&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4.jpg?smart=true&auth=48182c6e71c8a3a5b560f57c72b8a72f8604d8c292467f02ffb3ef2316779156&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4.jpg?smart=true&auth=48182c6e71c8a3a5b560f57c72b8a72f8604d8c292467f02ffb3ef2316779156&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4.jpg?smart=true&auth=48182c6e71c8a3a5b560f57c72b8a72f8604d8c292467f02ffb3ef2316779156&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/independent-waterford-td-apologises-for-displaying-election-message-on-waterford-hospital-building/">Independent Waterford TD apologises for displaying election message on Waterford hospital building</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Kevin O'Sullivan</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Election 2024: How do I vote, what are the polls saying and how does the system work?" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a1153ef2e6a02d1c987964a7d8156710ca24f537eed70d22f1fde1d939ef332&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a1153ef2e6a02d1c987964a7d8156710ca24f537eed70d22f1fde1d939ef332&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a1153ef2e6a02d1c987964a7d8156710ca24f537eed70d22f1fde1d939ef332&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI.jpg?smart=true&auth=6a1153ef2e6a02d1c987964a7d8156710ca24f537eed70d22f1fde1d939ef332&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/">Election 2024: How do I vote, what are the polls saying and how does the system work?</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Conor Pope and Simon Bracken</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/bellwether-waterford-crucial-for-sf-to-lead-next-government-and-for-fg-to-stay-in-power/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Bellwether Waterford ‘crucial’ for SF to lead next government and for FG to stay in power" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=06d4c533b81728fbad4d02967b0497d8e5619aa61d0af892885a374be1aff3ac&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=06d4c533b81728fbad4d02967b0497d8e5619aa61d0af892885a374be1aff3ac&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=06d4c533b81728fbad4d02967b0497d8e5619aa61d0af892885a374be1aff3ac&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=06d4c533b81728fbad4d02967b0497d8e5619aa61d0af892885a374be1aff3ac&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/bellwether-waterford-crucial-for-sf-to-lead-next-government-and-for-fg-to-stay-in-power/">Bellwether Waterford ‘crucial’ for SF to lead next government and for FG to stay in power</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Marie O'Halloran</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/election-issues-crime-and-the-challenges-for-irish-policing/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="General election explainer: What are the big issues in the areas of crime and policing?" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=84c0602f44de188feef48f0be7bde9302654d95971ef9214c1202c00b69e00d3&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=84c0602f44de188feef48f0be7bde9302654d95971ef9214c1202c00b69e00d3&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=84c0602f44de188feef48f0be7bde9302654d95971ef9214c1202c00b69e00d3&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U.jpg?smart=true&auth=84c0602f44de188feef48f0be7bde9302654d95971ef9214c1202c00b69e00d3&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/election-issues-crime-and-the-challenges-for-irish-policing/">General election explainer: What are the big issues in the areas of crime and policing?</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Conor Lally</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Key election 2024 battles: maps show where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin hope to gain - and may lose - seats " class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4150d58fcaa7caa7dcd2509358a8a603dd60d6c8340669715956d7e10e68ceb4&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4150d58fcaa7caa7dcd2509358a8a603dd60d6c8340669715956d7e10e68ceb4&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4150d58fcaa7caa7dcd2509358a8a603dd60d6c8340669715956d7e10e68ceb4&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU.jpg?smart=true&auth=4150d58fcaa7caa7dcd2509358a8a603dd60d6c8340669715956d7e10e68ceb4&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/">Key election 2024 battles: maps show where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin hope to gain - and may lose - seats </a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Harry McGee</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/28/mother-who-fought-for-school-places-for-her-autistic-and-non-verbal-twins-named-family-carer-of-the-year-2024/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Mother who fought for school places for autistic, non-verbal twins named Family Carer of the Year" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY.jpg?focal=2757%2C1232&auth=b7e9b374978ec5c5702a7d2c980ff88603ef3c8a9d49a9b8f3adfa1096811b74&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY.jpg?focal=2757%2C1232&auth=b7e9b374978ec5c5702a7d2c980ff88603ef3c8a9d49a9b8f3adfa1096811b74&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY.jpg?focal=2757%2C1232&auth=b7e9b374978ec5c5702a7d2c980ff88603ef3c8a9d49a9b8f3adfa1096811b74&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY.jpg?focal=2757%2C1232&auth=b7e9b374978ec5c5702a7d2c980ff88603ef3c8a9d49a9b8f3adfa1096811b74&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/28/mother-who-fought-for-school-places-for-her-autistic-and-non-verbal-twins-named-family-carer-of-the-year-2024/">Mother who fought for school places for autistic, non-verbal twins named Family Carer of the Year</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Ronan McGreevy</span></span></div></div></div></article></div><div id="arcad-feature-f0fjmaxNftcD3s4-6fc549d6548bf" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:728px;min-height:107px"><div id="arcad_f0fjmaxNftcD3s4-6fc549d6548bf" class="arcad ad-728x90"></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-divider" aria-hidden="true"/><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Broadcasters told media regulator they backed abolishing the pre-election moratorium" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU.jpg?focal=1343%2C1237&auth=6beefa8c5e7cd7373e802b7dd29bb368e4c45519e9864e028501ae3079cb240d&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU.jpg?focal=1343%2C1237&auth=6beefa8c5e7cd7373e802b7dd29bb368e4c45519e9864e028501ae3079cb240d&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU.jpg?focal=1343%2C1237&auth=6beefa8c5e7cd7373e802b7dd29bb368e4c45519e9864e028501ae3079cb240d&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU.jpg?focal=1343%2C1237&auth=6beefa8c5e7cd7373e802b7dd29bb368e4c45519e9864e028501ae3079cb240d&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/">Broadcasters told media regulator they backed abolishing the pre-election moratorium</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Martin Wall</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-social-democrats-labour-green-party-people-before-profit-campaign-students-latest/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="‘Thank God I had my car, I had to sleep in it for the first month’: Housing and transport on minds of students" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE.jpg?focal=717%2C377&auth=8d54d1b77bd913ac0c4349f8b5d6d5e1f49736f94a19ba4c9fb9d0891b2e4a50&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE.jpg?focal=717%2C377&auth=8d54d1b77bd913ac0c4349f8b5d6d5e1f49736f94a19ba4c9fb9d0891b2e4a50&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE.jpg?focal=717%2C377&auth=8d54d1b77bd913ac0c4349f8b5d6d5e1f49736f94a19ba4c9fb9d0891b2e4a50&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE.jpg?focal=717%2C377&auth=8d54d1b77bd913ac0c4349f8b5d6d5e1f49736f94a19ba4c9fb9d0891b2e4a50&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-social-democrats-labour-green-party-people-before-profit-campaign-students-latest/">‘Thank God I had my car, I had to sleep in it for the first month’: Housing and transport on minds of students</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Hugh Dooley</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/28/its-an-emergency-we-need-to-treat-it-like-that-teaching-sector-facing-challenges/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="‘It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that’: Teaching sector facing challenges " class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24.JPG?focal=4150%2C1470&auth=b588f38ca00de000b59d491a32a81551a22812d424af8a981342f5e3cc692173&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24.JPG?focal=4150%2C1470&auth=b588f38ca00de000b59d491a32a81551a22812d424af8a981342f5e3cc692173&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24.JPG?focal=4150%2C1470&auth=b588f38ca00de000b59d491a32a81551a22812d424af8a981342f5e3cc692173&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24.JPG?focal=4150%2C1470&auth=b588f38ca00de000b59d491a32a81551a22812d424af8a981342f5e3cc692173&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/28/its-an-emergency-we-need-to-treat-it-like-that-teaching-sector-facing-challenges/">‘It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that’: Teaching sector facing challenges </a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Stephen Farrell</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Waterford constituency candidates list: Fine Gael will be gunning to retake a seat here " class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM.png?smart=true&auth=6b0acf81c4ddb8853cbba66b318136b0965a19c21eeb5def26f57e5da0b4ddf2&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM.png?smart=true&auth=6b0acf81c4ddb8853cbba66b318136b0965a19c21eeb5def26f57e5da0b4ddf2&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM.png?smart=true&auth=6b0acf81c4ddb8853cbba66b318136b0965a19c21eeb5def26f57e5da0b4ddf2&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM.png?smart=true&auth=6b0acf81c4ddb8853cbba66b318136b0965a19c21eeb5def26f57e5da0b4ddf2&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/">Waterford constituency candidates list: Fine Gael will be gunning to retake a seat here </a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Jack Horgan-Jones</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-south-constituency-profile/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Tipperary South constituency candidates list: Final seat likely to be battle between Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU.png?smart=true&auth=f08466ac8ac05155d27285cd16c088e383fce774390b3e138cd4c5bba7947dab&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU.png?smart=true&auth=f08466ac8ac05155d27285cd16c088e383fce774390b3e138cd4c5bba7947dab&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU.png?smart=true&auth=f08466ac8ac05155d27285cd16c088e383fce774390b3e138cd4c5bba7947dab&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU.png?smart=true&auth=f08466ac8ac05155d27285cd16c088e383fce774390b3e138cd4c5bba7947dab&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-south-constituency-profile/">Tipperary South constituency candidates list: Final seat likely to be battle between Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Pat Leahy</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-north-constituency-profile/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Tipperary North constituency candidates list: Michael Lowry will probably top the poll for the seventh election in a row" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I.png?smart=true&auth=c2f5dd02a069f1925109d2784cbee4e41c38ecac1ca713ece03fbdc2d8e85f16&width=274&height=274" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I.png?smart=true&auth=c2f5dd02a069f1925109d2784cbee4e41c38ecac1ca713ece03fbdc2d8e85f16&width=400&height=400 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I.png?smart=true&auth=c2f5dd02a069f1925109d2784cbee4e41c38ecac1ca713ece03fbdc2d8e85f16&width=440&height=440 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I.png?smart=true&auth=c2f5dd02a069f1925109d2784cbee4e41c38ecac1ca713ece03fbdc2d8e85f16&width=800&height=800 800w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (min-width: 441px) 800px" width="274" height="274"/></a></div></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text b-flex-promo-card__text-image-left b-flex-promo-card__text-image-square-left"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-north-constituency-profile/">Tipperary North constituency candidates list: Michael Lowry will probably top the poll for the seventh election in a row</a></h2><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Pat Leahy</span></span></div></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__image-square b-flex-promo-card__image-left bottom-divider"><figure class="c-media-item"><div style="aspect-ratio:1;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-sligo-leitrim-constituency-profile/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Sligo-Leitrim constituency candidates list: A good 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data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__items" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__item" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><p class="c-paragraph">1</p><a class="c-link" href="/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/"><h2 class="c-heading">Election 2024 exit poll: Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on course for photo finish </h2></a><a class="c-link b-numbered-list__item-image" href="/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="" class="c-image" loading="lazy" 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aria-hidden="true"/><div class="c-stack b-numbered-list__item" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><p class="c-paragraph">4</p><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/people/2024/11/29/brianna-parkins-dee-devlin-is-not-conor-mcgregors-moral-keeper-thats-his-responsibility-alone/"><h2 class="c-heading">Dee Devlin is not Conor McGregor’s moral keeper. 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This is a marginal decline of two points since the start of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RZ3JLXVYVD3DHUIQKXGO52LKY","additional_properties":{"_id":"LXT44X6DBRFDDPPJ3E4YG64TTM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JR4DKW4PQBC5FFLMBKHKQCTWIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732565607445},"content":"A government led by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> and without either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil was the choice of 21 per cent, an increase of three points.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3E7O6IDCJDLPNJJ2HEOQPQWL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568398},"content":"Just 8 per cent favoured a Fianna Fáil-Sinn Féin coalition, while 17 per cent favoured none of these combinations. 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The fear is that people now think our leader is insincere,” said a party source.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLBOPGNG3ZFTDP5RZBOVFG5POE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568407},"content":"Others say the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">incident in Kanturk</a> “undermines” the image Harris has portrayed of himself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XE3IQZD4IJHGJMLGULBHWSVQU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568408},"content":"Members on the ground report low morale after the poll. Some say it is coming up on canvasses, while others say they believe people “are talking about it behind closed doors, away from us”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGTV524TINDAVMBAKYOO76YTGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568409},"content":"One candidate said there was a belief that Harris needs to “take a rest” and is “exhausted”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDGO5ZOCU5GUTDLL6E6OOM6IRY","additional_properties":{"_id":"AZMRO3TCI5BNNP6LF6HPAPSDZM"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-66774","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5R72LCGQZFE7PKPWFUKFZ2TU3M","additional_properties":{"_id":"RVEXSRNJVFGWJHKIMBKINQ3NXQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KBNUQ3D57RAYBIIQ3LXPUTKFYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568410},"content":"According to Monday’s poll, Sinn Féin tops the list of parties that voters don’t want to see in government, with 35 per cent of respondents nominating it, though this is a fall of five points since earlier in the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IURDAJLEEBCOHBWHUGL3IAUWVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568400},"content":"The Green Party is next, with 17 per cent who say they don’t want the party in government, though again this shows a fall, down by 9 per cent. The largest drop in negativity is towards Fianna Fáil, down 12 points to just 10 per cent of people who don’t want to see them in government. Fine Gael’s negative rating is down by six points, to 15 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWJGOLY4RBG35IXLX32RMTP5PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568401},"content":"Voters remain strongly in favour of “moderate change” (53 per cent, down three) in preference to “radical change” (35 per cent), while the number of those who say they are “wary of change” has grown by two points to 9 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NT5LJN5GKJBTDDZWAOJ4AMTJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568402},"content":"Voters were also asked if Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil were returned to government after the election, would they want to see a continuation of the rotating taoiseach arrangement, or if the party with the most seats should occupy the taoiseach’s office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5LHG4TTM5HYZLWDWLJZUTPS6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"2LVSQKFDDBAQXEGMIUS6K2TZXU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XJAIN7J6MRBVBIOR6YFOWVCCXM","additional_properties":{"_id":"MGDAXEYW7BAPDHAROFIDYGF6QE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ABFIORXCQNDSDO42PPFQZ6PSFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568403},"content":"A majority of those who expressed a view (46 per cent) said the rotating arrangement should continue, though a substantial minority (38 per cent) said the party with the most seats should lead the government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MPS3TDDQNDVDBNX6JFVH2INEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568404},"content":"The poll was conducted among a representative sample of 1,200 adults across 120 sampling points throughout all constituencies. Personal in-home interviewing took place between November 20th and 23rd. The accuracy is estimated at plus or minus 2.8 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jennifer Bray"}},"name":"Jennifer Bray"}]},"description":{"basic":"Option of government led by Sinn Féin rises in popularity and is preferred to return of outgoing coalition"},"display_date":"2024-11-26T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish Times poll: Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael the most popular choice for new coalition","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI","auth":{"1":"2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/26/fine-fail-fine-gael-still-most-popular-choice-for-coalition-despite-alarm-over-exhausted-harris/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","name":"Politics"}}}},"expires":1732952384658,"lastModified":1732952084523}},"story-feed-tag":{"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"tagSlug\":\"irish-times-poll\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"6FABGEM77VCOZEHU2KXTXELY5I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":292,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9021bf78-fd93-45ca-97cc-1d90286fa826/versions/1732551959/media/bae3b3ed7a4b687ffb81080be1ab605f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/26/dubliners-and-farmers-an-unlikely-pair-in-resisting-radical-change/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BN2QU2EE4BEIHPHCWD2GVBLJJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668075},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFNQ2HXVZJCRNLSLFE2JTC5IGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668078},"content":"As the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> looms, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/poll/\" target=\"_blank\">latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll </a>reveals a nation seeking stability rather than sweeping change. While a significant minority (35 per cent) are looking for radical change, a majority (53 per cent), albeit slim, would like to see only moderate change, with 9 per cent wary of any change at all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TO6UAI4TIJG2TGP63IA6QNWXP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668079},"content":"Fieldwork for this latest poll was conducted on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week among a nationally representative sample of 1,200 Irish adults aged 18 years and upwards. All Irish Times/Ipsos B&A polls are conducted in-home at 120 sampling points throughout the country, covering every constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAM5FJ2WJ5DQHJSBO2VMCQV3GA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668080},"content":"The preference for moderate change to how the country is run is particularly evident in Dublin (61 per cent), among the middle classes (60 per cent) and among the farming community (59 per cent).","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGW5EKAQRZBDXH75XE2MI4DTRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668081},"content":"As one would expect, the majority of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> (74 per cent), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> (70 per cent) and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> (62 per cent) voters do not want to rock the boat and favour moderate change. The majority of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Party</a> voters (70 per cent) are also looking for moderate change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKOHBRJQJVFKLB6LP4KYIOXE6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668082},"content":"The call for radical change (35 per cent among all voters) finds its strongest advocates among <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> voters (61 per cent), working-class voters (44 per cent) and those aged 25 to 49 years (40 per cent).","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5LHG4TTM5HYZLWDWLJZUTPS6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"MKOZSPM4DRFGHBMXR64OZW65VE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"GBOEP4HLTRHWHHD5TSTCPQOBVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668083},"content":"This Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll also asked voters about their preferences for government formation. A new coalition made of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and someone else other than the Greens emerged as the most popular choice at 27 per cent (down just one point since our poll earlier this month), followed by a Sinn Féin-led government without Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael at 21 per cent (up three points). Continuing with the current Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Green Party coalition garners less support at 16 per cent (down one point). A further 17 per cent of voters did not favour any of the options put forward and 11 per cent had no opinion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C46TIKWDRZAVDMWCTRJAQS4EZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668084},"content":"Preferences for government formation elicit no great surprises from a party support perspective.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUY2ZY3WKRHTBAFHP2VGGK67EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668085},"content":"A significant majority of both Fianna Fáil (83 per cent) and Fine Gael (82 per cent) supporters favour a coalition that includes both parties. However, both sets of voters would prefer to see their respective parties join forces with a partner other than the Green Party. Specifically, 50 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters and 48 per cent of Fine Gael voters favour a coalition excluding the Green Party, compared with 33 per cent and 34 per cent respectively who would like to see the current arrangement continue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAKWMAFEA5ACNFWQ7W3ULBW2SI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668086},"content":"The majority of Sinn Féin supporters are hoping for a new coalition that does not include either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael (69 per cent), while 17 per cent favour a coalition with Fianna Fáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MKS4U4F6VFG5IQFAXOT2BUV5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668087},"content":"Just over half of Green Party voters (54 per cent) would like to stick with the status quo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RZ3JLXVYVD3DHUIQKXGO52LKY","additional_properties":{"_id":"XDIVBBFQZVDLROUDH3TA27F5UY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"5R72LCGQZFE7PKPWFUKFZ2TU3M","additional_properties":{"_id":"65EQELIRINAHLGDPGWBCUJIZH4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"742XLSESHFEOLPNU4NOKFTAF6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732709778347},"content":"Labour Party supporters are somewhat divided, with a significant proportion (39 per cent) open to joining a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition and a slightly lower proportion (32 per cent) not inclined to get behind any of the coalition options put forward. Should Labour find itself in a position to have a role in shaping the next government, leader Ivana Bacik will have a job bringing everyone on board.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ELIG4RIUZDZPEXAWOPRYDKNXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668089},"content":"With support for the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> on the rise, it is possible that they too could play a role in forming the next government. Their supporters, however, are not excited about the prospect of joining forces with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – 36 per cent did not favour any of the coalition options put forward and a further 30 per cent like the idea of a new coalition led by Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5KV3NA2FH5AWVB36NPO6ZO56KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668090},"content":"While the outcome of Friday’s election is far from decided, all indications are that the electorate will not be voting for a radical overhaul of how the country is governed. That said, it remains to be seen how a new government will be formed without substantial compromise on all sides.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BN2QU2EE4BEIHPHCWD2GVBLJJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732543668075},"content":"<i>Aisling Corcoran is a director of Ipsos B&A</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQJTEQLMLZEVHKKSWPJYVI4VLY","additional_properties":{"_id":"MLFZI3BEWZGKXMFLDBQTG3CGKM"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-92342","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Aisling Corcoran"}]},"description":{"basic":"In terms of outcome of the upcoming election, a new coalition made of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and someone other than the Greens has emerged as the most popular choice"},"display_date":"2024-11-26T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish Times poll: Dubliners and farmers an unlikely pair in resisting radical change","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UJJWK3KUJNF7NBIREHKGAQJRPM","auth":{"1":"7e43dff94ba9a680c162c5df9423497f5d69f8ed858733455994434608a0b954"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UJJWK3KUJNF7NBIREHKGAQJRPM.JPG"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/26/dubliners-and-farmers-an-unlikely-pair-in-resisting-radical-change/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"IFMU72O7Q5GAFPSFOYUT4NDZZM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":238,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8d1e61a1-f99c-4291-901e-75b30c84dd5f/versions/1732569296/media/9f35f3096055bd5990f16035493d3e32_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/26/fine-fail-fine-gael-still-most-popular-choice-for-coalition-despite-alarm-over-exhausted-harris/","content_elements":[{"_id":"R4AXCT4O45A2PGLYKUPA6RDFIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568393},"content":"A coalition based on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> remains the most popular choice for government after the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>, according to the final Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LI4YUIAR3NC5TFRCY2FZ63XYFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568394},"content":"After a sharp drop in support for Fine Gael <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">in the poll</a>, which has dealt a severe blow to party morale, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael still maintain a strong lead as the most favoured combination for government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNDFERP2KVDSJKWURIVWEBOXSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568395},"content":"Asked which combination of parties they would like to see in government after the election, 16 per cent said they wanted to see a return of the current Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil-Green coalition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I4ZLMNLOJZGGZKOIIDYSMSFHIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568396},"content":"A further 27 per cent said they wanted to see a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition with another party – a total of 43 per cent who favour Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as the anchors of the next government. This is a marginal decline of two points since the start of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RZ3JLXVYVD3DHUIQKXGO52LKY","additional_properties":{"_id":"LXT44X6DBRFDDPPJ3E4YG64TTM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JR4DKW4PQBC5FFLMBKHKQCTWIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732565607445},"content":"A government led by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> and without either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil was the choice of 21 per cent, an increase of three points.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3E7O6IDCJDLPNJJ2HEOQPQWL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568398},"content":"Just 8 per cent favoured a Fianna Fáil-Sinn Féin coalition, while 17 per cent favoured none of these combinations. A further 11 per cent offered no opinion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YMD7LCLHNEMBOIJBORLGZ7BUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732565607447},"content":"The latest poll comes amid anxiety in Fine Gael over what some party candidates have described as a change in mood on the ground after a difficult few days for party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGP66WTIHNAGVGH57FT7ECLF7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568405},"content":"“Something has changed. The fear is that people now think our leader is insincere,” said a party source.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLBOPGNG3ZFTDP5RZBOVFG5POE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568407},"content":"Others say the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">incident in Kanturk</a> “undermines” the image Harris has portrayed of himself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XE3IQZD4IJHGJMLGULBHWSVQU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568408},"content":"Members on the ground report low morale after the poll. Some say it is coming up on canvasses, while others say they believe people “are talking about it behind closed doors, away from us”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGTV524TINDAVMBAKYOO76YTGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568409},"content":"One candidate said there was a belief that Harris needs to “take a rest” and is “exhausted”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDGO5ZOCU5GUTDLL6E6OOM6IRY","additional_properties":{"_id":"AZMRO3TCI5BNNP6LF6HPAPSDZM"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-66774","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5R72LCGQZFE7PKPWFUKFZ2TU3M","additional_properties":{"_id":"RVEXSRNJVFGWJHKIMBKINQ3NXQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KBNUQ3D57RAYBIIQ3LXPUTKFYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568410},"content":"According to Monday’s poll, Sinn Féin tops the list of parties that voters don’t want to see in government, with 35 per cent of respondents nominating it, though this is a fall of five points since earlier in the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IURDAJLEEBCOHBWHUGL3IAUWVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568400},"content":"The Green Party is next, with 17 per cent who say they don’t want the party in government, though again this shows a fall, down by 9 per cent. The largest drop in negativity is towards Fianna Fáil, down 12 points to just 10 per cent of people who don’t want to see them in government. Fine Gael’s negative rating is down by six points, to 15 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWJGOLY4RBG35IXLX32RMTP5PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568401},"content":"Voters remain strongly in favour of “moderate change” (53 per cent, down three) in preference to “radical change” (35 per cent), while the number of those who say they are “wary of change” has grown by two points to 9 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NT5LJN5GKJBTDDZWAOJ4AMTJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568402},"content":"Voters were also asked if Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil were returned to government after the election, would they want to see a continuation of the rotating taoiseach arrangement, or if the party with the most seats should occupy the taoiseach’s office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5LHG4TTM5HYZLWDWLJZUTPS6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"2LVSQKFDDBAQXEGMIUS6K2TZXU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XJAIN7J6MRBVBIOR6YFOWVCCXM","additional_properties":{"_id":"MGDAXEYW7BAPDHAROFIDYGF6QE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ABFIORXCQNDSDO42PPFQZ6PSFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568403},"content":"A majority of those who expressed a view (46 per cent) said the rotating arrangement should continue, though a substantial minority (38 per cent) said the party with the most seats should lead the government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MPS3TDDQNDVDBNX6JFVH2INEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732563568404},"content":"The poll was conducted among a representative sample of 1,200 adults across 120 sampling points throughout all constituencies. Personal in-home interviewing took place between November 20th and 23rd. The accuracy is estimated at plus or minus 2.8 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jennifer Bray"}},"name":"Jennifer Bray"}]},"description":{"basic":"Option of government led by Sinn Féin rises in popularity and is preferred to return of outgoing coalition"},"display_date":"2024-11-26T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish Times poll: Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael the most popular choice for new coalition","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI","auth":{"1":"2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/26/fine-fail-fine-gael-still-most-popular-choice-for-coalition-despite-alarm-over-exhausted-harris/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"67CG6AZXJ5HG5NGPCLDHZ74W2Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":322,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1cbc5bae-5a76-4f17-9663-771410c911d0/versions/1732561718/media/afdb38e3671de2b25b41108c1b5e4a97_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/26/election-2024-tv-debate-assumes-unexpected-gravitas-in-uncertain-race/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WNI2NVP725G3FNKCI4VBBKX3YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040185},"content":"You take your wins where you can get them. After the dramatic slump in support for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael </a>reported on Monday, there is some solace for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris </a>and his party in today’s numbers which show that Fine Gael and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil </a>remain the favoured combination to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">lead the next government</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NGJ3FRNQTRAYBAIFKFIUHGZL6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040186},"content":"The single most popular coalition combination is based on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael — but with a third party that is not the Greens, an option chosen by 27 per cent of respondents, a marginal decline of one point since the last poll at the start of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KRVAZCMETBEIHIQ2LO2Z2JGN7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732555677987},"content":"Add to this, however, the 16 per cent who want to see the present combination returned — in other words, including the Greens — and that’s 43 per cent of voters who want to see the old rivals in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil co-operating in government again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GB74PLWYQRCHVAWYCFQW4KB4FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732555677988},"content":"That substantially outranks the next most popular option — a Sinn Féin-led coalition of the left, without either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil — which was the preferred choice of 21 per cent, up three since the beginning of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSEWYZMX7ZF23DVIIFV6VF6X3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040189},"content":"A Sinn Féin-Fianna Fáil coalition — repeatedly ruled out by Micheál Martin — was nominated by 8 per cent of voters, while 17 per cent said they liked none of the choices on offer and 11 per cent offered no opinion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RZ3JLXVYVD3DHUIQKXGO52LKY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FJ4ZUAKKXREPRFTONWINPKL4FM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"5R72LCGQZFE7PKPWFUKFZ2TU3M","additional_properties":{"_id":"NF4LXJ43FBESXIIN7ZRUQE4MPI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WFUHBJZWQRGR5AS6CQQLPDEPCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732603070516},"content":"These numbers suggest that while no proposed coalition enjoys majority support, the preference of a plurality of voters for a return of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to government is clear. What makes governments, though, is not opinion poll approval — it’s bums on seats in the next Dáil. The poll ratings reported yesterday suggest that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will need at least one other party to make a Dáil majority; as Damian Loscher of pollster Ipsos B&A<b> </b>Ireland observed in his analysis, the idea of a two-party coalition between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is disappearing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMC57H6J75FOXD2NEI73MIQ4KA","additional_properties":{"_id":"V4SUQYSEZFEWHJHTCZ7QLQYXKI"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-27106","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DR7XZFGMRNAIDE4VRBZHX4RAX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040191},"content":"Campaigns are dynamic, though, and many votes are still there to be won and lost in the remaining few days of the campaign. This is what is giving Sinn Féin the hope that it can upset the form book and stage a dramatic comeback to put itself in a position to lead the next government — hence the ever louder claims from party leader Mary Lou McDonald that Sinn Féin now has the “momentum” as the campaign moves to its decisive phase.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2U5HATXNXBERRM6CUQEHE44DWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040192},"content":"The numbers in this poll do not support the claims of big Sinn Féin momentum. The party was up by only a point, after all. But today’s findings on the popularity of a Sinn Féin-led coalition show some movement — it’s up by three points. Put those two pieces of information together and they suggest that the momentum, to the extent that it exists, is spread across the left-wing parties rather than concentrated in Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"348b54c5-6a32-437a-8f79-b66cd44a35ef","additional_properties":{"_id":"BNER7FKMMJCUBHCMSTZ7JLTVVM"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"6OA45QM6ABBR5DH2N3Y672Q4AQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040193},"content":"The key task, therefore, for McDonald is to persuade those people who don’t want to see FF-FG return to government — many of whom are counted among the 35 per cent of voters who want to see “radical change” — to vote for Sinn Féin. Leading the next government still seems a long way off, but it is eminently possible that Sinn Féin could be the largest party in the next Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q5T4UK67M5DXXNOV3D2BLGOSBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040194},"content":"Fine Gael, stunned by the six-point drop in its numbers, is likely to seek to refocus on the party’s economic message and to warn of the need for stability in potentially turbulent times ahead. The difficulty for the party is that it has been associated with some of the most eye-catching giveaway promises of the campaign — €1,000 for every newborn, abolish college fees and so on. You can run on prudence or you can run on let the good times roll, but you can’t run on both at the same time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4ZEI3WHIJDUTJVQA2L3O73OUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040195},"content":"Tonight’s leaders’ debate (on RTÉ One at 9.35pm) now assumes an outsize importance for the three big parties. Martin finds himself in the unanticipated position of frontrunner — but really, there is nothing between the three parties as polling day looms. The three could end up in any order on Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTQVYJWFVZGALN2BCFERO5Y7RM","additional_properties":{"_id":"T5Z2Z4Y3CNGQNL3XEA2NCFE2RU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NUD2IFQ775GERCRZJCNWVLUCHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040196},"content":"The biggest task faces Harris, who is — unlike his two opponents — new to this. He must reassure nervous Fine Gaelers, appeal to those voters he has lost, and make a convincing pitch to the undecideds: remember, nearly three in 10 voters told the pollsters that they have not yet made their minds up, or that they might change their minds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OAGPQDF4RAAXBWNCYND5TKASY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040197},"content":"Irish elections frequently show a late surge in the campaign, with unaligned or weakly aligned voters tending to move in one direction. If that is replicating itself in 2024, it is clear that the move is away from Fine Gael. The evidence so far does not suggest yet that it is going towards any one party — rather it is finding disparate new homes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXNNZ67E4JAPZFQFQVRGCZUHDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732553040198},"content":"If that continues, the result of the election will be something akin to the current picture painted by the polls; if it changes course, however, something else dramatic may be in store.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KH7L53DMQVDQRGTXU73SZTPZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732570915630},"content":"This election just became very unpredictable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Latest poll indicates Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition still preferred, despite Simon Harris slump"},"display_date":"2024-11-26T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024: TV debate assumes outsize importance in uncertain race","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PNWZSZMG7NHKPP7VJNVD6QYCFU","auth":{"1":"dd9ad443834d606494bb23705b4b5533f7433ae87589be97a992ab3e450907f6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PNWZSZMG7NHKPP7VJNVD6QYCFU.JPG"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/26/election-2024-tv-debate-assumes-unexpected-gravitas-in-uncertain-race/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"EG64WAY4YFD6TMUEUCSJGEVAPU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":178,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/15bd4374-53b1-4962-ae56-9a28ff3f8a18/versions/1732473923/media/e34a497510949eea57b596990975ca7f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-view-on-the-latest-opinion-poll-the-race-tightens-entering-the-last-lap/","content_elements":[{"_id":"C4JXUAH56FHKNAODLSQXRQK6CM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732546694858},"content":"The findings of the latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll set the scene for what is likely to be a frantic final few days of the general election campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UP6QOJA7JBCZPEQC4YBWK6M4K4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732546694859},"content":"Today’s findings present most obviously a challenge to the Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris. Judged by the results, Fine Gael has not run a campaign that has engaged and attracted voters. Rather, Harris, despite a frequently warm reception from voters on the streets and a campaign that was undoubtedly energetic, has seen individual missteps and instances of disharmony reach a huge audience through the social media channels that he has himself proved so adept at using. Having your every engagement filmed can be a double-edged sword.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4N3XCYGMNFRLE4T7XXRCRTCMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732546694860},"content":"Harris now faces into the televised leaders’ debate tomorrow evening under extreme political pressure and needing a strong performance to change minds and win votes. That has happened before in such debates. But it is a tall order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZUMPQQYGREZDBMHY25FI5HJKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732546694861},"content":"The more low-key style of the Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin – who never fails to mention that he deals in “substance” not style – has found favour with many voters perhaps worried about the future should the incoming administration of Donald Trump in the United States implement policies that are damaging to Ireland’s interests.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZQIERH6ZVDZ5N6UU3DHHX4VRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732546694862},"content":"If so, this is quite the coup. Martin’s party has itself made plenty of lavish promises in recent weeks about how it will spend resources in the years ahead. However, he did tell <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/micheal-martin-qa-if-the-world-is-in-turmoil-and-things-go-wrong-we-have-to-adapt-our-spending/\" target=\"_blank\">The Irish Times Inside Politics podcast on Friday</a> that if the external environment changed, then any future government would have to review its spending commitments. It is something that voters need to hear more about from all parties in the coming days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXOVGEHMLVFRTISMTJLATBRM6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732546694863},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has seen her party stabilise its support during this campaign after a period of intense political adversity. The three biggest parties are all within a couple of points of each other. Depending on the last few days, McDonald could yet be leading the largest party in the next Dáil, though her path to government is harder to see. Like her two adversaries, tomorrow night’s debate now assumes an outsize importance for the Sinn Féin leader.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4MFLSGYA5GSFH4IR2EJBVNRM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732546694864},"content":"For the smaller parties, the final few days represent the last opportunity to boost the profile of candidates. They will be mindful of the brutal arithmetic of the Irish election system, which means that a handful of votes can be the difference between triumph and failure. When candidates tell voters at the doorsteps that their votes can make all the difference, they are often right.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAEUKRZMMRGTJMM2STUKNBPMRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732546694865},"content":"After a relatively settled first fortnight, today’s poll results completely reorient the trajectory of the final few days of the campaign. The competition to lead the next government will once again go down to the wire.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll suggests that competition to lead the next government will once again go down to the wire"},"display_date":"2024-11-25T06:15:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The Irish Times view on the latest opinion poll: the race tightens entering the last lap","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5R6HFZFQT2OKPW2XKRAFIKVLM4","auth":{"1":"1705dbb259894b420ff590efc24ecdeb7d2a3fdb3bcae66a1aa83e50b6b868f6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5R6HFZFQT2OKPW2XKRAFIKVLM4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-view-on-the-latest-opinion-poll-the-race-tightens-entering-the-last-lap/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}},{"_id":"WKLZMKKPLNAZRHMUSW4NMTLLXM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DKKNSQNWBNEWVOQUXIVWLEACPM","additional_properties":{"_id":"WHJIBWRON5DSNCCCOPRIXHAZHE"},"content":"<style>\n.panel {\n border: 1px solid #000;\n padding: 10px;\n border-radius: 5px;\n background-color: #DADADA; \n}\n\n.secondary-font {\n font-family: 'roboto', sans-serif;\n}\n\n.panel {\n font-size: 0.8rem;\n}\n</style>\n</head>\n<body>\n<div class=\"panel secondary-font\">\n <p><li>Political parties with an elected TD and a significant national profile are represented as standalone parties in this opinion poll. 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In total they recorded 55 incidents in the five-week period leading up to Friday’s vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2W33IWGTNB47BTK6N7LWRKZKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802280},"content":"This compares with 36 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/08/election-campaign-marked-by-unprecedented-levels-of-vitriol-and-abuse/\" target=\"_blank\">incidents documented during the campaign for the local and European elections</a> in May and June which had about three times as many candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBR5BYULNBBTRF7V54ZTQ3NE6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802281},"content":"The research is based on social and news media reports. Researchers warned there may be other incidents which have been missed. The research did not record “general criticism or condemnation expressed against candidates or campaigns online”, the groups said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCL7ERJX2ZC5VFBPIZY326WTLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802282},"content":"Compared with the local and European election campaign, incidents during the general election campaign were more concentrated online. Ninety per cent of incidents featured social media in some way, “illustrating the central role that online platforms occupy in the hate, harassment and targeting of candidates”, the researchers’ report stated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VEXIK24ABH57GIASDO3QTTAR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802283},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJYZO6Z4BRGE7LJNLAK7AZ2HUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802284},"content":"While most abuse was confined to the internet, there were several serious incidents involving alleged real world violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIDQN7JH2JANZFWQDUE656U7GA","additional_properties":{"_id":"UQD6W2YBRVDXZMYHOYIGUEQ4BI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CCX3NTBSIJGZ7FKJ4P74XWPQKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802285},"content":"This includes an assault on Green Party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-ogorman\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> while he was canvassing. A man has since pleaded guilty to assault. Another man was arrested after coffee was thrown over Labour MEP <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aodhan-o-riordain\" target=\"_blank\">Aodhán Ó Ríordáin</a> while he was campaigning in Clontarf, Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWQWL24C5NA6FGA7EWO4K6FBVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802286},"content":"Most recently, gardaí launched an investigation into allegations that far-right independent candidate Philip Dwyer attacked the father of a rival candidate in Bray, Co Wicklow before brandishing an extendable baton. Mr Dwyer has claimed he was the one who was attacked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETPNUYX2AFDA7CLTV7HXJHIR24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802287},"content":"Researchers also documented reports that a person allegedly threatened Social Democrat canvassers with a brick in Co Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M2KGN2C4YJF2NNMN7NWQEAMPXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802288},"content":"There were 13 incidents of intimidation or verbal abuse directed against candidates or their canvassers, some of which were then shared online where there was further abuse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDR5N5TXDRFXLD67FE3DMDIGUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802289},"content":"In one incident a man filmed himself following <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pearse-doherty\" target=\"_blank\">Pearse Doherty</a> around Lifford, Co Donegal before “directing extreme slurs” against the Sinn Féin TD.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IDJ7L5E4QZB23H2BZMA76WIYMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802290},"content":"Fine Gael Senator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-mcgahon\" target=\"_blank\">John McGahon</a>, whose candidacy was embroiled in controversy relating to his assault of another man in 2018, was “verbally abused with various obscene terms” as he sat in his car in Co Louth while People Before Profit TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paul-murphy\" target=\"_blank\">Paul Murphy</a> was berated by a passerby in Dublin over the gender of his infant child.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GASRTVO7M5GJBPKQVJURAQ52SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802291},"content":"Posters belonging to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Paul Fitzsimons of the Irish Freedom Party were set alight in Dublin, and the constituency offices of Ms McDonald and Fianna Fáil TD Mary Butler were defaced with graffiti during the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUVQDKJYQNF5VLMZXWFAMZPCLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802292},"content":"Monica Peres Oikeh, a Green Party candidate in Co Cork, was targeted by “racist trolls” online and independent candidate Umar Al-Qadri was subject to anti-Muslim abuse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAJQSPLG6ZCDBJ2H3P25QRPTUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802293},"content":"Researchers also documented a trend of political candidates targeting their rivals with abuse, including calling them “traitors”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KRA6Y3SMTVDNBENF6HBJYULUOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802294},"content":"Twenty candidates running in the election directed the term “traitor” against Government politicians, members of the Opposition and President Michael D Higgins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QFW5U7XPWNEAHJJ4VNUMAKGOC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802295},"content":"In one post on X, a Dublin far-right candidate posted a photo of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, calling him “the most dangerous traitor politician of all” and claiming Mr Martin wished to create a “Gestapo”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WD6NRYM6MZGFXNWGBB6WKUDZVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802296},"content":"Use of the term traitor is common among far-right activists internationally to frame politicians “as enemies of the nation”, the researchers noted.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Gallagher"}},"name":"Conor Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"Gardaí are investigating multiple incidents and at least one suspect has been charged"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Over 50 documented incidents of violence, abuse and harassment during election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 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Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/over-50-documented-incidents-of-violence-abuse-and-harassment-during-election-campaign/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"5S7OQS44CBAZ3LOZCXXJL25A4I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":412,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/fa305ff4-25ef-4639-91b0-970d12e7ca69/versions/1732882881/media/b409a89c768d13f4d2eb5a49749a0d32_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/how-to-watch-the-election-count-the-key-races-to-follow-this-weekend/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NY5FL5HT5BAEJMWBR3LBGDXQMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922213},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6YFDTJN2JC7NARO5JTPFGL5UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922214},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SP5S43VBOJFHJAVURZ7P6BALMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922215},"content":"With all votes now cast, and ballot boxes spilling open across the country from 9am, here’s what to watch for in the days ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUA7K2HSNRDV7MLWWHS2PBJCAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922216},"content":"Saturday morning","type":"header"},{"_id":"PVSRNP62I5EGTJBRLI6E3KAB7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922217},"content":"The only early data we have on how the vote went is The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4 exit poll and there’s more in Saturday’s paper and online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQCQFDG725EJDIOB7NHUBKKGEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922218},"content":"The first hard count data will come from tallies run in the count centres by the political parties – often an operation that is pooled in the larger count centres. This is a visual tally of the first preference votes as they are sorted by staff, and can be very accurate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZPV5XCYC5CDVML5JRHHLFVOM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297693},"content":"However, these efforts can fall flat, or simply disintegrate as parties lose interest either because their candidate is likely to win out, or not feature. This data is not routinely published, but it finds its way to journalists and will end up being published online or on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONZHM5VRYFALVIJWBB7ZJQQVW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922219},"content":"Kevin Humphreys, the former Labour TD, famously has a clutch of three boxes mixing gentrifying areas, areas popular with renters and affluent areas, giving him near-mythical forecasting power in his south Dublin area. He warns against extrapolating too much from these boxes in a general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PU4CB3TNNJHCBAZE5CMYHI2WHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922220},"content":"Later Saturday","type":"header"},{"_id":"QSSCVBAOSNG4FA2VAJL3FAY5EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922221},"content":"The first counts of three-seat constituencies with shorter ballot papers will come in, and it’s from here that people will start to be elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73REPKLPTVAL5P57IMRL2LFWWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297697},"content":"Things could tie up fast in the likes of Limerick County, where sitting TDs Patrick O’Donovan (Fine Gael), Niall Collins (Fianna Fáil) and Richard O’Donoghue (Independent Ireland) are expected to be re-elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O36MZXLKJ5EBXCOTYOT3RSNN3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297698},"content":"But they won’t all be straightforward – in Meath West, for example, there is only one strongly favoured seat, that of Peadar Tóibín of Aontú – Johnny Guirke (Sinn Féin) is favoured, but watch out for a battle royale between Aisling Dempsey (FF) and Linda Nelson Murray (FG). Independent Noel French and Ronan Moore of the Social Democrats may come into the reckoning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6FHIYBC2NBGFOBF32VRCJQHLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297699},"content":"Cork South West will be fascinating, where party leaders Holly Cairns (Soc Dems) and Michael Collins (Ind) are bidding to hold seats alongside Christopher O’Sullivan (FF), with Fine Gael gunning for a seat here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QW4M27VOBARBHGPXFZENPJRS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297700},"content":"The new Wicklow-Wexford constituency, with just 10 candidates on the ballot, may be a very quick count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGMQBHYO5FAXDAX24PUFIBNJOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922222},"content":"Poll toppers with healthy surpluses can have a big impact on the race to fill seats behind them, but legendary surplus hogs such as Michael Ring have gone (Fine Gael is now running four candidates in Mayo), while even Fianna Fáil’s Willie O’Dea in Limerick City has a running mate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3JDONUUZ5BXLBJKXVBNMOLNXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297702},"content":"The Sinn Féin wave in 2020, with few second candidates in place to catch it, elected a lot of left-of-centre TDs, but that won’t be repeated, so that’s perhaps less of a factor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ5FL2F2VFBR5LWTMAKOCBWBPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297703},"content":"Nonetheless, keep an eye out for places where a surplus might come into contention; Wicklow, for example, where the direction of Simon Harris’s surplus will come into the reckoning as the day goes on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIETL457CZDWTLMVSSH4KZUUCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922223},"content":"Saturday night and into Sunday","type":"header"},{"_id":"FDFGL2UPCZC5TGAO5H3WUODBEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922224},"content":"It’s not one election, but 43 small elections. So, watch for local factors and internal battles among and within parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUJO7NNUDBFEBCQOP4VD2H3IXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297706},"content":"Fianna Fáil want to add to Cathal Crowe’s seat in Clare, where there is no love lost with party stablemate Timmy Dooley.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSWL7H4LGZDMNLNIQKBLDS5LZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297707},"content":"In Wexford, there is acrimony between Fine Gael’s two geographically bunched candidates vying to keep Paul Kehoe’s seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGINOSTVANBBBMCRG2O6BZDZKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297708},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are facing off in tight races everywhere; keep an eye on Dublin South Central and Dublin North West for who comes out on top, or if both are squeezed out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DPDXC55DORHTDEABYIEPRQOJWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297709},"content":"Gene pool Independents will be a headache for parties; Sinn Féin are up against it to keep seats in Laois and Kildare North, where the party’s former TDs Brian Stanley and Patricia Ryan are on the ballot, while former Fine Gaeler Gillian Toole, now an Independent, is battling for a seat against Fine Gael’s Sharon Tolan and others in Meath East.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LEKHMRUUGRAHJJYRZJ2NQOU6EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922225},"content":"Most party leaders should be safe – but not all. As mentioned, Cairns is not a safe seat in Cork South West. As the day wears on into the night and the early hours of Sunday, watch Roderic O’Gorman’s fortunes in the five-seat Dublin West. The Green Party leader will probably hold on – but if he, or his colleague Ossian Smyth in Dún Laoghaire, are in a battle, it presages a really tough day for the Greens.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U344NNWFW5E2XEYSH3Y6VJZKP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922226},"content":"The “Harris Hop” was supposed to cancel out Fine Gael’s swathe of retirements at this election, and they should hold in places, such as Leo Varadkar’s old seat in Dublin West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCA2FOXJJNF43KHROEZDDDSFUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297712},"content":"But watch Louth, where the party’s troubles with John McGahon are well publicised. Keep an eye on Cork North West, where Harris’s disastrous campaign trail encounter with care worker Charlotte in a Kanturk supermarket went down. It is likely to be a ding-dong between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for two of three seats. Watch Kerry too: this is where all Fine Gael’s chips in the constituency are on Billy O’Shea.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6UCXQMZO5CGFP7DDOMSLQ3NEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922227},"content":"Another one to watch is Sinn Féin’s 2020 poll toppers who have not built a national profile. Expect the vote to be down for Johnny Mythen (Wexford), Réada Cronin (Kildare North) and Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North), but will they be in a scrap, or will the late Sinn Féin rally secure their seats? Ditto for constituencies where Sinn Féin holds two seats: Donegal, Cavan-Monaghan, Louth and Dublin Mid West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSYYTJB6LZBPPD7TY3D7PFF4HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922228},"content":"Sunday evening and into following days","type":"header"},{"_id":"LBMCOJTJVZAUTCQ2VAGGGNAISA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922229},"content":"As time wears on, the broad shape of the next Dáil will become clear. But with the electorate predicted to give an ambiguous answer about exactly what sort of government it wants, final seats will be massively important to clear – or obstruct – a path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVIZCHRZ6ZBLHKKSVEWPX5K7VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297716},"content":"The number of Independents will also be one to watch: see if they can break up party dominance in places such as Wicklow, or even return two in the likes of Wexford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDGEBHGOT5HH3MPX76SBJUS2LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297717},"content":"Smaller parties will also be key. The Greens will have to hold their marginal seats in the likes of Dublin South Central, while Labour are targeting seats including Dublin South West, Fingal West and Cork South Central. The Soc Dems, similarly, have designs on Dublin Rathdown and Cork East, while Aontú want to win seats in the likes of Wexford and Cavan-Monaghan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"The first counts of three-seat constituencies with shorter ballot papers will come in later on Saturday, and it’s from here that people will start to be elected. But don’t expect it to be all straightforward"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How to watch the election count: The key races to follow this weekend","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RC36I5ZLXZCAFFLX35PYB5MCOU","auth":{"1":"aa1f43238a2dae0333e029da36715803ad60fcb14c6be1c3aea6d3d377a043d1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RC36I5ZLXZCAFFLX35PYB5MCOU.JPG"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/how-to-watch-the-election-count-the-key-races-to-follow-this-weekend/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"MPOFMPO2RRHRDLWPDDCKFH65YY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":785,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/15ba9b29-b1a9-439d-b92e-98ededf0e992/versions/1732895177/media/63eb6ab040e41694dcb3d746f02d8f28_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/political-reporters-on-their-moments-of-the-election-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3QSRQB7ZIZBTRBWSUFKI5OS4KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432202},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZM6AJN5FQZB3PFCNQ7U4XZ4IOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432203},"content":"It has to be the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">encounter in Kanturk</a> between <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> and care worker Charlotte Fallon. I am in a very small minority (possibly of one) who thinks Harris wasn’t really that nasty to her. She was, after all, the one telling him he was a bad person. But the importance of these encounters gets inflated in the white heat of a campaign. Other moments – the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary comments on teachers</a> and the last <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/dubliners-and-farmers-an-unlikely-pair-in-resisting-radical-change/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Times/Ipsos B & A opinion poll</a> – were all disastrous for Fine Gael, which says something about the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5CNMDHWRBE23AVL6XS3Q26IOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431714},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCDNT5ITVZCFLBOA2NOYNPOL7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432205},"content":"That <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/immigration/\" target=\"_blank\">immigration</a> played such a marginal role. In surveys throughout the year, it ranked at the top or nearly the top of the list of voters’ concerns. Yet it didn’t feature at the centre of the election debate at all. Perhaps that’s because the positions of the big parties have all migrated (so to speak) to a similar place; they are all promising to toughen up the existing rules but not change them fundamentally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ7R4M43O5EHHC6PGXDAV3ZCXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431716},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SLDF7PE2UBDQHK37YMJLKOUJTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432207},"content":"Can I say two? Dún Laoghaire, because it will tell us whether Fine Gael can make gains across the middle-class heartlands and if the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Greens</a> can survive to be a substantial player in the next Dáil, and perhaps, in the next government. Fine Gael are out for a second seat here through Barry Ward, while the Greens are struggling to hold Ossian Smyth’s seat. In Tipperary South the contest between Imelda Goldsboro of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and Martin Browne of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> will tell us about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a>’s chances of making gains – and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a>’s chances of holding those seats she won in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UUFF5BCQ5BOBA7KN2G3SHEERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431718},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SK2MY346KZGW5BLXRHERRBGIBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432209},"content":"The polls suggest the numbers are not there, or even nearly there, for a Sinn Féin-led coalition of the left, without either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. If the two parties combined are about twice the size of Sinn Féin, then they will form the basis of the next government, whether with one or two partners, and/or the support of Independents. Where things get a bit unpredictable is if Fine Gael has a very bad day and is substantially smaller than Fianna Fáil; does that make government formation harder, and could there be a push in Fine Gael to go into opposition? I don’t think that’s likely, though. Micheál Martin will not want to push Fine Gael into a position where government with Fianna Fáil is unpalatable, because he doesn’t want to have to contemplate a coalition with Sinn Féin. So at this stage, I think the most likely outcome is Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael form the basis of another coalition, but not alone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2VJ4PFAMRCOTBPPISMQNDQEBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432210},"content":"<b>– Pat Leahy</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XWVUTQ7DHFE6FBW636TUBEXYXM","additional_properties":{"_id":"743QOZJ72FGXRCHPAFTPA6ZTIU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3QSRQB7ZIZBTRBWSUFKI5OS4KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432211},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3HP5ZD75VDHVBXSXDIQCYDKFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431713},"content":"It was obviously Harris’s botched exchange with disabilities worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk. Others include the kerfuffle on the opening weekend over Michael O’Leary’s remarks about teachers at a campaign launch for Fine Gael’s Peter Burke; and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gerry-hutch/\" target=\"_blank\">Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch</a> rocking up to the city returning officer’s premises on a motorbike to lodge his paperwork to become a candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5CNMDHWRBE23AVL6XS3Q26IOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431714},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VNZ3S4N6ENEPLNLIWR7STRHPZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431715},"content":"Like Pat’s answer, it has to be how immigration was such an apparent non-issue. That’s in contrast with the local and European elections when an handful of anti-immigration activists won council seats and the issue appeared to be front and centre of the political discourse much of the time. The heat has, at least temporarily, been taken out of the issue. In Monday’s Irish Times/Ipsos B & A opinion poll just 7 per cent of voters said it would influence their ballot box decision. I would be flabbergasted if any far-right candidates get over line once the counting is done.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ7R4M43O5EHHC6PGXDAV3ZCXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431716},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5W3JSO3MNFQRE4ZMQ5DQBM5EU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431717},"content":"Limerick City. Three of the four seats are highly likely to go to incumbents – veteran voter-winner Willie O’Dea of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael junior minister Kieran O’Donnell and Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Féin. But it is set to be scrap to the death for the last seat. Outgoing Green Party TD Brian Leddin’s seat is vulnerable to a series of competitors who did better than him in June’s mayoral election: Fianna Fáil’s Dee Ryan, Independent Frankie Daly, Sarah Beasley of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a>, Conor Sheehan of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> and Elisa O’Donovan of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a>. Ryan and Sheehan in particular are ones to watch. If either get over the line, it could indicate a good day for their respective parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UUFF5BCQ5BOBA7KN2G3SHEERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431718},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHUQENT2G5CEBBBOE7LNRBAXPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431719},"content":"It is difficult to see anything other than a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition going by the polls and their insistence they will not do a deal with Sinn Féin. Labour’s proposal for a post-election alliance of centre-left parties might be more likely to bear fruit if Fine Gael has a bad day and the Civil War parties need considerable reinforcements to form a coalition. If I had to call it, a more likely outcome is Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and a perhaps a handful of reliable Independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXRXYFHJDFBKDLOPADHHKJZY54","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431720},"content":"<b>– Cormac McQuinn</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSOW623JSPHN2WQOGXHQWSEJVM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CMEGVSRSG5HM7DG5IDG4SXVJSE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NTMBV5EDSBAD5FA6DHMYSOWRLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431721},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6B2NZYL7REYJJ2TYXHCYGOOBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431722},"content":"The last Irish Times/Ipsos poll of the campaign itself, which landed days after that disastrous interaction involving Harris and Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, was a huge moment. It showed a total evaporation of Fine Gael’s lead, which the party had been privately celebrating. Although politicians are blue in the face saying that they don’t pay attention to polls, it fundamentally shifted the dynamic of the campaign. It rallied Sinn Féin, emboldened Fianna Fáil and gave the smaller parties more to fight for, as they sensed their role would be ever more important in government formation negotiations if there was to be a deadlock.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWLFLHIKCNEIFPTT5FW5TCK3OU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431723},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"34ZUJ4P2TBEZXICKEOP5VIBFBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431724},"content":"It was the fact that politicians from all parties had so long to prepare for this election (given that they have been talking about it since January) and yet many of them struggled to really understand the mood of the electorate and what voters wanted. When it came to the big issue – housing – Government parties were basically promising more of the same, and majored instead on offering lots of goodies in the manifestos.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKONYZ5PUBCEVBTJ5WFGBWMV24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431725},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLBFIHZNKVH6NN3WMQ4DJCRAQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431726},"content":"Dublin Central, but the battle between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in Wicklow, Mayo and Dublin North West will be fascinating. I will be intrigued to see how Sinn Féin do in constituencies such as Carlow-Kilkenny, after their big hitter Kathleen Funchion became an MEP. Dublin Bay South has a fascinating mix of candidates, while Dublin Bay North could be a bellwether.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH5CWN7T5REP5J2HZKFDA22S7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431727},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOQLCQ24HBEA3N6GP4B6XKK3WQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431728},"content":"At this stage – and there is always space for a final shock – the most likely government is a mix of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and one or more smaller parties. The route for Sinn Féin is trickier on current polling. It’s clear Fine Gael is eyeing up the Labour Party. The Social Democrats say they would drive a hard bargain too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3YZCFTZUVCNBH3KAQP45FU7N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431729},"content":"<b>– Jennifer Bray</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6JFOYLAYFWWO6AYNSRHHNLQ3U","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPN356M4QRGM5J6ZD4ZCJFUMEM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"R4JHNCORFNBNTPTCLVFG4LOCWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431730},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GGGTLRU4ZGKRLF6MWZELHLD3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431731},"content":"It was undoubtedly the interaction between Simon Harris and Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk. It’s not an original answer, but it’s one of the campaign moments not only of the 2024 general election campaign, but of recent elections across the board. It didn’t cause the Fine Gael slump, but it captured it in a way that was immediately clippable and shareable, while Simon Harris’s more tightly manicured and slick (not to mention expensive) social media output fell by the wayside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMUIIUZJCNDL3J2CRHMAHIXLRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431732},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"FX2OW3NQBFHUHCNGPLBLWL53JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431733},"content":"It was Fine Gael still not learning how to land a campaign effectively. It seems chronic at this stage – and again, they were fighting the last war. The party convinced itself that in 2020 it lost out by seeming ungenerous. In this election, despite a clear focus from voters on cost of living, a giveaway budget followed by a muddled campaign laden with promises seemed to fundamentally misjudge where the electorate was at.<b> </b>A late play for economic credibility in choppy waters further confused things. They ended up somewhere between overpromising and Keep the Recovery Going 2.0, which all hinged on the shine not coming off Harris.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESB5OEZS4RFSDG3ZSVR2NVYOXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431734},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUU57YZMZBCHTIXWLGVZUB6PD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431735},"content":"Dublin South Central. It has no Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael seat currently, with both those parties plus the Social Democrats and Labour targeting it. This is a left-leaning constituency that has lost more affluent areas in the redrawing of the constituencies. That suggests there could be a seat for Right to Change Joan Collins, a sitting TD, or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-alliance/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a>’s Hazel de Nortún, but Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh has a running mate too. The Greens have a chance of holding Patrick Costello’s seat, while it’s a Petri dish for the immigration politics vote too with anti-immigrant activist Phil Sutcliffe in the field, although his support of mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor might hurt him following the recent civil rape case ruling against McGregor. What makes this constituency so fascinating is it’s just so hard to call.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANS54Q4TZBGXPOZ2IGUMMCZQJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431736},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"26C2J6L4LJDB7PJXEJROXOZJVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431737},"content":"The most likely outcome is a government based on a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition, but that’s a lot less likely than it was even a week ago. If they each 80 seats combined (short of the 88 seats needed for a majority in the next Dáil), the further north of that they go (aided if they transfer to each other), the easier that task gets. But if that gap gets too big for a rotating taoiseach arrangement, that brings its own problems. If this route isn’t available, there are a whole host of outcomes strewn with obstacles, but a Fianna Fáil-Sinn Féin government, a minority government, confidence and supply or – whisper it quietly – even another election will then have to be assessed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOTOEOPWCZCOHKW6R4FF34JL7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431739},"content":"<b>– Jack Horgan-Jones</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UU6VAMIIYN63YKBJ2AOMXFKV3U","additional_properties":{"_id":"XNZRTVZRDVFSPPRTOVFKY32IIY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LVFSINWHJNGKLA4MVZOXIQWTKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957134},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQUB4LS52BESLO6AEE4T2OU7HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957135},"content":"This campaign did not really have a big moment. The Kanturk kerfuffle did stand out and it did put Fine Gael on the back foot. But was it a momentum shifter? The decline in Fine Gael support was well under way before that and it might have accelerated it, or emphasised it, a little.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2XF6IQHRG5FRXLGXDFRF2PE5UI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957136},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RU565P2OZFTBNCB47VEWOXGNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957137},"content":"It is how fickle everything can be, even in a short period of time. Five months ago immigration dominated the local and European elections but it has been hardly more than a background issue this time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCT6TRETLFC65EKXR3SQYNJA2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957138},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTREY2EZ7JDHRIIRBQK2JHOLA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957139},"content":"Galway East. It will tell a lot about how the three big parties are performing outside Dublin. The constituency has gained a seat and is now a four-seater. All three parties have targeted that extra seat. Sinn Féin’s Louis O’Hara almost won here in 2020 and might sneak the seat this time. Fine Gael is running three strong candidates this time and expects to win two. Expectation is running too in Fianna Fáil where minister of State Anne Rabbitte has a strong running mate, Albert Dolan, the 25-year old chair of Galway County Council. It’s a bellwether constituency for sure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OI565KY6RH5FAVWLZMGZLXONU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957140},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"J3DRP4NVUFFO3FG2SN4JTRAIRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957141},"content":"A trickle of sweat appears on my brow when I am asked this question. For Sinn Féin to have a very good day it needs to put clear water between itself and, on the other side, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. It is now abundantly clear they will transfer heavily to each other and that will give them an advantage when it comes to determining the last seats in some constituencies. Sinn Féin’s call on supporters to transfer to People Before Profit and the Social Democrats is the party taking a two-way bet that those two parties will, in turn, return the favour and transfer to Sinn Féin, especially in Dublin. My sense is that Fianna Fáil could end up with about 50 seats, Sinn Féin with about 40, and Fine Gael a few seats shy of the 40-seat mark but my margin of error is plus or minus 10 seats! Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael look the most likely government partners out of this election, but relying on the support of others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3LBWST6YFATNB3V56E3U4DG7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957142},"content":"<b>– Harry McGee</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jennifer Bray"}},"name":"Jennifer Bray"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Simon Harris’s encounter with care worker Charlotte Fallon stood out as a pivotal moment in a campaign for which the political parties seemed oddly unprepared"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Political reporters on their moments of the election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"JAJFPQA4PFBDNA3GJEOGZ36KQA","auth":{"1":"92a47f189e2c7d9720677ec8b40a90a2b5dc8f742d43475895b1750c74ff7ffb"},"focal_point":{"x":934,"y":528},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/JAJFPQA4PFBDNA3GJEOGZ36KQA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/political-reporters-on-their-moments-of-the-election-campaign/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"4K52ZMIYAVFB3M4ZFK7EBFVZRU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":873,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9cda900c-0d2f-45a0-8b78-8019172c2522/versions/1732913617/media/40bd15dcb2e509a6cf222d57d3e344b1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/the-general-election-campaign-the-highs-the-lows-and-the-outright-clangers/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OGIJWSJ5WJASBN5JHVHU7FY2ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406103},"content":"Filth","type":"header"},{"_id":"JPMSPCDKT5HGRAHIDHLFVOSXQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406104},"content":"Eh, any interesting pictures from the election trail to spice up de collume?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNQM5ZFEZRFALMDDHRGKJHMONE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406105},"content":"It’s been a dull enough <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">campaign</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DFVMAZBJZBDBBX5GK6SXQN4R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406106},"content":"We have a good one of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-healy-rae\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Healy-Rae</a> hammering his nuts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7J6GP55XQBBZJIEM6EHJM6BAFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406107},"content":"I beg your pardon?","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUOTY5IGAZHY5I2GI7NRLNM4ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406108},"content":"Yeah, the photographer caught him at it – standing out in the open on an old stone bridge in Kerry. Cars passing and everything, hammering away at his nuts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GORUIRIKSZGGXG6RUDZSJ6VTVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406109},"content":"Excuse me. This is The Irish Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQ6N7Q2GX5EANGYZQMDD5AD6UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406110},"content":"He just needed something quick for his lunch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHXPTMYRTJGW5HNIJUAR2DSDBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406111},"content":"Moving on. Anything else?","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6BEZR2DTZEIVH3PBTW254D7RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406112},"content":"We have <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> ridin’ a buffalo. Pictures and video.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEH6FM5Y5BC7TGDR2FEQ3ZEDN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406113},"content":"Pass.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRP33W2CMZCIZIQDGZZKDQ3NDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406114},"content":"What about a nice shot of Michael Collins of Independent Ireland flaunting his chest hair during the 10- way leaders’ debate free for all?","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOGBCAC5OJFH3CFWCETDSRE2YY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406115},"content":"Better not. Sure it’ll drive the laydeez wild.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3QPQJDJIFBQJFUF7LODEOBBQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406116},"content":"Well, could we imagine the picture <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> painted at her final election press conference outside Government Buildings?","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOIA7IZ6FNEFXNETQ3ATQVZGI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406117},"content":"She was asked what parties Sinn Féin might consider as possible partners. Is she making “cow eyes” at any in particular?","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGOCUWCNDBBNZKCT64Y5DZBV6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406118},"content":"“No, I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she giggled. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause. We’re not at the flirtatious stage quite yet. We have to, we have to get to first base before we pass it, if that’s okay.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"27JPFGXY3BHENNZWMKWRZIKHJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406119},"content":"If Sinn Féin win enough seats, government formation talks should be interesting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSILW3IGENBUPAYTJ5Q5AOBUNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406120},"content":"What’s in a name?","type":"header"},{"_id":"4IU6WAEHGFHF7PWXJWZ6BAGNBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406121},"content":"We’ll soon find out. True to form, parties played the political offspring card to exploit that all-important name recognition advantage in constituencies, selecting new blood with old names to run for the family firm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IY5XARJTYJEO7K7HW6YWPHPJGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406122},"content":"Here’s one from Louth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSDUPNF2BNEXRKOMGYDWPHB72M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406123},"content":"“The name’s McGahon. Something McGahon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFLY5F27MBHOVIDQHZQDITVY4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406124},"content":"James, John, Jack, Jim?","type":"text"},{"_id":"KP6Z6W7CTZCVXMUDSFE3PLEAB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406125},"content":"“The name’s McGahon. Just McGahon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTPFAZG6H5FKFID5APVFUW3S7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406126},"content":"It’s actually John, but the big political name in the ether around Dundalk is that of his late uncle Brendan who was a Fine Gael TD in the area and nationally known for his trenchant views on law and order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ES6YQ6DR2ZDSTOMTHEW6AYBTU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406127},"content":"The party was happy to have the McGahon name on the ballot paper; it would give the outgoing Senator a head start in the race.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B44KWOY2DNAJ7LUAWTIKFI3DHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406128},"content":"Then details of a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2024/07/02/high-court-jury-awards-man-39000-against-senator-john-mcgahon-for-assault-and-battery/\" target=\"_blank\">violent incident from his recent past resurfaced</a> when the Sunday Times published photographs showing the extent of facial injuries suffered by Monaghan farmer Breen White who was involved in a fracas with McGahon outside a pub in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6SKZRO2DZA4DEAPGT7NTRFW3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406129},"content":"The Senator was cleared of assault following a four-day trial at Dundalk Circuit Court but a jury in a civil action earlier this year found him 65 per cent liable, ordering him to pay €39,000 damages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFOQ2RBDAFAHZKVLGZ3XKW5NMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406130},"content":"The graphic photographs appeared on the morning of Fine Gael’s manifesto launch in Tipperary, seriously denting McGahon’s election chances and adding further to the woes of Simon Harris’s stuttering campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDRZMU56DNDBVDAYA6ZCARJYJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406131},"content":"The Taoiseach doggedly defended his candidate’s presence on the ticket but as the days went on he began distancing himself from John’s campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDTDLZWGX5GGJDYHOV3NRPV7UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406132},"content":"Best entrance (timing is everything)","type":"header"},{"_id":"XMO6YO6U75HCFMD4ZZLUFWNVEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406134},"content":"The Social Democrats want nothing to do with the Labour Party in the post-election mating dance. Despite constant questions about the possibility of some sort of arrangement – or even a merger – between the two, candidates staunchly rejected even the merest suggestion of such an abomination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTPSICJTVBB6LESASSX25SPOFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406135},"content":"And then, early on election day no less, what did party leader Holly Cairns do?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLRSPWSUVZG2JH6OPMH5G3REDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406136},"content":"She went into labour.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIDTDF6QTZDBZOLCQD22TMWAPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406137},"content":"It was the happiest event of the campaign – signalling as it did the end of one of the dreariest elections in recent memory and the birth of Holly’s first child, a baby girl.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RC7ZPWNQP5F5ZKCLWMDWI22UQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406138},"content":"Deputy Cairns and her partner Barry posted a lovely picture of Holly and her new arrival on Instagram writing: “She’s here. We’re completely in love with her.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GYZDK6IHJEEZETAX46SMPXKRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406139},"content":"Congratulations to all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDOFQ2O3PZABNOFQYKJQQIUOAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406140},"content":"Location, location, location","type":"header"},{"_id":"GQI77TCX3ZER7EAF4UOZYOWNHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406142},"content":"Posters, and where to put them, is a perennial topic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62IS5OWBJNA6RMVYDSLH75MEYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406143},"content":"Up on lamposts everywhere or everything pinned on to centralised notice boards?","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFN6ZF4YQJF6XPAMEJFXO52OSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406144},"content":"An admobile provides a versatile answer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDMD6FKXFJCHDKFR4WJBTXKKAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406145},"content":"Gerard The Monk Hutch – rival criminal gang bosses are reputed to have a price on his head – adopted a moving target approach with his van tootling around the less-leafier areas of Dublin Central to the general bemusement of onlookers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AK23YELWTVHYTDA2YAM66HONB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406146},"content":"He occasionally parked it in high visibility areas for maximum exposure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYN6H5WYYVEEPIFEJ6ZZF3JXG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406147},"content":"One such spot was outside the former Regency Hotel on the busy Drumcondra Road. This was the place where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kinahan-cartel\" target=\"_blank\">Kinahan</a> gangster David Byrne was shot dead during a boxing tournament weigh-in, sparking a deadly escalation in the violent feud between the Hutch and Kinahan criminal gangs and the candidate’s flight to a Spanish bolt-hole.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RBSZ4KMFVDM5JTO4GXLWPEIRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406148},"content":"Hutch, who divides his time between his Spanish bolt-holes and luxury Clontarf home in the Dublin Bay North constituency, wants to see more gardaí on the streets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y35VM3B4WZCZ7NRENZ7WZWDNLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406149},"content":"He arrived back in Ireland from Lanzarote on the morning of the Fianna Fáil manifesto launch, out on bail of €100,000 after he was arrested as part of a Spanish money-laundering investigation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSTCTGPOKNCIFGDPYZTDNXPYGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406150},"content":"Hutch’s slogan steals from Sinn Féin’s main selling point: “We need a change and I’m your man.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3VBC6VOOJARNITZ4LRZTZYSRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406151},"content":"Apparently young fellas in Dublin Central have been robbing his posters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D62ABNFHAREOPDU7KP7NDU2NIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406152},"content":"There’s never a guard around when you need one. Thank God.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZITL7R7OYRCEHKXOEDS3HIQJMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406153},"content":"Cllr Kevin Daly, an Independent candidate in Dublin Rathdown, had a much more arresting slogan on his posters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B465HKINI5H5JENG2V7334LKPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406154},"content":"But then, Kevin knows how to get a message across. A few years ago he got into hot water over a “sleigh car” which was being driven around Stepaside with a big boxy contraption and a real Christmas tree on the roof, along with tidings for a very happy Christmas from “Cllr Kevin Daly, working with Shane Ross TD. Like Santa we deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WRP7XELZCVGNTMXSXHVU6UJ4NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406155},"content":"The Road Safety Authority took a dim view and then minister for transport Shane Ross, who has endorsed Daly’s campaign this year, retired the sleigh from active service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAMD7BZWDFH6HL6S7H5GRNBORY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406156},"content":"Cllr Daly had an election message specially tailored for his South County Dublin voter base: “Homes for our middle class children in our area.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUNJCKU7RNC4DJFQB4R3LONVTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406157},"content":"Clanger Central","type":"header"},{"_id":"6TIKXMXBGRFNLBMXKCUU3763SM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406159},"content":"In 2007 Fianna Fáil went into the election as the governing party but with big trouble brewing on the economy front and then taoiseach Bertie Ahern up to his neck in tribunal woes. The campaign got off to an awful shambles of a start.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAT2CEO4U5CPRI6SRVFNYQOUCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406160},"content":"Election headquarters was quickly dubbed Meltdown Manor. But with a strong leaders’ debate performance from Bertie Ahern and a decisive steadying role from Brian Cowen, the party pulled off a famous victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTES7GBC7NCEXORKSNQ6DLQLEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406161},"content":"This year, Fine Gael started its campaign in great shape, with a new, hugely popular young leader at the helm and the party outstripping its main rivals in the opinion polls.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNB4TWKTWJGSJJMA5ZMTVWFSG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406162},"content":"Steady as she goes and no surprises and Simon Harris looked set to deliver a famous victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFXQ2LMRVBB4JKQJZHDPIZWSVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406163},"content":"When all of a sudden, after an election build-up which went on for months, Fine Gael veered off the path of certainty and straight into Clanger Central.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZ2QQW7Y45ADPH466BQF2L3WUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406164},"content":"While Simon Harris was showcasing a “new energy” by haring around the country in an effort to shake every voter’s hand before polling day, the wheels were slowly coming off the wagon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5BGKUMXNVDH5NS2D6ZYPHMRJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406165},"content":"This was Meltdown Manor in reverse. Fianna Fáil had time to reverse the rot and activate Cowen. Fine Gael’s unforced errors hit hard in the final stage of the campaign when prudent Paschal Donohoe was finally activated, but was it too late?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ATGTG7OBR5AHPPJFW5QNLNRVUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406166},"content":"Sinn Féin, meanwhile, after a disappointing showing in the local elections and internal party scandals causing turmoil, powered back up the opinion polls overtaking Fine Gael by a small margin and neck and neck with Fianna Fáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZRWC4VMOZF7LMNNXWOJNYEJI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406167},"content":"Tweedledee and Tweedledum and TweedleLou in the reckoning now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAW7YPIJKRCARK4VDVTQAAMSNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406168},"content":"Paschal The Rock Donohoe","type":"header"},{"_id":"U2AWSHS7X5GYTF3PMFW4P4QICU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406169},"content":"Speaking of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe was the only senior Fine Gael politician who was true to his word when he repeatedly insisted he was not going to jump ship and quit politics before the election. A host of his colleagues were blue in the face saying the same thing before they upped and left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UY6NFKB7IZCMLN7G6NX7PL6SFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406170},"content":"He went out to bat for former TD Noel Rock, who returned to contest Dublin South West when Róisín Shortall’s departure from national politics offered a possible way back to the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR6OAXDHQBEZ7OQM6QQLFZVJ6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406171},"content":"In a toe-curling video which even topped the one where Tánaiste Micheál Martin showed off his election shoes, Paschal looked earnestly into the camera and said: “So when I was a younger man The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, was a real hero of mine. Whether it was Summer Slam, WrestleMania, Jumanji, Fast and the Furious – I had to give Baywatch a miss – he was always somebody I really admired. But now, there is only one Rock in my life, the man I want to support, and that is Noel Rock, the man here beside me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJFW37QOCJGOVM2OF2HIE2UCEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406172},"content":"Barftastic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDRG575D3RAMNG5XZMJLMSJRQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406173},"content":"A reader got in touch about Paschal reminiscing about loving The Rock in Jumanji when he “was a younger man”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJIDK4ONCZGINOPLCUGXMX65SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406174},"content":"Johnny told us “after a quick bit of research I found that Jumanji was released seven years ago, which would have made Paschal 43 years at the time. Talk about complicated gyrations to force the word ‘Rock’ into a promo video, he must have been awake all night trying to make that one fit.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBPHJ7CGAFD6LCAWG5FTTAJNKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406175},"content":"The Sh*t Stirrer Supreme","type":"header"},{"_id":"RUI2LLJNXRGYTCMJG64NFOPVZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406176},"content":"Government Minister Peter Burke thought it was a great wheeze to have Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary launch his campaign in Longford-Westmeath. In the course of the usual O’Leary knockabout, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/10/fine-gael-td-distances-himself-from-ryanair-boss-derisory-remarks-about-teachers-at-campaign-event/\" target=\"_blank\">budget airline’s Chief Exhibitionist Officer slagged off teachers</a> while his audience, clearly there for the laughs, guffawed along.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3PT4RWB35G57OHB5LB766HIAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406177},"content":"“I wouldn’t generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done,” said O’Leary, prompting a major fit of the vapours among teachers and delighted political opponents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMN6BPTFEVE2JHFR4YQQYJIPQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406178},"content":"With Fine Gael in pole position, the main objective was to get through the campaign without committing any major gaffes or taking unnecessary risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIKKQ7DGGVGHBF3O53KIOSQ2AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406179},"content":"And then Peter invites sh*t stirrer supreme to be the star-turn at his big launch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYJXN66UVVGZXFOD3RU7SDFVV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406180},"content":"Did nobody think to say “I wouldn’t generally employ Michael O’Leary to go out and not insult anyone.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZIPYKEDAVCI5FVIV727GLITRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406181},"content":"They aren’t laughing now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HMRW5OGXJAYXGPL6FKQEIGEZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406182},"content":"Handbags at dawn","type":"header"},{"_id":"TGZZLZPJCNFX7D4XG2M6OMNHKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406183},"content":"This was a difficult election for the big two. Joined at the hip since 2016 when Fianna Fáil agreed to shore up a Fine Gael government in a ground-breaking confidence and supply agreement and then sharing power in the 33rd Dáil, marketing themselves as very different political packages was always going to be a tricky task.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQXXQKOJXRFRHCEBNCG5J64CWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406184},"content":"They were sniping at each other well before the campaign began, with Fianna Fáil accusing its Government partner of dissing their leader Micheál Martin to the political correspondents behind his back. Describing him as cranky and a bit too long in the tooth for the young man’s game of top-rank politics, apparently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGFHHPQMO5EBJPIQUIAJM3WISQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406185},"content":"Voters aren’t stupid and they began asking how the two groups went from saying they were working wonderfully well together in Government to tearing lumps out of each other’s track records and policies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7N6NJVNTPJD7NFB4AY73UNUGMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406186},"content":"The carry-on was dismissed as nothing more than “handbags” between candidates jockeying for seats. As proper confrontations go, these handbags were more cheap knock-off than designer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFD3ITFYOVF2BBZMJKJC5OHGTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406187},"content":"Except, perhaps, for the epic roaring match between Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton on Virgin Media’s Tonight Show. Chambers of Commerce deserves the lion’s share of the blame for losing his cool early doors and bellowing over his Cabinet colleague when she tried to take issue with tax figures in the FF manifesto.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUSR5VZDORCR5H5KJHHT5JLG5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406188},"content":"The delicious highlight of this unedifying display was the sight of Sinn Féin’s finance spokesman – the usually very shouty but now very smiley Pearse Doherty – sitting between the warring pair with a big happy head on him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6ZVQKXRCRDNPKDJPOY5WWPE74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406189},"content":"Jump starts and sneaky starts","type":"header"},{"_id":"OTB7P3IUAREHRKTADKP6K6VL2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406191},"content":"Roderic O’Gorman discommoded his Coalition betters in October when he jumped the gun on the election date by saying the public needed clarity on its timing. He said he would be telling fellow leaders Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin “my preference is for a November election, for November 29th. I think that gives us the opportunity to get those final pieces of legislation through.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZOMZSJR5BAHRG7OULQIPEXQU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406192},"content":"They were disgusted with him, even though everyone knew that was going to be the date and the other two were just milking the situation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD3D4KTVWRFYVFWEJNZF6BUXAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406193},"content":"Then Micheál stole a march on Simon by doing an interview in early November and naming the date. TV3 rushed out an advance clip from its 5.30pm news bulletin for social media. Whereupon Simon belted out to RTÉ to reannounce the date on the Six One news.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDIDHMCXNBBAFDQVB2IMP3B6TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406194},"content":"Who needs banana skins?","type":"header"},{"_id":"4JBF7HQRUJFFNOAUGU2LZX76DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406196},"content":"Labour’s Ged Nash slipped on a post-Halloween pumpkin skin when canvassing in Drogheda. Didn’t see that one coming.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7VLQDHBYREQHJTWBJGEZBARNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406197},"content":"The Kanturk Disaster","type":"header"},{"_id":"C2LAU3JL4BAYPB5AU7AZXHX2YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406198},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris went down the more traditional route, coming a cropper on a few banana skins as the finishing line approached.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2CZKJRNVZAQFFTTNOT3K3OHDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406199},"content":"But it was an incident, forever to be known as The Kanturk Disaster, which halted the already slowing Harris juggernaut in its tracks. His testy and uncharacteristically dismissive reaction to care worker Charlotte Fallon and her question about equal pay for colleagues outside the HSE was filmed and posted on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6EFO2D5QBDJHABL6MO2MLRYIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406200},"content":"The footage did no credit to a clearly tired Taoiseach and it was viewed over a million times. Simon Harris, who looked haunted after this misstep, spent the rest of his campaign apologising – never a good look.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTIJQ5HXQJC6BDVYVATBZ6BCP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406201},"content":"Will the electorate forgive him?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Miriam Lord"}},"name":"Miriam Lord"}]},"description":{"basic":"Miriam Lord: From the grand entrance of a baby girl for Holly Cairns to slagging off teachers and annoying the RSA, the 2024 campaign had its share of highlights"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"From handbags at dawn to the Kanturk Disaster: the campaign’s highs, lows, and outright clangers ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"S27YO5DKHEZIEHJDVUY6CSM5SY","auth":{"1":"9f12450da2489a2a30b68d0a361c1401095afdbccbd6ee1055d5697888366a40"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/S27YO5DKHEZIEHJDVUY6CSM5SY.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/the-general-election-campaign-the-highs-the-lows-and-the-outright-clangers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"LJCL777CLBH3RNACWEGDOUBMR4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":345,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/caf53af4-3a9d-428f-8835-8a75cb666d62/versions/1732796899/media/89ab29582fce897e4169fb0c1ca08d81_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/local-politicians-are-overworked-underpaid-and-unrepresentative/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UNHINM6OMFDRBOSYOZY5GDC7MQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314164},"content":"The question of where Irish government happens matters in its delivery to an electorate demanding greater public services and infrastructure to service an expanding society, economy and population. Yet Ireland is one of the most centralised states in Europe and its local government one of the weakest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHT66OOZ2VH47C5YVSB27YTTZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314165},"content":"This is paradoxical because <a href=\"https://www.forsa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MorePowerReport.pdf\">comparisons</a> with similar states show many of the electorates big issues, such as housing, taxation, health, social welfare, childcare and transport, could be more effectively – and democratically – delivered at local level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS25B3ZDSJD4NO6JONH25NMCCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314166},"content":"A 2016 measure of local autonomy ranked Ireland last of 39 countries in Europe, indicating a severe governance and democratic deficit. We spend a <a href=\"https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41400727.html\">comparatively tiny amount</a> at local level and raise even less in revenue. Eight per cent of State revenue is spent locally compared to an EU average of 23 per cent, while Ireland ranks last in EU local revenue raising.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRFGP3Z4GJENXBAQMF4MWVGLN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314167},"content":"Ireland has 31 local authority areas with about 165,000 citizens per authority. Compare this to Denmark’s 98 with 60,000 citizens each and Portugal’s 308 with 34,000. Put another way, Ireland’s councillors represent 5,196 citizens per councillor, compared to 600 in Belgium, 620 in Spain and 412 in Finland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4V65QVHBFFUZC74XLTRZMUZXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314168},"content":"As a result, Ireland’s councillors are overworked and underpaid. They are also mostly white, male and better off. That makes them increasingly <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/04/13/overworked-older-and-mostly-male-ireland-has-europes-weakest-local-government/\">unrepresentative</a> of a younger, more diverse population in which most women work outside the home and require childcare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76ZMTA3BIZFIHGGPZEWJISOOFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"KI4HQWHCMVBWZI24KEKAW5FOO4"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"PVA2Y6FHGNAKDOJXFBVNLZZMBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314169},"content":"Figures like these emerge from substantial comparative <a href=\"https://citizensassembly.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/report_dublincitizensassembly_final_lowres.pdf\">research </a>on the State’s local government. It is now associated with considerable activism by council organisations and trade unions representing people who work there. Their case was supported in a cross-party Seanad <a href=\"https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/33/seanad_public_consultation_committee/reports/2024/2024-10-10_report-on-the-future-of-local-democracy_en.pdf\">report </a>on the future of local democracy last month. After hearing from local representatives, executives, citizens and experts, the report calls for a reimagined local democracy in Ireland. It wants a local democratic taskforce appointed within three months of the new government taking office. It should tackle the reform and strengthening of local government to prevent the relentless process by which it is transformed into a mere local administration of central government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGHQSJB23ZDEXF237P7LMZ5HPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314170},"content":"A valuable accompanying report on local government functions from the Oireachtas library and research service tracks how many of them were removed from 1993 to 2024 in housing, roads, planning, health, fire services, waste management and education. This came on top of an already tightly circumscribed system controlled since the 1930s by executive managers appointed by and responsible to ministers. Councils have legally defined reserved powers, unlike many continental ones with a general responsibility for their area. As the report says: “While it is the norm in many countries for local government to be responsible for education, social welfare, health, economic development, and policing in Ireland many of these services are provided by central government departments or by public or state agencies.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWPVDZK6KZGT7HXACIAS7CG6JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314171},"content":"This further <a href=\"https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-handbook-of-irish-politics-9780198823834?cc=no&lang=en&#\">hollowing out</a> of an already weak local democracy was part of the austerity response to the 2008-2012 financial crisis. That its powers should be restored and even transformed was argued in a manifesto by the <a href=\"https://ailg.ie/ailg-launches-general-election-manifesto-to-strengthen-local-government-in-ireland/\">Association of Irish Local Government</a> during the campaign. They secured support from most political parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AOGTNJTU6BAZDIVPMG4WZXC5DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314172},"content":"Yet the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/promises-promises-what-do-the-election-2024-parties-stand-for-use-this-tool-to-compare-their-manifestos/\">party manifestos</a> vary widely on the priority afforded to local government. The Labour Party is most detailed and specific, while Sinn Féin, the Green Party and the Social Democrats make issue and function specific commitments to it. So does Fianna Fáil in a more generalised way, whereas Fine Gael stands over the centralisation it led since 2011.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2GQZHIC25CFDNBUQCHCYAMO5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314173},"content":"Irish government and bureaucratic mindsets are so centralised they cannot see how blind they are to the advantages of multilevel governance in planning for an expanding society demanding greater public services. More local democracy and local government better shared with the centre is not a silver bullet; but it would release greater citizen engagement, access and transparency with housing, health and care services. It would provide a legitimate basis for enlarging the tax base. But that would require a cultural revolution in such mindsets and practices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWFJAGZ3NRC23DBBA56SSQDDYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314174},"content":"This blindness is akin to government unwillingness to accept Ireland is a tax haven for multinational companies; to the preference for market driven solutions to public problems; to the failure to initiate large infrastructure planning in an expanding economy and society; and a reluctance to include a shared or united Ireland in such plans. Comparable experience from Europe is often obscured by an instinctive reliance on practices in Britain and Northern Ireland, which suffer from similar weaknesses. That new Ireland should be decentred.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N62D5JDVHJE7FOAI273UDDCHJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314175},"content":"In the bargaining around the formation of the next government there should be room for such a strategic shift in governance. It would be welcome to see stronger local government and democracy become a red line for coalition formation by those who take it most seriously. It is an issue that badly needs political leverage.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Paul Gillespie"}},"name":"Paul Gillespie"}]},"description":{"basic":"Worldview: Improving local democracy should be a priority in talks on the formation of the next government"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Local politicians are overworked, underpaid and unrepresentative","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YMH7EH4KN5H37KERDDX4KUI7GY","auth":{"1":"1637b7172f2b66c8621524e9442fb2434c84d6c8ff8b0c394afd6464e72c9b3e"},"focal_point":{"x":1514,"y":946},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YMH7EH4KN5H37KERDDX4KUI7GY.JPG"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/local-politicians-are-overworked-underpaid-and-unrepresentative/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"QLK66NJI45ARPGE2IB5W5DGUBY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":238,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/4e7b3583-cb5d-4c06-a303-65ded0a464d5/versions/1732861417/media/570d472c1f0fe940e4bda1b61cac1496_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732789358483},"content":"The Irish Times has you well covered with full coverage of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024</a> results across the weekend and beyond, as the makeup of the 34th Dáil is revealed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXLB4UUTFNGBXNU47BSEOZTENU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316278},"content":"We are likely in for a long weekend before we have a clear idea the 174 TDs who will make up the next Dáil but there are some key times when matters should become clearer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJLR3OSFBRHUDERRBIPQ354F3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316280},"content":"<b>Friday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"T6CKJNGNZZHZ7FHCHQNPG3U3CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316281},"content":"<b>10pm:</b> Polls in Election 2024 closed at 10pm and The Irish Times exit poll was published, indicating that the three largest parties - <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>- are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QX44WEKP5EG7OXECNTLX6XS5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732928073140},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A today for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD are as follows: <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>21.1 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> 19.5 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a><b> </b>21 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party </a>4 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour </a>5 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>5.8<b> </b>per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">Solidarity-People Before Profit</a><b> </b>3.1 per cent,<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\"> Aontú</a> 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6<b> </b>per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SO33UVSB3NFMRCPRYRIZMYMQSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732928073141},"content":"Read full details of the exit poll <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMNY4HZ4MFAOPIMTZFSAAVD4VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316283},"content":"<b>10.30/11pm:</b> Our political team discusses the exit poll findings in a special edition of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/\" target=\"_blank\">Inside Politics podcast</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2I4AZS64JASZNLFWT3QC5BEZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316284},"content":"<b>Saturday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"WUQVFJXVZNEBZGE7VEJVQISCTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424753},"content":"<b>8am Saturday: </b>Subscribers to our <b>Inside Politics newsletter</b> (you can <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\" target=\"_blank\">sign-up here</a>) will receive an election special edition newsletter with extra details from The Irish Times <b>exit poll.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZBDQFIWBZFWHK43HDB33HLSTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732809757810},"content":"<b>9am: </b>Counting begins in all 43 constituencies. Our rolling live coverage will feature up-to-the-minute news, analysis and reaction from when the first tallies emerge, to when counts are completed and seats filled. We will publish every count from every constituency in our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/results-hub/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024 Results Hub</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7MPGDGMYNF4HDN43FJLQG6I4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424755},"content":"Our politics team will provide analysis of the emerging results online, on our podcasts and via video while our columnists, including Justine McCarthy and Diarmaid Ferriter, will share their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2W6EAW4AVDOVG7PJYO7RR767I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424743},"content":"<b>Late afternoon/evening: </b>Details of first counts should start emerging on Saturday afternoon with first seats filled later on that afternoon and into the evening. Depending on the individual returning officers, counts in some constituencies may run into early on Sunday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XMEKZWIQRRHYNAXRRD3UPCDQFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424744},"content":"<b>Sunday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"C5KSFMIPTFCAFNKMA5SJGUCX24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424745},"content":"Counting will resume on Sunday morning and continue for most for the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7OXRAQ2PFDFLKLYKCXRVG3J3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424757},"content":"Our rolling live coverage will continue to cover the remaining counts and more analysis and opinion as the results become clear. In 2020, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cavan-monaghan/\" target=\"_blank\">Cavan-Monaghan</a> was the last constituency to complete counting with the final two seats filled shortly before midnight on the second day of counting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3L4PRI5NRF77JKFZJPKOZOUXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424758},"content":"We will publish profiles of each TD as they are elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKTGXHCDKNEERIFGAFD5LBQVD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316296},"content":"<b>Monday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"URI72BCNSVAYJILLFMZF5RNSCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316297},"content":"In print, we will have a 12-page special general election supplement with news, analysis and charts showing all declared results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PAPUZMHXFFC7NKSODEO7V5LZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316298},"content":"<b>Follow the election count on social media</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"J4ISJLVSSJDSZMQQPPHVMI3PFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424762},"content":"We will be posting rolling updates on our main social media accounts througout the weekend. Follow us on your preferred social platform to make sure you don’t miss a thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AQ4AIVCVBC5DI4V3YWXDRCATY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316299},"content":"Follow the election results on:","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Our political team will offer news, insight, analysis and opinion as the count unfolds"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T01:01:01.135Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election 2024: How The Irish Times will cover the results and key times to watch out for ","native":"How The Irish Times will cover the results and key times to watch out for"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU","auth":{"1":"32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"63QDIXFJ3NDYVBKSK6HHBALV6A","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/","content_elements":[{"_id":"364BIOFKLJA4ZF2LMM2EHXKRII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232180},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/\">results of the general election 2024 exit poll </a>suggest <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> will be in the driving seat to re-establish their coalition – though which party, or parties, or Independents, that might accompany them is likely to remain unclear for some time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"642VW623DVERZLIG2UW6HYUQDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232181},"content":"If the results are borne out when the actual votes are counted Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are likely to approach 75-80 seats between them, assuming a decent seat bonus, and a strong transfer between the two parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4XBXXRBBVCQPEEKVHOHAKMVQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232182},"content":"Those transfers will assume a high degree of importance as the counts unfold in coming days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB3C2OUU35BHDGZCK24733MVAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232183},"content":"Naturally, supporters of both parties transferred at higher rates to running mates from the same party. For Fine Gael voters it was at a rate of 37 per cent to other Fine Gael candidates. Fianna Fáil candidates were the second preference choice of 39 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EALAZKKOOFG4HA44DDIFH3EGMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232184},"content":"But once they have voted for their own party, they are transferring to their government partners in large numbers. The poll – conducted by Ipsos/B&A on Friday for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, finds that among Fine Gael voters 32 per cent said their second preference votes went to Fianna Fáil, while 30 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters said they transferred to Fine Gael.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LM43DUEAWZCCVGNZQS76SRSDAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232185},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> voters transferred at a rate of 48 per cent to second candidates from the same party. The next highest second preference votes from Sinn Féin supporters was to Independents. But the party is having a harder job attracting transfers from other parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBZUEXWXPVEITCSDF4M6M3HZF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232186},"content":"The highest second preference transfer rates between arch-rivals Labour and the Social Democrats were to each other. According to the exit poll some 22 per cent of second preferences from Labour voters went to the Social Democrats. Second preferences from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>supporters went to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour</a> at a rate of 23 per cent. Perhaps their voters are not as hostile to each other as the parties’ elected representatives sometimes<b> </b>seem to be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RLQJPFKFCBDWFHGP7MJZ5BEPQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232187},"content":"The results of the exit poll suggest Fine Gael’s campaign – which stuttered for much of the last three weeks – may have recovered in the final days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LEWO3VP7XJDBNKCTDMMWXXV3EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232188},"content":"While 21 per cent would represent the evaporation of the so-called ‘Harris Hop’ that saw the party reach as high as 27 per cent support levels in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/19/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-september-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A</a> poll in September, it is likely to be greeted with relief by the party leadership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUDVX4LMSRCBFJQ3QJIVLY5TAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232189},"content":"There were fears in the party during the past week that a collapse in the party’s vote might be under way – so while it is not the result that it anticipated or hoped for at the beginning of the campaign, the party will know it could have been worse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNRHZ6CYVBATRFDMZ2EAF5YDGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232190},"content":"Frankly, Fine Gael had a poor election campaign. It was on the defensive from the first weekend after Ryanair boss<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\"> Michael O’Leary’s controversial remarks </a>about teachers at a campaign launch for Fine Gael minister Peter Burke. For reasons best known to itself it persisted with John McGahon as a candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBPJQZTRRBCR7BWUMAVYKEGXKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232191},"content":"Then there was the Taoiseach Simon Harris’ blunder where he appeared dismissive in a campaign trail exchange with disabilities worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork. An apology from Mr Harris followed but the moment was seized upon by his political opponents and Fine Gael was on damage limitation for days. It was probably the standout moment of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"637V6WF57JE7ZOWR7KOLH4YYRU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4WMHHDRUUNBL7HA4HBUE6BBRLY"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-45369","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"RBFS5R3T2FCKDCCW62F6JNPWDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232192},"content":"But perhaps more damaging was a sort of strategic incoherence in Fine Gael’s message. The party embarked on a series of costly promises in the first half of the campaign, including the abolition of the means test for the carers’ allowance (which civil servants estimate could escalate to some €2 billion a year), the abolition of university fees, a €1,000 grant for every baby, double child benefit every August, etc.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WILVFIDGINHT7B6HPQC73DQQHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232193},"content":"These were an understandable reaction to public concern on the cost of living. But they sat awkwardly with the fears of the possible impact of the new Trump administration on corporation tax revenues here – and the claims that only Fine Gael had the instincts of prudence necessary for the potentially difficult times ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTE356R7ORDAVKE4A5KS6C33UU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232194},"content":"In the end, the tactic of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/fine-gael-turns-to-prudent-paschal-as-polling-day-looms/\" target=\"_blank\">putting Paschal Donohoe out front </a>for every day of the last week may have helped turn things around.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J4VHXOKTDVFT7HNZPASYLX4GRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232195},"content":"Fianna Fáil took a narrow lead in opinion polls published over the last week, so will be disappointed to come in third – if that is borne out by the results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIBVRMJPTJG75A6B2WFPQVU22A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232196},"content":"Party leader Micheál Martin – who had a solid, if unspectacular, campaign – consistently argues that Fianna Fáil outperforms opinion polls. The party will hope its greater number of incumbent candidates than Fine Gael and the possibility of getting transfers from its Coalition partner will push it over 20 per cent and ahead of its rivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJNPH56Y7FBOREKRQBAFHSV6X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232197},"content":"For Sinn Féin there will be relief that the string of controversies it faced in the build up to the election campaign appear not to have overly damaged the party’s current support levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IR32OFOD5G4NC5JKH5LC3BNZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"G6BO37SLCBCBNKKWCCEJE4T5CE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"M4LTF2IXYBH3JBIYYW4O5LSQTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232198},"content":"The exit poll result is a far cry from the 36 per cent the party had in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2022/07/14/coalition-support-slumps-in-irish-times-poll-as-cost-of-living-bites/\" target=\"_blank\">The Irish Times poll from July 2022</a>, but it is considerably better than the just under 12 per cent of first preference share the party got in June’s local election. Mary Lou McDonald was a dynamo on the campaign trail. But in a series of difficult moments in interviews and debates, she also clearly conveyed the party’s shortcomings – the difficulty of outlining exactly what “change” would mean in real terms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PREG2MAVINGAPGSN2GS7PNMAAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232199},"content":"However, if the exit poll proves correct, it’s hard to see how the party has a route to government. It could well finish first in the popular vote for the second time in a row, but face another five years in opposition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQNW6OGAWFCFVP6D2KSVCLVWUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232200},"content":"The next Dáil is set to have more Independent TDs returned – but the tsunami of new independent TDs predicted by some is unlikely on the basis of these numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FO25KIZNJVCVLEWWA3ZSLAX73M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232201},"content":"There were 21 Independents elected in 2020 on just over 13 per cent of the vote so the 12.7 per cent, plus the 2.2 per cent for new party Independent Ireland in the exit poll would indicate that their numbers will grow. But the Independent Ireland showing – though surely many of its most prominent members will return to the next Dáil – will be a disappointment to the founders who believed they were set to become a new force in Irish politics. Not on the basis of these numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LT47DUSG4BE33IWQMS7H6OXF2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232202},"content":"The three centre left parties, the Green Party, Labour and the Social Democrats, are all bunched on between 4 and 5.8 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RY6O6S436VF2JKB6KEATXY2UXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232203},"content":"The Green Party is down substantially from the 7 per cent it got in the 2020 general election, but if the exit poll result is correct, it may hold more seats than might have been expected. Like all small parties though, it will be on a knife edge in many constituencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3LISB5LQORDM5LKBZVHQZ5BFJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232204},"content":"The Social Democrats are ahead of arch rivals Labour – which will delight them. But observers will doubtless point out that their combined support of nearly 11 per cent would make them the clear second party of opposition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQAUDFHR5RDCLHVGDOKF5S4GJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232205},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">People Before Profit</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">Solidarity</a> is close enough to the 2.6 per cent of the vote it got in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3V6B62FAGBCMPBIKYB6HFFKDJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232206},"content":"Peadar Tóibín’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\">Aontú</a> had an excellent campaign and looks on course to substantially improve on its 2020 vote share of just under 2 per cent, with 3.6 per cent in the exit poll. That gives it a real shot of increasing its Dáil numbers – but it’s impossible to predict the individual constituency fortunes of any of the small parties from these big national numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FI6RZIDUQJHRBJ2YEQWHFP6PWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232207},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sinn Féin could well finish first in the popular vote for the second time in a row, but face another five years in opposition"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T00:04:58.73Z","headlines":{"basic":"Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI","auth":{"1":"1d9c930c8a67396404719766bccb9f7d237191befa0a1c0b6b8d63deb0a04e07"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"XRRD5YWUF5F2PKK7FYZCURMVEM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-live-updates-voting-begins-at-polling-stations-around-the-country/","content_elements":[{"_id":"G757OC2DQVHXZHWM32PH3NYU5I","additional_properties":{"_id":"5YYXQKGXRRCSFNOU5VQ3NEY3DU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732902949827},"id":"timestamp-73418","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DQBFHPUTTZHUVISIXDYUZO2JV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732903618094},"content":"Collective Action for Palestine will be at the count centre at the RDS on Saturday and other groups will be at count centres around Ireland this weekend, <b>Ronan McGreevy reports</b>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7HOB3HONJAJ3HWUTINN3DXF5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732903618095},"content":"They claim to represent large parts of Irish society and will be telling elected politicians that they must impose sanctions on Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYQRXTLGZVCXPJG656CFHYH64I","additional_properties":{"_id":"OQ7HWQMZ7JBTTNTZL2TVSPH2TM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732904699764},"id":"timestamp-31126","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EMAXTO6ZOJHQXOMHJOPS4FYY2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070536},"content":"Across Dublin city constituencies, the average turnout was 30.8 per cent at 4.30pm, <b>Jade Wilson reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UEOALXG4RCEXO2LNGSJN7R3XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070537},"content":"The average turnout in Kildare North at 3.30pm was 28 per cent. In Kildare South, it was 26.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG6KNVQDZNFYJLZESTRIN22LXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070538},"content":"Turnout across urban Mayo by 4pm was as high as 34 per cent in some polling stations, with a low of 26 per cent at others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LFSMH27XRNAWHFNBYLSSLVP3RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070539},"content":"In rural Mayo, turnout was highest at 39 per cent in one polling station, though most were between 26 per cent to 30 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIHY5ABHDFD45MQDS6Q7EZC2XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070540},"content":"Returning officers did not have comparison information for the last general election to report at this point in the day. It’s understood they may have this data to share after the 8pm percentage count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2IX63HW2FDWVNKFH653UTHJUY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VB34TAWVQRDYRBNOR2BH4VB3VE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732906080193},"id":"timestamp-27582","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MTHYXCKVHBAVPJIVLZFK3K73AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615441},"content":"Turnout in Dublin County’s local authority areas (Fingal, South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown) was at an average of 34 per cent by 5pm, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDR24QXEQNAHPGTT37HYULN3XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615443},"content":"Shortly after 5pm, turnout across Cork City, was between 33 per cent to a high of 48 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WIVOTH64QVHGTEFHHN2MSFUHUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615444},"content":"In Cork County, it was between 32.9 per cent and 38 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHHAQQAUT5HV7DVOU7NNWC7JKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615445},"content":"Limerick City and Limerick County had a turnout just over 30 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYFQRVO2KVA3LFM6DNZT5S6BJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615446},"content":"In Dundalk, turnout after 5pm was between 29 to 39 per cent rurally, whilst in urban Dundalk it was between 23 to 38 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KT73HBX36BHXNNYDFMHHJ6ALMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615447},"content":"Turnout in Cavan after 6pm was above 30 per cent in some polling stations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHAOP2CDIJDXJAN7F2WV3RTPNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615448},"content":"Many polling stations say their next data will be ready at 8pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UVYMLGOQFE75PA4MKEZ25KLNA","additional_properties":{"_id":"YUY7APWTU5GTDKXTSBCTHLHMV4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732909457893},"id":"timestamp-49577","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"J45H4QDYTBCKDMJGPSJFGCPWPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909554999},"content":"Some ballot papers in the Limerick City constituency accidentally featured candidates’ names in reverse alphabetical order, according to reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAIUE5MPSZC4NNTSJJLHUHTMCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555000},"content":"The error could possibly render the result in the constituency void as electoral law states that candidates’ names should be listed in alphabetical order, <a href=\"https://www.limerickpost.ie/2024/11/29/ballot-faux-pas-could-scupper-election-result-in-limerick-city-constituency/#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\">according to the Limerick Post</a>. On some ballot papers today, Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Féin featured first rather than last.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z3MTT5NPTRF23EDFUPUVLW7ENI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555001},"content":"In the past, some candidates have changed their names or used their Irish names to push themselves to the top of the ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3SB2F22NVFMZIGYWDJUIGRDMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555002},"content":"Éamon Ó Cuív previously dropped the Ó in his surname for electoral purposes. Research published by UCD following the 2011 general election found being first on the ballot paper is worth 544 first preference votes in an average constituency, or 1.27 per cent of the vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFZE7XTYJZENRIPG4TNVQSDYJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"3KW5FBRVQ5HHJI5OQ4X3G2V234"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732909566200},"id":"timestamp-57185","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A5HNLOYFIBGFXCURNFQZT5AV2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732910922719},"content":"In Mayo turnout at 7pm ranged from 60 per cent in rural Murrisk to 36.7 per cent in Castlebar primary school, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"U67ASEOIVVDB7P7QVMKLA2USSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732910922720},"content":"We are expecting more turnout figures shortly after 8pm. The Irish Times will publish the exit poll at 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGNWFOIKOBGBHFD3OVJUPXOZPM","additional_properties":{"_id":"2L5XTBADANHJVBNXUVN4JPCDQE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732911729937},"id":"timestamp-95974","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5IXMP7PSYNHSXBGZJMUSTDA3NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912797198},"content":"Remember if you’re voting tonight to park safely. Even on election day, the clampers are still on duty.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7IRPK5I6RE4BMYZUWHB2IBYNQ","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TRZ3ZTBXYZB7VMFFDYTFNCHUYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"YRT3CND3UVHR7PXUMN6NXTTE6Q"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732912953496},"id":"timestamp-99327","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EJ5QZVS2R5E3DCW6HTNZG5QHZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913089061},"content":"Anyone trapped in a count centre this weekend (or indeed next week) will enjoy writer Richy Craven’s novel idea for a Rom Com.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4BVR3ZY2NALHLZHSVWJ2UTGYM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"OWCJCECMF5BGJODI2HIXXI3M6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"EI2CXRB4F5CZXLUZTL2EIVKWDA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732913685396},"id":"timestamp-55998","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"HMMX4FMNK5CKRMSQCA6PBDQWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913898957},"content":"Turnout figures as of 8pm are coming in from Dublin, Galway and Cavan, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZLWWGAMNVHKJEKLKZKJENH4IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914000524},"content":"In Dublin, voter turnout had reached 51 per cent at 8pm across seven constituencies: Dublin Fingal West, Dublin Fingal East, Dublin West, Dublin Mid West, Dublin South West, Dublin Rathdown and Dún Laoghaire, according to the returning officer there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RGVB7YB3ZBDJCIVMSJZHT7ZZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913898959},"content":"In Galway city, voter turnout was ranging from 42 per cent to 54 per cent just after 8pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVLGJ6PFIFFWVEE6I36DBTVTEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914000526},"content":"In Cavan county, turnout in Ballyjamesduff reached 54 per cent, while in Cootehill it rose from 27 per cent at 4pm to 40 per cent at 6.30pm. Cavan town stood at 41.3 per cent, Bailieborough was at 54 per cent and Virginia was at 51.12 per cent at 6.30pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOTW6XUKURHCRA2HFBOCIIHASA","additional_properties":{"_id":"TY4MLUV4UBHCFERSMWJPX6PUNU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732914015707},"id":"timestamp-266","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"Y33DC547URDLFITGRZMGPHDYJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914274530},"content":"We will be publishing an exit poll at 10pm on the button which will give the first real indication as to how the country has voted today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HYDEPWC3RCFHDFKXZET2AISUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914274531},"content":"The poll is a joint project of The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and the Department of Political Science at Trinity College Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYSEMVLBCZDUBJQCIZELJPLOZA","additional_properties":{"_id":"CR7LXC56HJBELBD22EJFMH2FTI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732914284850},"id":"timestamp-64000","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"H7CAWZAY4NAQLPJ32ZT3FXGU4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732915392174},"content":"In Cork South West the turnout figures at 8pm stood at 55.4 per cent, while it was at 50.3 per cent in Cork East and 57.4 per cent in Cork North West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGXMV3GBBRHXJDVKYW4X7W5PQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732915392175},"content":"In Monaghan town at 8.30pm the turnout was 52.8 per cent; in Clones it rose to 53 per cent; and in Castleblayney it stood at 38 per cent at 7pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZJE25UKJVCUFK7U7SU2BTZHLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"26YHLVV23RHCNDCXYIDQHTFN7A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732915401553},"id":"timestamp-46521","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ROMHY3KMUNBHBGIKJQWGO2I4VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139672},"content":"How accurate are exit polls? Well the exit poll at the last general election got Fianna Fáil’s 22.2 per cent first preference vote exactly right.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2IXIQIAH5FQ5DOWX5IL4EMRTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139673},"content":"Of the other two biggest parties, it slightly overestimated Fine Gael’s vote, giving the party 22.4 per cent (after the votes were counted it had 20.9 per cent) and it slightly underestimated Sinn Féin, giving the party 22.3 per cent, 2.2 per cent less than its 24.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZAFJ3SAZRCLXKVJOTUYHW7TSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139674},"content":"This year’s exit poll will be published here at 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILQC23OJSCAK7JMM6S6XYIXK5U","additional_properties":{"_id":"6AXZYCVGAFEWTL4OESIEDDFBG4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ENUDP4LZGFET5GW4ICQTTHSVOY","additional_properties":{"_id":"4JERWL2IZVEADEJB6IF66AYEIM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732919809303},"id":"timestamp-57592","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"XKDJMEHEIZBOJFWY46SLWNZGIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889778},"content":"Limerick ballot box update","type":"header"},{"_id":"OEGA55QRWRHKFDTGX3QPQCDK7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889779},"content":"More from <b>David Raleigh</b> on the ballots in Limerick city on which candidates’ names appeared in reverse alphabetical order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HQLZ3EOYVCZDEK7PTQMH4P5EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889780},"content":"Sinn Féin TD candidate Maurice Quinlivan said: “The fact ‘they’ can’t get basic things right, like the alphabetical order of the candidates is an absolute scandal, and it is simply not good enough - this is a ridiculous situation to be in.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABGJZQ6YANBUJHGKC4MDF666SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889781},"content":"Speaking to The Irish Times, Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea said he did not believe the error would influence the outcome as “most voters look for the photographs” of those standing. “I think it should be ok,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXRVLK3IDRDYXHVQRM4JU7EXJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889782},"content":"“I did notice that I had to look way down the paper to see my own name and it was only when it was pointed to me that I realised what had happened.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QDMMLES6VBVDDX7TPXTR42TWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889783},"content":"“But if the outcome is very close [for some candidates] then the outcome could be challenged in court,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BK6CX5DWCNHKNEDSHNZWUWCU4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889784},"content":"A spokesperson for the Limerick city returning officer said that they were “aware of the issue” and that it would be addressed at the count centre on Saturday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZKBJD7SANC4VIFCRN54KPHVPU","additional_properties":{"_id":"XQNL5LYKUBFYRJFZUDAET44HCA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921034129},"id":"timestamp-81208","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"L7OTNEZXIFFQRKNN6SH4ZJMM2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889786},"content":"UCD Professor of Political Economy Aidan Regan points out the exit poll is more evidence of a decline in the strength of the traditional Civil War parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXL63RN3QNCLZCWAPYL2UQNHD4","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"WCZXLKUIJVDX3FIQ4D22KQ2XRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"7IHVRH6OD5GWVMBIT7J57CNCAA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921899310},"id":"timestamp-95077","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"3OTI4I2QHVD2PG7JFCCXL6OB4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732922925493},"content":"Listen: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation?","type":"header"},{"_id":"5JGQFFMPPNBXHLQ7GSHGAZUORE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732922925494},"content":"Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to share the results of The Irish Times exit poll for the 2024 general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YN7F5UYIRHAZOXMABTHE54RYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"C76AYGQF7FC3DGC6MFIEKNEU4E"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-8562","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NBWIRBVZABBYLNULS4ANFUMBAU","additional_properties":{"_id":"XAG63RW4URG25N6L72ONODB4ME"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863650833},"id":"timestamp-13289","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5X72FZTDPBEQ5G3V5PBOQ4OTQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382755},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">Polling stations</a> have opened across the 43 constituencies in the State and voting will continue until 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULVSNVD55BAQZH5PBIQVPABQYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382756},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people will be eligible to vote. That is up 423,000 voters since the 2020 election with over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TQMVOGHZ5EWVKNNH4RVF33AOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382757},"content":"If the turnout is decent we could see more people casting their vote than at any point in the history of the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMGBUB5ELJCZZGVCR4ET6QEUY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382758},"content":"Once the clock strikes 10pm, the ballot boxes will be sealed and securely transported to the 32 count centres where they will say until 9am tomorrow when the magic – and the madness – of an Irish election count will get under way in earnest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYP2XRVSG5CALPJCNVJMVZSNQY","additional_properties":{"_id":"RCXLSAOD7ZGNPNQCI6JTXG3KJ4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863739840},"id":"timestamp-10013","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2Y5IIZY7IJEWPBYG7JDEHCHT74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382760},"content":"Today will be a long enough day with not a huge amount happening – at least in terms of canvassing – but we will be with you to cover it all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SUH46Q64ZJD4FLXUYG7LTLLY7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382761},"content":"While we might be in the calm before the political storm right now, things will change at 10pm when the first results of an Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD exit poll conducted by Ipsos B&A will be released. That might give us an early and very tentative sign as to what will happen next and who will form the next Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAWRKRUYFJCLRLPVFBRLU7RSII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382762},"content":"It won’t be definitive mind you. As the counts go on – and on and on and on – throughout tomorrow transfers and second, third and fourth preferences will come into play in a big way and until the last seat is filled we probably won’t be sure who are next Taoiseach will be and what party they will be from.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F7DCK477KRCZFN4PPWGKGFZ4XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382763},"content":"It is a long process for sure but isn’t that what makes it all exciting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2L66JD5KJEUPGTMB5AUKXGASE","additional_properties":{"_id":"G7KPUJYUYFA6TNWZZ3U6MOTTRU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732864782143},"id":"timestamp-32819","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UZECM6XOBZCTFDLIPXRA2TO6OY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732865077487},"content":"How do you vote? What do you need? Where should you go? We have all – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/\" target=\"_blank\">or at least some</a> – of your election questions answered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RAE65K5OJBFXHETO2XT7VKKGIE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UDJPDDAGCJD4HOOV3DUG75KWIQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732865085207},"id":"timestamp-64234","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UYSVXEU5UBEQRCIF3OQ6U42LNU","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4I44JQDQJZHDJINUHOEEW2IP3I","additional_properties":{"_id":"B2ZFVJZMZJERTNQ56UXGC7JUH4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732866065602},"id":"timestamp-27231","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"RN2XP5EWBFEUVFGIVRPAFCE6VE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831482},"content":"“Identifying target seats in Irish general election is an art more than a science. Unless there is a huge surge for one or two parties – as happened in 1992, 2011 and again in 2020 – gains and losses happen at the margins.” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/\" target=\"_blank\">This piece </a>from <b>Harry McGee</b> is well worth a few minutes of your day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVLKHLVD4BGG7CY6D7KQR4C6AY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GDWJWY2GDVBBTHZHHGZ7YZJPTY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732866764993},"id":"timestamp-31603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UBSUO3YD2NDUDOP4JSOPH2BJVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831484},"content":"“The people of Ireland will vote for freedom.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKB6OFMJFVDQHJ3MO33ZAXHUD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831485},"content":"That is Elon Musk’s view anyways, for what it’s worth. He took to the platform formerly known as Twitter overnight to share it. He also shared a video of a lot of people walking around flying the tricolour to a soundtrack of stirring music and chants of “Get them out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBRPHREVY5FWTG6KTEHOED5IPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831486},"content":"Now you know.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MHSV5B3HJCYRF57ERZW6XL3LU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4UEIK4RCPVE4THD67NRVBXEI6M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732867840212},"id":"timestamp-12880","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BR3IQCNLDBALVPNT7JKRKSXRWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732868908504},"content":"Still undecided? That’s okay, we have you covered on that score too. We’re not going to tell you who to vote for, like, but t<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/election-2024-how-do-your-views-match-with-election-candidates-in-your-area-use-this-tool-to-find-out/\" target=\"_blank\">he WhichCandidate voting aid tool </a>might help you to find out who you agree with on a range of policies","type":"text"},{"_id":"99b36e44-04d2-4a86-b384-cd5c4fbf90d0","additional_properties":{"_id":"YTEDZSBNQRBC7HYR75Y6WSJCY4"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"OA543LYQSZE4RLFZ3E2GRUXADY","additional_properties":{"_id":"CB4BWXVIXRALLDFI5HU7DVHB2A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732869027748},"id":"timestamp-59739","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BEA7OYI2KBEGLDIUFUAEZ3ADIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895305},"content":"Our voting system is many things but uncomplicated is not one of them. How does it work?<b> Sarah Burns </b>has some answers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEPGHREF6JBJXOJSYI7UBIGAUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"HH56JDV3CFDN5LBLZITIUHN7P4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732869208013},"id":"timestamp-60077","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PIPMOATDYFDKDBSIYCU4YDK23I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895307},"content":"Simon Harris has aid he was “feeling really good today” as he arrived with his family at Delgany National School in Co Wicklow to vote just before 7.30am.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G5D67DNALNAIFAFFDWRCD2ALAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895308},"content":"“I’m feeling really hopeful, hopeful in terms of the election, but hopeful for the future of our country,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7Y5VM5XUBDY3MYRUXZ2SEMQ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895309},"content":"“I wanted to vote early because I now want to head across our country today, continuing to encourage everyone to get out and have their say in this election.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAUIDW2FK5E7LIYUFHXRFKCPBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895310},"content":"Asked whether he was glad the campaign was over, the Taoiseach said he had enjoyed the campaign and making a pitch for his vision for the country’s future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LMWQZ3G4RAGBAR22WK4CVQPB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895311},"content":"He said he would be working until polls close at 10pm and is expected to travel to counties Carlow, Laois, Monaghan and Tipperary, as well as Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3SPVZUY3VBW7LLCHMVTFY6ABM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NVK6W75X6BDH5JF7CXFYVFJW2Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732871757350},"id":"timestamp-32217","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CXDCANP7WFAPVMLB6SKQSIQF6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895313},"content":"And in case you miss it, this is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/\" target=\"_blank\">how we will be covering the count.</a> It’s an all hands on deck kind of affair.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GFN3VR3YRBBFHNHOLRMHVENUM","additional_properties":{"_id":"6PAGZ25AR5DJVG2VQR2H62RKHM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732871904535},"id":"timestamp-3090","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"P7NPHJWNSK6HXO3UPGSU4FIXHE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UV4MF3WGTRBV5P5Q672R376LZ4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BFG6TXIJUVEU7MRYXTUTAR4SUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"YD5J7TYSABCDNLAVCTXSWZUZGQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732872207628},"id":"timestamp-51225","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G7KCASHRWZHWFANMKRQS5WFSWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607566},"content":"Don’t write up Louth, up the Dubs, up Mayo","type":"header"},{"_id":"PNBJTSYE3BGVXB2LPRM6MADHKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607567},"content":"An Coimisiún Toghcháin’s head of electoral operations Tim Carey has warned voters not to write anything but numbers on their ballot papers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJHRAFZAFJBEZFRV3MKF7NEJ2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607568},"content":"Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland he reminded voters to “start with the number one and then work your way down the ballot with as much or as few candidates as you want. Don’t write up Louth, up the Dubs, up Mayo, don’t comment on one of the politicians or anything like that because if you do your vote may not be counted.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTH4VRBY7FFA7BA33QL2VH74DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607569},"content":"He also warned people against taking selfies in the booth. “Take a selfie outside the polling station by the sign, but not inside the polling station.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNBJTSYE3BGVXB2LPRM6MADHKA_1","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607570},"content":"Care said people should also make sure their ballot is properly stamped at the polling stations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OO2H64THSFEYNFFPAMEQ67EYLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607571},"content":"“If that is not done, and in a very small percentage of cases it is not because they are busy or they just forget, your vote won’t count – it is actually an invalid vote,” he said. “So, make sure it is stamped.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T47TDMD7DIS6ZDY2OKHGNVQHJM","additional_properties":{"_id":"AHGUYNMBQRHGJGCGKPPX4U2CQ4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DK3XB64VCNCBNLALK54RIT23XE","additional_properties":{"_id":"EFUSQR6QNVGNBLZVEHLZFJKWF4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732876532241},"id":"timestamp-28553","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CGYPK7MMYRBPVN7UZSGPBJLQ7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794373},"content":"The Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said he is “cautiously hopeful” of the outcome of what he called a “close fought” election battle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYEUUXHP2VATNHRLWCR2RW3NQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794374},"content":"He said his Fianna Fáil party had a “stronger team” than they had in the 2020 election, when they came back with 38 seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MO7JFF54IRGNJM22PDXR7XHDFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794375},"content":"Asked will he sleep on Friday night and before count day, he said “oh I will yeah”. Asked if he has any rituals on count day, Mr Martin said “I take it easy”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KF5BS44KMBEK5HO6TWCNVS2VXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794376},"content":"“I’ll have a very good breakfast tomorrow morning, and I tell everyone not to come near me until about midday,” he said in Cork. I don’t want to hear a tally from the 44th box, no point. I can go over all that later.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCO2PMTZ25FQ5IR5OXELIHRJQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794377},"content":"“Actually, I’m very relaxed on count day and the only challenge is to make sure that I can keep the noise out. I will probably go into town and do a few things, go to Douglas market maybe. Then in around midday, 1pm maybe, depending when the tally will be finished, head to the count centre, and it’s very familiar ground for me, Nemo Rangers, and I’ll enjoy that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3V6OLSGYVBRDMEHPZSUEOUY2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794378},"content":"“Maybe that’ll be a good omen,” he said, referring to the fact that his son Micheal Aodh plays football for Nemo Rangers GAA club.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JG3BGLQIWVAPJL3WDU2HB45EP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"4J3BZM4XVVFTPEV3QGUAEY2LEQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732876861448},"id":"timestamp-10510","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AX7DTGEMVM5TWME5E5DYYYU5XI","additional_properties":{"_id":"UTEF4PHNXBBGLFRU44ZFDQMLGI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TW2WU4NUFFBLZOVZDKMQMY4Z3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"4KEBAN4MEBARPOL5QKKUAEOUSA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732877280096},"id":"timestamp-62193","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"22G6VQ3D3NGRXGMNAUFJSSUWRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794382},"content":"There is some talk of turnout coming in. It is very early in the day and across the country between 3 and 5 per cent of the electorate have already cast their ballots. According to some reports, Dublin has been slightly busier that it was at this point in the 2020 election. Still very early days mind you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"562I7ZIJ5RCPFI3BYY2PXPUIKA","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZPBJHDJ6FRCXFJJLKXECUR6OLE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732879624229},"id":"timestamp-56898","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UPGMPEHV75GUDDPHKYI37Y4FYM","additional_properties":{"_id":"EC3JOPPXJRCYZNQDWPKFADEWWM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XY3SFO6VNRCC5KN54QJLLZ2SKA","additional_properties":{"_id":"75T2S4PV5ZCZXMQ3WBGBHHQG5M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880136040},"id":"timestamp-88339","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5W6HFHYK25FF5CGT3F5JROIDMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394480},"content":"The Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said today is not the day to talk about the exact make-up of any future Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOB5O4DVMFHOTOUJ2WY4HSXT6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394481},"content":"<b>Barry Roche </b>reports that when he was asked if he would be happy to be a rotating Taoiseach after the election he said “we’re not getting into that today. The people are voting today. Let’s have respect for the people.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IO7IR27HEFDMZCXBLVY6R7ARB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394482},"content":"He said he was “fighting to be Taoiseach, I’m campaigning to be Taoiseach after the next election, but nothing is certain until every vote is counted. And then there is the aftermath of election in terms of what happens within Dáil Éireann itself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"REEP63WDAZD4DBEK24FCN5T4PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394483},"content":"So there is a lot of hard work ahead, but certainly I did have a good feeling in the last two to three days in terms of the response that I was getting after the debates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTXNUGMRQRH6VBXX43SMMBUBLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394484},"content":"He said the decision is “now in the hands of the people. We can’t be predicting anything now, at this stage, other than that, we fought a positive campaign. We’ve got a good response.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZILRB7GBVAOFHHEL7CVODDBBI","additional_properties":{"_id":"D64GIVLWJBEQ3OTDW7A2HAZBZU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880405081},"id":"timestamp-44220","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6MD54PS4MFBFHBH74UYERHQ6JI","additional_properties":{"_id":"5HFHMDOLENFIRHQTZKHPIXMTS4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880415758},"id":"timestamp-29966","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"KQ7E5B4BMBBAXC5KDUJ4IN3HIM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"KHEKXSV7KNFP5D7M6VSRLAWKGI","additional_properties":{"_id":"BVFMJX62W5AIHADVVUPV4DFONU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880977983},"id":"timestamp-41921","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BXS2D7FRAFBZ7P2PFPRLCVEIFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197459},"content":"<b>Jade Wilson </b>has a fresh update on turnout in Dublin and Kildare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43Z5YSRK2NAMDOTIFX4DG62HCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197460},"content":"As of 9.30am this morning, voting constituencies across Dublin city had an average turnout of 3.68 per cent, with the exact turnouts for each constituency in the area below.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5TQ6A5KH5CYLEQBIQ7MVEB7YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197461},"content":"Dublin North West: 3.8 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWN7RW5T5VA4LEVJA5NWYLTLN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197462},"content":"Dublin Bay North: 2.4 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NTG5ZAR7JCXXMKS7WRRD6QQRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197463},"content":"Dublin Central: 4.5 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"MNXXF6K6VBAKJGCUZKLS4I6ND4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197464},"content":"Dublin Bay South: 5.15 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIWZNUX2R5CATMFFYVFM4A7CN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197465},"content":"Dublin South Central: 2.55 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"2IHVOGX435BMNPGFXKBKMUXJNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197466},"content":"Across Kildare North and South at the same time, there was an average turnout between 5 per cent and 6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LM5ZDY2KX5CGVIG4VLCC2X7XTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197467},"content":"The next check with returning officers will be at around 12.30pm, we’re told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XNOYSPDOVABDHOBVBTRPX6VUE","additional_properties":{"_id":"6QG4UFQBGVCPNNB4TOJYM4VCQE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732881237818},"id":"timestamp-63195","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"FOHYYHSRZ5MIZXEWR7DJ5TCJ7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"DEH5NOV3NBFBPPK3VJ6GLTZOQI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VJO6XTM72JBNNCKMZKRDSTJJTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OBEMFFE6KBGONAMI6ZDLTPMOCY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732882092607},"id":"timestamp-87062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SKREDAEYHBGCBFN4OMEUHEXC7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197471},"content":"Have you ever wondering what overseas journalists make of our somewhat complicated voting system?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBIOQ73D3ZGRXFLJOGEPDJ63HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197472},"content":"And how are international media organisations covering the elections here? <b>Sarah Burns</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/im-sort-of-bracing-myself-for-the-days-of-counting-ahead-foreign-journalists-views-on-the-general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">has been finding out.</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"43L3EYNO5FAWDA5MEMBEOIQAFU","additional_properties":{"_id":"AWZ3HKDVM5D6XHJCTQ4PYE6UPE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732883208963},"id":"timestamp-79534","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PUJSNEY5DZE7DF5SQIFG2CKDV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541906},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has cast her vote in at the Deaf Village in Cabra.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B64UVOCPARCRLCQP7L22BXF4DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541907},"content":"“We’ve lost count of the number of conversations that we’ve had with people with disabilities, children waiting and waiting for services, and that is really hard and really unacceptable, but we need to mark today with a note of optimism and hope and confidence and ambition, because today is election day,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WA3T4KW25F6FLHRYE6BEZWJCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541908},"content":"“And the great beauty of this, and it’s a moment of almost, of actual unique equality for every citizen, because your vote holds exactly the same weight, whether you’re down on your luck and you’re struggling, or if you’re a multi millionaire, your vote carries equal weight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YD3JCKMVSFF6NFIAO55RWMRDU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541909},"content":"“So this is the moment where people can really shape the next Government, and we need a new Government, but really have your say on an equal basis. So I always think that that’s a really positive thing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VUBOPMFTZE7LC2H7DMXCZ2JOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"CFXUMT6U5FDSPEG2P24AK2RBEM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884459724},"id":"timestamp-54460","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GFXLVTS64JG65KNDW76C6WCZUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541911},"content":"Some more turnout news from<b> Jade Wilson</b>, this time from Cavan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6GLWBDZTVEV3PGWQ4X5LWIAWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541912},"content":"At Bailieborough count centre, the turnout at 10am was 6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMPKDV44ENFZXD544QEHIWBMWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541913},"content":"In Ballyjamesduff, it was 8 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JDSXI4S3VBPZD5WIDMIGFCKJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541914},"content":"By 11am, turnout at St Clare’s count centre in Cavan was 9.17 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5DTUFJJD5GT7LIIKEA363JQBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541915},"content":"And the turnout for Virginia in Co Cavan at 12pm is 14.14 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CESLIUJNRFHVPN5NGPWOGFJOO4","additional_properties":{"_id":"GOGBNB3FJ5CI5G7EQ5LWDTQK34"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884554229},"id":"timestamp-16062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"S6RQIKCZHBEVJIOSPBW2UEHAVY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FWIQPUMF2RC6LCNZZBTCTCIX3M"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZHF7GUML4NDNJBLUOSLRD7OOAI","additional_properties":{"_id":"BHK3YZTTMFGKZAPBI6AMNMWEHE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884681595},"id":"timestamp-94982","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"C6M7E5F2SFHA3CN3RL6DWI33MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543083},"content":"The President, Michael D Higgins cast his vote in the Phoenix Park this morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZJVBGFXBRE77OSJXOY2BQL5SE","subtype":"instagram","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4BC6C74PEZEENPRBOA62TW6BMA","additional_properties":{"_id":"JVIZNHDDDBEGRNGFULA6ITAJVY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884758842},"id":"timestamp-82544","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AVZ2SYXQTBHNLCAVSNB47TH7YU","additional_properties":{"_id":"TUNXU76JFNCCJKVDCV5ACOT66E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884842480},"id":"timestamp-43879","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"T4HULRO7PBHUZCODQPMANMPT3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543087},"content":"We have some very good news from the leader of one party which we really must share while stressing it should not be taken as an indication of any bias on our part.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPKRKCTZMJDCJDLYW2BU5CSAII","subtype":"instagram","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"7Z66KWBIEZH55PVFPQL462JMZY","additional_properties":{"_id":"C5RWUG6HLBEBVHACOGY36AKN5I"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732885546473},"id":"timestamp-83194","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"F7DGBL4DQNDCDIOHET6QBKBP6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543090},"content":"More news on turnouts around the country from <b>Jade Wilson.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3YLMZIQONGEJLRNI5TYT5LYSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543091},"content":"Turnout across polling stations in Galway West is currently 8 per cent to 14 per cent at, while Galway East count centres have turnouts of 11 per cent to 16 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMMZRU5ZENAQDDT5LAAMA3L5IU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543092},"content":"Turnout in rural Mayo polling stations is currently 9 to 18 per cent, and between 9 and 12.3 per cent in urban Mayo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCMRMMJJ3JFUXLCGQ7XHMFR6EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543093},"content":"In Dundalk, some of the rural polling stations are now seeing over 20 per cent turnout.","type":"text"},{"_id":"74WWWEHG45B3XCYEK5BZBHZR6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543094},"content":"Kilcurry polling station has a turnout of 28 per cent, and Sheelagh has 22 per cent so far.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZUDJ5VXCFEEFKJGPJLEPM6QBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543095},"content":"In urban Dundalk, turnout is currently between 12.5-15 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QULW4ZWV6BGW3NA75TV75N2LF4","additional_properties":{"_id":"WEBU2QF6TNAD3LOQPQE5UW2HME"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732886270993},"id":"timestamp-66382","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SWWQ6JT77BFKXLD44VRXI7RP2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543097},"content":"In the Sandymount area of Dublin Bay South constituency the turn out was at 20 per cent by 12.30pm. Officials say is “well above” the turnout rate at the same time for the local and European elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPA5S5MYQ5AYDLE65LMBODO5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"7DSFDZXKGVBNZAG4HIQVYWCNMY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732886556104},"id":"timestamp-3427","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MUV3FLU57RDZ3JSUA3N3GIA7IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861468},"content":"<b>Harry McGee </b>has done a breakdown of how the election might shake up for some parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAWX7BOASJFKRC52FJTLUP67YM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861469},"content":"<b>GREEN PARTY</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLFEAUVQVVEL3J2CZKIIDNR4RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861470},"content":"It’s a battle for survival for the Green Party. It has no strong targets and all its potential gains are long shots. Only two of its TDs, Catherine Martin and Roderic O’Gorman look safe. It is in real trouble in five constituencies and will be in battles in another five.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5GEFQLD4NECDDYFGAJM2FCEJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861471},"content":"POSSIBLE GAINS","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFEYFSLCEFG23FW7HBLZDCZFGM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"Z27G5EBGIZB6JHXEW2WFSODN2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861473},"content":"SERIOUS RISK OF LOSS","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUINJGLQY5HUDJKJRDAY54R6KA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"3KIBR46GGJFXJIZBT3N6OYA6ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861475},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"C25XVUC4SNANRNCSFC3BIOBXNE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"75BDHU5PB5CFRMOB4LVCCL66ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"6MPVICSIFNF5PLKA2KJZQ53HNQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732889671100},"id":"timestamp-30899","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UJBC6Q6M5ZHTLHHCL5WHQVWZSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745030},"content":"The number of people in homeless accommodation in the State has reached another record high and is now at almost 15,000 people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YD7FWG5YM5HJZKC4BYQOARLGZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745031},"content":"There were 14,966 people homeless in October, consisting of 10,321 adults and 4,645 children under the age of 18, from 2,161 families.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GC6NAGCXPRA5FMXQZK5DO5UT2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745032},"content":"It amounts to an increase of 1.4 per cent on the 14,760 people accessing emergency accommodation in September.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKMF4BTE6VE3PBOAPZ2AXT7ZZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745033},"content":"The homelessness figures have increased year on year by 13.5 per cent. There were 13,179 people in homelessness in October last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KG4T3OAYRBGBFDRDXAXI4PNUUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745034},"content":"Opposition parties, especially Sinn Féin, had called for the figures to be published in advance of the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AXY6HEDWRJDMPOMTK7532NICME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745035},"content":"However, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said the publication of the figures were the sole responsibility of his department.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SIVC36OFZCPJE7SNPGPCYZPVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745036},"content":"The homelessness figures for the previous month are normally published by the Department of Housing on the last Friday of the following month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MEARX7YEJEE5EXCOHZRY45GL4","additional_properties":{"_id":"EIR43F2ZBFES5PPJC3X6SJCLVU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732889995581},"id":"timestamp-25399","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OQ7USWEASVAKDA52OWA6GHPWBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745038},"content":"Sinn Féin’s housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin has said that ‘the latest rise in homeless numbers confirms why a change of Government is needed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBYIIE3YBJBWPOVNXNZSPA2NO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745039},"content":"“Once again, the number of adults, children, single people, and families without a home has increased. And this just weeks after the Government announced its record giveaway budget. The latest rise in homeless numbers confirms why we need a change of Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXQIVN44WRBLPNUPZEEOYUBIZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745040},"content":"“As people go to the polls throughout today, they should ask themselves do they want another five years of rising homelessness. Because that is what they will get it Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael go back into Government,” he continued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMLFDLNZ5JET5NUOYFPENZ7CXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745041},"content":"We will report any other responses as they come in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLR4YL34QNAGHD6XCE56M3SAR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"55DDVGUECZF2HDPYNPZF6GBLU4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732891051632},"id":"timestamp-22692","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"INM3JKWPBFGYXEFQUXJOOUS25U","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TKDIZSK6NJCUHHW7PCQZEKNSYA","additional_properties":{"_id":"YAQ2WXVTPVDIDJNUDREDGOS3VQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732891924500},"id":"timestamp-97674","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"TWFKZRMZ6NGNNGOYT4X4GLJRQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745045},"content":"More from <b>Harry McGee</b> on how the smaller parties might do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IN2L5V573ZCWFN6MD4XFUGL2IY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745046},"content":"<b>SOCIAL DEMOCRATS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWQ6RXYXORFHJE7KC5LOCEE56Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745047},"content":"The party is polling very strongly and looks like it will make gains. It has three strong targets, and another seven constituencies where it might gain on a very good day. Could be the dark horse among the smaller parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SW7BJOYKKBDVXACHZ5BJ2YEMSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745048},"content":"MAIN TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"4D3ZTUUYCVHGRM5SFA3FLYO7OQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"NRWC2BM4IJF7TMRX5GRU3XFCMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745050},"content":"POSSIBLE TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"27XYCRY6JJF2VEQWN2DF6FMLMM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"VC3UTVS3UNC5XHVWGB4IZISVVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745052},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"CY3FS42ZGVFJLGZOIBZSHF5YQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745053},"content":"Dublin North West: Róisín Shortall’s retirement leaves a big gap and Rory Hearne has his work cut out to retain it. But he is high profile and with his party showing 12 per cent support levels in Dublin in The Irish Times poll, he will be in the mix.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NORXGP7DWFGWROW3BHAUPT4XWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745054},"content":"Dublin Central: Another high profile figure, Gary Gannon, faces stiff competition in an unpredictable constituency where transfers will be everything. He looks like he might just survive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCEWK5ARBRASDIL5MNFE57LKOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745055},"content":"<b>SOLIDARITY-PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BYQ5MH6ZBFRRJOLQ3J4BZDH34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745056},"content":"MAIN TARGET","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PBOODW4O5A7JLJA4APRACSRZQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"BWKCJ55ZPZEYNBHEVMY5FFXISE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745058},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRPB47NTLFFVTA6BNK5TSAT5PA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"BDY26GJPLFFQZDZXN3ATV324YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745060},"content":"<b>AONTÚ:</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I23GBSI77BDZZBKAUOV7AAE35E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745061},"content":"MAIN TARGETS:","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RBBJ4IF4BEW3EODCHPMKLDLTY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7KR24XVDIFDVTFDUUNYX32IJVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"UQUAF4VD4BDXRAKN77ZPKLMKJA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732893511743},"id":"timestamp-94450","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JPEBXE7FPBDBRHUJGW7IRPWELQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745064},"content":"The smaller parties are targeting specific constituencies for gains, and also to shore up support where their existing seats are under pressure, writes <b>Harry McGee.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XYOGQPKRFHNHM47SXQCYIHTDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745065},"content":"<b>LABOUR</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2M7AAV3JGJDLHHJM4BFD6VHOLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745066},"content":"MAIN TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"A45RMKAOANBNTPENOHZ3GQVZ2Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"27CZBYAMKJCP3AS65WGHUP5X2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745068},"content":"POSSIBLE GAINS","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSPRUSHIZFHVZCOAOLVWSJ644M","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"KC5P4CT6NZBXTGHY4JHGQ4TYWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745070},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"IIJCDK7SU5D4LM6X626RMXKRZE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7NAY6L26FFGXRFR2UGDNTGI6YA","additional_properties":{"_id":"TKKH7SJUIVBY3G3L4PNIGTCLGU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732893762243},"id":"timestamp-85049","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DPTUPIF7WVCQ3FU37XAUOBKA7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732895474764},"content":"A really interesting read from <b>Olivia O’Leary </b>a woman who knows a thing or two about Irish elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWIOW7NKMVBJJMS4X3QHIJSZHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732895474765},"content":"There’s a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/30/olivia-oleary-if-this-election-campaign-has-proven-anything-its-that-voters-are-not-eejits/\" target=\"_blank\">great deal to be said for keeping it simple. </a>The British journalist and excellent communicator, Andrew Marr, once advised journalists to put no more than four figures in an opinion piece. More than that and you lost the reader. And if this election campaign was dull, it was partly because it was weighed down with too many complex numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I5SHLC4XJGLPODJDJMKKVXC2M","additional_properties":{"_id":"5NQMWRDVBBEGLOCWTVRZW2G6UU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732897231234},"id":"timestamp-47196","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GXJVWSGZHRAQPFFSLH553JQFQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874085},"content":"The timing is coincidental but the latest Eurobarometer poll may auger well for the re-election of the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RR6Q5NK7HVAJHIFOHNJJIK4GXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874086},"content":"The European Commission undertakes surveys across the 27 member states on a regular basis to ascertain the mood of the Continent in general.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PG2BLLEO75DJHLJXS36JUL2HSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874087},"content":"The survey shows that Irish people are generally more contented with their lot than their European equivalents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVGU7GAPCBEZPCIKNXEMDKIORY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874088},"content":"Some 82 per cent rate their financial situation as being good in comparison with 73 per cent in Europe in general.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUTISE2Z5BHURCLQVDIOWOAIKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874089},"content":"Similarly, 79 per cent of Irish people are happy with their job situation compared to 68 per cent across Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECPEXTFXXRCVPEXOF6H3L277G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874090},"content":"Irish people are generally satisfied with the state of the economy with 71 per cent saying the economic situation is good and 28 per cent bad.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPAUMQZ4NRHYTGT3LCDLW3U7NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874091},"content":"The survey also reveals strong support for the EU’s actions against Russia with 90 per cent of Irish people agreeing on sanctions against the country because of its invasion of Ukraine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5LO6CAOXJE2DPIGJQJREQKG4E","additional_properties":{"_id":"OPMM46OVKNBVHLGKJNL4YTO5OQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732898915222},"id":"timestamp-53689","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"D3QD3GRFGBEB5DDJFLHEYVRFAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874093},"content":"Holly Cairns, who was first elected to Cork County Council in 2019 by a single vote, will be hoping that things aren’t quite as tight this time around as she won’t be able to vote for herself after giving birth to a little girl this morning at Cork University Maternity Hospital, <b>writes Barry Roche.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUPQI4P6PRAMRH6UGB2LNTPSQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874094},"content":"“Holly went into the hospital for a check up on Thursday evening and stayed in and her baby girl was born early this morning – she is registered to vote in her home polling station outside Skibbereen so she won’t be able to vote today,” said a Social Democrats source.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY6CJI3ACBDOZG3LCAJ32BOQ6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874095},"content":"“It would be a two-hour journey and just not feasible with a newly born baby and unfortunately there is no facility for voting in hospitals like there is in nursing homes, so she won’t be able to cast her vote this time around.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTFDL6MG5JEK3MCG6DLJA4SCPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874096},"content":"Holly was on the campaign trail right until to the time she went into CUMH, filming a campaign video for Social Democrats Cork South Central candidate Padraig Rice from the grounds of the maternity hospital in Wilton in the heart of the five seat constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"742NMCE7W5BP5MVQBFZSH5OW6M","additional_properties":{"_id":"LTFLZHYCSVGMVKADZ5N5JKPK4E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732898982833},"id":"timestamp-18929","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"QCN5I6622BDMDDF6BJOX6RNTCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874098},"content":"Various different names have been put forward on X as to what Holly Cairns might call her baby girl given the auspicious day she was born.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DT2QK3VCWZBZ7JGUK63VVY5IQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874099},"content":"Electra was one, Victoria another, Candace and maybe even Poll-y.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYOXCU5SDRC77BTJ46EBE4CAEE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ZJACMITQ7NHCFGNTUQEQZ2FOZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NEGGDM3235HVVLAXIITOVABUCM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732900121928},"id":"timestamp-98110","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"Z7UZ5EPN6JGATLV355A3RWWTVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874118},"content":"The Tonight Show presenters Claire Brock and Ciara Doherty have both announced their departure from the station.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKNZPEOAEFA25EWYEDKNBJCVZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902681467},"content":"The Virgin Media show, which was a fixture for a lot of political junkies, was cut down to from four to two days a week just before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOYZ3CQLXBGZHKS47QRI2S4YDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874117},"content":"The station also pleaded poverty in its decision to not host a leaders’ debate. Station controller Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin blamed the failure of the Government to help","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TVCDHBBDZCJVMX27BMBO5FE2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874119},"content":"Ms Doherty, who has been with the broadcaster for 14 years, said she has decided “to move on from late nights and early mornings to begin a new adventure”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEC3Q3QPI5CBHN3S4UAM7AXOYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874120},"content":"Claire Brock said she had been “fortunate to have enjoyed incredible opportunities with the very best team of colleagues”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTX6JQD6R5FYNMNY3E45NJFF24","additional_properties":{"_id":"G57KLY2GDBGTTJ5FZ52IC7L4O4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732916258853},"id":"timestamp-60236","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JFKTSDS54JGOZNSPOMRB5TC2A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762077},"content":"Exit Poll will give strong indication of how the electorate has voted","type":"header"},{"_id":"XPMCWAHZHRC5RKX63FCD5Y2ENI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762078},"content":"We are nearing the time of when the exit poll results are published. We are going live with them at 10pm sharp. The poll was commissioned by The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and Trinity College and 5,000 people have been surveyed across all 43 constituencies during the course of the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWI7IDZDKJFJ7DPI3S35DW4BXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762079},"content":"Our last opinion poll published on Monday put the three parties within a hair’s breadth of one another with Fianna Fáil at 21 per cent, Sinn Féin at 20, and Fine Gael at 19, all within the margin of error.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4KQX4IBBZC6TLHFVKE2BF32DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762080},"content":"Has anything occurred in the past week to move the needle to or from any of the parties?","type":"text"},{"_id":"UR4LO4AEVFGLFADTW2DAN2NJLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762081},"content":"Was the leaders’ debate on RTÉ deliberative?","type":"text"},{"_id":"YX76JSYB45C2XPPIG27UFL5A4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762082},"content":"Did Simon Harris put what he described as the “bumps along the way” behind him?","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNK6SURPRNDKNL2YXG6ADK7OXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762083},"content":"If they are still locked together, it is going to be intriguing. It will mean that no two combinations can come close to a majority. The pathway to power for Sinn Féin will be tricky in that instance. The other interesting thing (but this will only become apparent when the count starts tomorrow) will be transfers. Will Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil transfer to each other in the numbers that their strategists are predicting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5TQNCQPSFRBT7M57ULJJY5VXG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762084},"content":"This poll has such a large sample that the margin of error is small. We have not finalised the number yet but it will be around 1.6 per cent. In 2020, a similar exercised gave a very close approximation of the final out-turn for each of the larger parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EACDQ2OZWLQTWSJZHFTHYGRTF4","additional_properties":{"_id":"YBK6ONTQBZAEZJE2YOJ5PMNEYU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CVSBCHUWR5BVFKYULTVCFYU4HE","additional_properties":{"_id":"AQETCAAS4ZFGRGN6HLKAPXPPW4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6RXL46KHZZD3FLJIDSY4FGTSOE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UINBV5SFKNACVOHQUHDTZQTERI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917250714},"id":"timestamp-24691","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BQL4V7UWURFZ7COJJWICUIJP4E","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"25UTZQWK3VHJLMABLMPJBCROAY","additional_properties":{"_id":"4SLKDTZA4JBWLFHPLJY56HGJWM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917269418},"id":"timestamp-77421","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PS4TCXKY6JE23GQKTCWZXNCMQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136757},"content":"A very tense and close election with three lead parties within 1.6 per cent of each other","type":"header"},{"_id":"AIMIMXVXS5AE5PDS5GQEK3RRPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136758},"content":"The three lead parties are at a near deadlock according to the findings of the exit poll conducted by Ipsos/B&A on behalf of The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and Trinity College.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJSLHLL63JDENN2V7ZTUFDTCGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136759},"content":"For the second election in a row, Sinn Féin looks like it will be the most popular party with 21.1 per cent, a whisker above Fine Gael, which is at 21.0 per cent according to the findings. Fianna Fáil is a further 1.5 per cent back at 19.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLN3IV3LBJECFEAQHNEDNOPUWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136760},"content":"The number of voter who were sampled today across the 43 constituencies was 5,018. The margin of error is 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RFXG5663BBNJLKVT3RS4QLR6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136761},"content":"Of the other parties, the Social Democrats have come out best, marginally ahead of the Labour Party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GO5BWEOFRZG53DTIW5BZHX252A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136762},"content":"Their support levels are, according to the poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJ3GUNW2H5FR5MXFZIHS2BTXFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136763},"content":"Social Democrats: 5.8 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTYADHTHFVBA3CLH4PZPECLOGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136764},"content":"Labour 5 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WW5WXVYCBCVPFRRL2ZHBJANWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136765},"content":"Green Party 4 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKGLNYDQUNHVDG7BIPOA6QKQUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136766},"content":"Aontu 3.6 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"7T7UCD222ZBIBF65IUGBYYSKH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136767},"content":"People Before Profit 3.1 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEPVO46KGNGZJHR3FQLCMWRGBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136768},"content":"Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYGI6NEUVFEZPBPALF6JGCBPAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136769},"content":"Independents 12.7 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXAJISUH4RA6NFZVCSYEBOFM3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136770},"content":"Others 1.9 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"6HQNAS5NXBALZP4OZDBEMCSR4U","additional_properties":{"_id":"7KTFZKRXRRD5XMVI4TJY6UHGHQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917951734},"id":"timestamp-53776","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A7KGJPUNLVDF7CRFQUCLJJLVSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136772},"content":"Jennifer Bray gives her take on The Late Late Show","type":"header"},{"_id":"RMUHGBEJGFGWTBJMJ3FLQQCQBE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"GRDB3QIOCNGSZPY3YQJCA2T5KA","additional_properties":{"_id":"PL2SIMAYSNEA5LVJVMHKVKC7FI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918048089},"id":"timestamp-90356","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"J6H6PSJL6ZHDFCQ5COLX4IMNNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136775},"content":"So what does it mean?","type":"header"},{"_id":"5VM52IYVG5DH5ECUKUCTHQ72OY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136776},"content":"Well the people have spoken but I think it’s going to take a while for us to figure out what they have said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I56NBHF7WRELVMKKLJREHY42S4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136777},"content":"The three larger parties are still more or less prised together. Just a word of caution, in the exit poll in 2020, the actual outturn did differ a little, so one or more of the three big parties may have its support levels overstated or understated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YI62LUCT2ZFLJBIFV5WPHR5S4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136778},"content":"If the results are borne out, Fianna Fáil will be the most disappointed. It seemed to have been the only party that had stayed above the fray but it clearly did not have momentum. Micheál Martin was said to have had a good campaign but it has not translated into a greater level of support.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWI5FHLAPBBT3FGHJYUTG5YA4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136779},"content":"In context, it’s a good result for Sinn Féin. Not compared to a year ago. But definitely compared to five months ago when it tanked in the local and European elections. It has managed to put those - and the series of scandals involving senior figures in the party - behind it and recovered to compete with the other two.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3QFBILSSBFMZP7BY3B5VM5ROQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136780},"content":"Fine Gael will be disappointed compared to a month ago. But happy compared to three days ago when Simon Harris, after swatting away all foes for months, seemed to have impaled himself on his sword.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XQBYVYTZ7ZAJ7GK7OO2B6DJKXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136781},"content":"Is there a path to government on these figures. Not for Sinn Féin as a lead party of a left alliance. Not for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil as a coalition setting off to do the second difficult album. There will be a lot of talking and a lot of creativity needed, if these results are borne out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDSA3FMJRFEPNGORROVWNXH5TU","additional_properties":{"_id":"5DDTFCSBAFFE7J2GHBJNMFLHAI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918737049},"id":"timestamp-41916","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EDTQQIAZ6BFNTMN2E73SS457ZY","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"JVRL6HJVNBFXXBTKCD3R6URJUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"7BEHID3MKNH7NDWRMEN5OBAGAA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918842978},"id":"timestamp-29462","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NJFSTT7RDZAA3MSQYLVDNVAXKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136785},"content":"What does it mean for the smaller parties and Independents?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RKNIMEKZ5RBDXGNC2ZI4DUMBT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136786},"content":"There is a clear winner among the smaller parties and that is the Social Democrats with a 5.8 per cent showing. Depending on how it attracts transfers (and it is transfer friendly) the party could see its seat numbers creep into double figures. Likewise, Labour will be content enough with its showing of 5 per cent. It’s an increase on its 2020 election result of 4.4 per cent, if borne out, and could deliver extra seats for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6V5ZRPLLRE6FMR522ULSWZP6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136787},"content":"Another smaller party which will be thrilled is Aontú which has 3.6 per cent, according to the poll. People Before Profit has also marginally increased its support levels from 2.6 per cent to 3.1 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXKYQWMNZFHNLJG7DA4PZ4EK7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136788},"content":"And the Greens? It is at 4 per cent, down 3 per cent from 2020. That means it could lose half its seats or more. But it’s not as calamitous for the party as 2011, when its support levels dipped below 2 per cent and it lost all its seats as well as the right to receive State financing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS2WCJHJKNHM7NNQDU3YRTXSSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136789},"content":"The Independent Alliance has 2.2 which suggests it did not attract the kind of support it set out to do. The figure for Independents is 12.7 which is close to the 2020 figures. It suggests there might not be a big increase in their number.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGPLC33JWBCMHEYMIKXNAFWWVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"IVKZBDPNJZEX3F4SYFS6BCSEVM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732919666612},"id":"timestamp-35173","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ELEHSMMRGJHXPK2ABZJH56TOWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136791},"content":"Where are the Second Preferences Going?","type":"header"},{"_id":"SFFEGE4FKBBQBLLZG66LFJ44MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136792},"content":"There is a slight bias toward the two Government parties over Sinn Féin. Again Fianna Fáil will be disappointed as it looked from other polls this week that it might be more popular than the other two parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FB5UYZDWSZHJDBEA2E3SV6FD5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136793},"content":"How will that translate into seats? It’s hard to say. If there is a disciplined transfer between the two Coalition parties they could get a seat bonus. But Sinn Féin’s clever endorsement of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit could allow it to close that obvious gap a lot, especially in the capital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QN7BZ6ZYGJHUVKWX7WDK6FDNCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136794},"content":"Second preferences","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4J3FFQXIRE6ZOA3BDASQGWLAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136795},"content":"Fianna Fáil 20","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBENUUFD6JAMPJ4VYYHHXMDNKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136796},"content":"Fine Gael 20","type":"text"},{"_id":"VDRI32FDURHZDIC5THXA4PL37U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136797},"content":"Sinn Féin 17","type":"text"},{"_id":"2I3QAYFXJ5AUTEZT644NHGZO4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136798},"content":"Social Democrats 5","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLHESEOU3BERHA2R42WKMVMERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136799},"content":"Labour 5","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFK6QZGN3RHLLKC6QGTUBJ2ZYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136800},"content":"PBP-Solidarity 4","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZWLLOF6MBEI7DCNRBFS7E6YAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136801},"content":"Greens 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VL3FIMEOBCT3EC4ONWAM3BTTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136802},"content":"Aontú 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKVBBKHSENFXJGJIPDYXZGJHLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136803},"content":"Ind Ireland 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQ6VOHCPC5FB5GQTXBNWTIWLKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136804},"content":"Independent 14","type":"text"},{"_id":"AILY4H5GGBE55KEWD4RU32O3O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136805},"content":"Other parties 2","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5J5Q676FRHMBHPCAOOFU5RZQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136806},"content":"Here are two tweets from Cormac McQuinn where he looks at the transfer patterns between parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5V4F2HYTMZBD3PIUL4ASIVTPMI","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"6TQHYFLOARBXRPP7SYYQSK4YIM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"CVQMTJRLVVAVDBM7IDDUCUG45A","additional_properties":{"_id":"JAAOOHCARJB3HKIB725SJ72QUY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921514861},"id":"timestamp-2038","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A7NIXYS4QBELVGY7VJJP5OEO74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136810},"content":"Reaction from the larger parties","type":"header"},{"_id":"GEWLSTRPSZE7HGJPTQUDKAHNI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136811},"content":"Senior figures from the three largest parties have been giving their reaction to the exit poll on RTÉ.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMHXHI2MJJHHZLLHNFJGVLQBYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136812},"content":"Jack Chambers of Fianna Fáil said the three parties were all within the margin of error or each other.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZL7Q6TNJBFFXFYTUPYPTYLGAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136813},"content":"“I think there’s a three way race now to see who become the largest party, and we have to see how that manifests tomorrow morning when the ballot boxes are opened.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWWE5N7WM5H5VKBEZMMWM4P5WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136814},"content":"He also cited geographical and constituency issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPKK2XW5XNH3HOB7SHWDGRKIXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136815},"content":"Chambers said that the wider context was a further fragmentation of Irish politics with the vote split across many small parties and independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYO5EVDIYBALTAD5M3MJCTMLUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136816},"content":"Damien English of Fine Gael said his party had put in a “very solid performance” and that seemed to be borne out by the findings of the exit poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBAZ2ZYFJRB7LGOAMNRDK2TJ6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136817},"content":"“Bearing in mind that we set out with 17 sitting TDs it’s a very positive solid result.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB3KU5GXIJEYRASHDLEL7RWZ6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136818},"content":"Sinn Féin director of elections Matt Carthy said the truth was the the combined support of the two main Government parties had fallen 6 per cent on their 2020 performance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"53QPGIAWRFCW3F53QC6QLRJIZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136819},"content":"“I think any anybody looking at the trajectory of the political discourse, particularly since last June’s local elections - when Sinn Fein’s obituary had been written - will have to acknowledge that quite an amount of people came out to vote against the outgoing government. They came out to vote for change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7L4PFFMLVFW3PQ6N5FILV5GWE","additional_properties":{"_id":"DRCWZSGGFNAJROBF6Q55CCSDA4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732922034759},"id":"timestamp-6858","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PPVDEXDW3JE23KOTHOHDFAHJKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136821},"content":"Reaction on Social Media","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUJKHS742FG73JW6HW5WWHMUQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136822},"content":"Here is a selection of the reaction to the exit poll that has featured on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHEEISSWVVDVRAQ4E7Y6TJVEQM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"2DUH53XE45HGBN4S2KJB27D3LY","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"AIOHVG6ZK5DIFNLCLYUR7ABVOE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"E5VXRFKW5NELNJB64YXYQMJGZM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ACFK5ZKY2JHTPH3PD5CMJ5TQZU","additional_properties":{"_id":"S7HTMIXCLBB4JNGWWK5N5EG6IU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732923404971},"id":"timestamp-6738","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NLK3KBHMWNAELLIDJ5FGV5QCTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462975},"content":"Exit Poll: None of three larger parties have gained: two have made lossses","type":"header"},{"_id":"64EF2CTKSVAGLA3HANHS5CYV5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462976},"content":"A very interesting statistic for me is that all three larger parties are either even or down compared to 2020. Fianna Fáíl at 19.5 per cent will be down almost 2.7 per cent, if the election matches the exit poll results. Sinn Féin is down 3.4 per cent compared to 2020. And Fine Gael is marginally up, from 20.9 per cent to 21 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSACTOV7QZG2LMCIHEY4KQYBKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462977},"content":"All of those figures are subject to change once counting begins tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZBV2OPLHRBRBGTHWIF27E2COE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462978},"content":"A long day beckons on Saturday (and on Sunday). We will be with you ever step of the way!","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4DWSXMV7REANC7W4PJP5YYWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462979},"content":"Here is a sample of what we are covering tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KL7QCN67WVB57PNN7UXARNNIQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462980},"content":"<b>8am: </b>Subscribers to our <b>Inside Politics newsletter</b> (you can <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\">sign-up here</a>) will receive an election special edition newsletter with extra details from The Irish Times <b>exit poll.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPUESTATGBGOZNHZGMKNMSMDZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462981},"content":"<b>9am: </b>Counting begins in all 43 constituencies. In the last general election in 2020, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/galway-east/\">Galway East</a> was the first constituency to report full results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N66THNWTIJG2FL3SGYU5PHIP4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462982},"content":"Our rolling live coverage will feature up-to-the-minute updates, analysis and reaction as tallies emerge, counts are completed and seats filled. We will also provide detailed results for each of the 43 constituencies, along with graphics showing how the country and each constituency voted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4F2DGOENTVEZ7DPAY62TL2VVOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462983},"content":"Our politics team will provide analysis of the emerging results online, on our podcasts and via video while our columnists, including Justine McCarthy and Diarmaid Ferriter, will share their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJUEPQ2DHVCO7H6SALUCYLRESQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462984},"content":"<b>Late afternoon/evening: </b>Details of first counts should start emerging on Saturday afternoon with first seats filled later on that afternoon and into the evening. Depending on the individual returning officers, counts in some constituencies may run into early on Sunday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJOBG5KGBZEE3M5AFAMLZLLTUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462985},"content":"More details on our extenisive coverage over the weekend can be <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/\" target=\"_blank\">found here.</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI","additional_properties":{"_id":"W52DHGOA55D2PJV6GLMG3MIQKQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VQ4UV5PMQJDNNIB7OYX5TTCN6M","additional_properties":{"_id":"ST57GPF6MNEPZGDCJQEHYPWHCE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732924591309},"id":"timestamp-50848","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MMYEUZRNSREBHLHJH5SFVHODVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462988},"content":"Further Reading and Listening as Live Coverage winds down","type":"header"},{"_id":"RO3XESOSA5BCRM5QJVYDJQO2FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462989},"content":"Thank you for staying with The Irish Times live coverage of polling day, and the excitement of the exit poll tonight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46PCWWCXTBBLRAI6OW5VXAFXDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462990},"content":"We will leave you with two further excellent piece of analysis. The first is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/\" target=\"_blank\">tonight’s special Election Daily podcast </a>with Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy, which parses the results and implications of the poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHV75FSAHRCSLGILBMKLCOMYX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462991},"content":"The second is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/\" target=\"_blank\">Pat’s analysis for the The Irish Times on the poll findings</a> and how it might translate into government formation: that’s if the findings are borne out by the reality of the count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2ZYE4ODZFG45K43PBYK7S27E4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462992},"content":"And if that was not enough, there is also this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/\" target=\"_blank\">excellent piece of analysis from John McManus</a> on how non-eventful the election campaign was (agree) and how tedious the count will be (disagree).","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JXIS5R4WRCJBGHTXYBCKYTAE4","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"6XFUH4FATZHJFPMKPXZZBYYVEU","additional_properties":{"_id":"MRGKV7DZK5E4ZLXILSWZXTUBKA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863420000},"id":"timestamp-19809","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"VG4J5NXG2RFDZLMHI6QX7UWAVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917899514},"content":"Voting is over in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">2024 general election</a> and our exit poll shows that there is little to separate between the three largest parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DSVYZ2X4VHBLNR4OZRDDRX6MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921605633},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among over 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6PP2FJWAVEZ5BASAYSH3SDXDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811316274},"content":"Key Reads","type":"header"},{"_id":"6CS2RAAF75FVLDALUK66AYHO4I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Sarah Slater"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"The 2024 general election is set to be mighty close - with the largest parties all duking it out, according to our exit poll"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T00:03:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024: Analysis and reaction as exit poll shows tight race, but what do these results mean?","native":""},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Ireland votes - as it happened"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"},"live":{"text":"inactive"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU","auth":{"1":"56a51fc50533a7c0870294191408289e9344f62b416c68999d734f33be6e7b56"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU.gif"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"live-story","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-live-updates-voting-begins-at-polling-stations-around-the-country/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"KGCS5A5B4JAKBNTR52PDVQ7FOM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NDBENUZ4ABG6VONBMAXX5S3ZIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774666},"content":"Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to share the results of The Irish Times exit poll for the 2024 general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNBID7SXVFGRNLTWFHJQCUNDS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774667},"content":"The three largest parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote in general election 2024, according to the results of an exit poll tonight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDRTCJI6MRHO7BLI7XDTXRXRAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774668},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A today for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, and released just after polls closed, are as follows: Sinn Féin 21.1 per cent, Fianna Fáil 19.5 per cent, Fine Gael 21 per cent, the Green Party 4 per cent, Labour 5 per cent, the Social Democrats 5.8 per cent, Solidarity-People Before Profit 3.1 per cent, Aontú 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6 per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6N2BSGWEVGE7EDYVUPFGAQPUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774669},"content":"If the findings of the exit poll are borne out when the votes are counted tomorrow, it suggests that a return of a coalition based around Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is likely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLYWGFSMLJCXDCOB22OBCL3LZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774670},"content":"If the results of the counts taking place around the country tomorrow bear out the exit poll findings, it will be the second time in a row that Sinn Fein has won the largest share of the vote – but is left without an obvious path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZSVUBHRNZDU7K7ZAWPS6EVZDU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:47:38.093Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election Daily: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation? ","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5PT4YVDMKJAOBC2KJT64C7FJFE","auth":{"1":"96c744f0de43474b7b03f6a02dcc73a19bb091ea2e18dea4daeb2bbe161b353e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5PT4YVDMKJAOBC2KJT64C7FJFE.jpeg"},"podcast":{"embed":{"config":{"duration":874.752,"episodeTitle":"Poll shows Social Democrats leading among smaller parties","imageUrl":"https://assets.pippa.io/shows/6155db9059a3fa00137f30a9/1724428043858-64129b41-4dcc-4687-9699-c230593c36a2.jpeg","showTitle":"ELECTION DAILY - Inside Politics ","streamUrl":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/streams/6155db9059a3fa00137f30a9/episodes/674a37cfd67d53d9b3b23bf2.mp3"}}}},"subtype":"podcast","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Inside Politics Podcast"},{"name":"Podcasts"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/podcasts/inside-politics","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CBU6KWVAFFFKBFRT2I653TLHIE.png"}}},"name":"Inside Politics Podcast"}}}},{"_id":"HXIUSUJVHBB7JGN52PFKO7X2YI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":101,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3ea414b7-16bb-4f73-920e-31d086d86a20/versions/1732888959/media/172075772f5846d5b0039f5399b2cd01_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/people/2024/11/29/snap-election-how-irish-times-photographers-captured-campaign-life-through-a-lens/","content_elements":[{"_id":"LCNIEMF7RBBWZNS7M6QVUQ7DNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643337},"content":"It may have been the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election campaign</a> that put the small town of Kanturk in northwest Co Cork on the map, but voters all over the state have now had their say in Election 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULBQVPIPQFFNRP5BZAXQDLJBVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643338},"content":"Campaigns matter. Irish politicians are accessible to the public in a way that is unimaginable in other countries. And election campaigns here provide an even greater opportunity for voters to get up close and personal with their prospective representatives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JUEG7PSSRCVRNL2BCF3JPNQRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FBAPSYGPZZBMFEZZGK4UZOK33U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MYV3EVK6OVBMLH2JILIPGUB3QM","additional_properties":{"_id":"3DUG62POZREIDBBG2LCOBRN36Q"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BUJITFXF55DIJGCREPVV62DCS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Irish Times photographers stuck close to the candidates in recent weeks, ready to record any unguarded moments during all those ever-so-carefully choreographed public appearances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLPCI7PGZFC2BBJRCYDIKZYM7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643340},"content":"Roman emperor Julius Caesar is said to have bragged: “Veni, vidi, vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”). Our photographers are a modest bunch but they came, they saw and they captured the character of candidates from all parties and none.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWLAHULQANFOVDE2GHJRN35ZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZCOA2WJC4RBLXMMOFGOZJPIVO4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TZTOVOKZX5HZTCKQM5ILHT34K4","additional_properties":{"_id":"RB3UOZR6BBEAPKRA4ZSG7ZX7AA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"5CNINGBWSRADPBAB5CGRLW5PGM","additional_properties":{"_id":"AZDH7B4WSZH75FXXQQNA5MGWQI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EP73PBDFLVCPLNNH2UR2GHPAXY","additional_properties":{"_id":"32MVBSLH4BG3DGLXHOJLFF2FQY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"W4CGJGLIBBG3BOB5BTFUKDNUQA","additional_properties":{"_id":"DD5KTZ7HFFHWJLV4IOMTW7ABE4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WN7YXNGFQJDJNIL6JLJOEYW6IE","additional_properties":{"_id":"VXERQ6FF3ZG75P3W3TYC7T4QAY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4Q6TEGX4WRBDXFJ4YZ3Z2DGKI4","additional_properties":{"_id":"QKFXKXC5W5CEHKUDZTHTERV5QY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PTKJ4RR5PFFU7HWPDRDZCIFUQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"This selection of their standout images sums up a fast-paced campaign in which thousands of doorbells were pressed, many hands shaken and, as always, lots of promises were made by incumbents and newcomers alike.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CISSSOPHXRFJHOGWRUWURIIWQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643343},"content":"All campaigns have their highs and lows. For the candidates, the anxieties, uncertainty and excitement of this campaign have concluded. The people have spoken.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The focus is on candidates’ candid moments in this selection of pictures from around the country"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:05:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Snap election: How Irish Times photographers captured campaign life through a lens ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KOG74UPLKBFXVJD6SFXGBJYBUQ","auth":{"1":"5f99ff35acd36e7b1c61132b517451b2d28447fb067299aa1e2ea8eff2348ea5"},"focal_point":{"x":2113,"y":1258},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KOG74UPLKBFXVJD6SFXGBJYBUQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/people/2024/11/29/snap-election-how-irish-times-photographers-captured-campaign-life-through-a-lens/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"LLJDLUQCK5B7FCO6KKIZIKGWVE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":279,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6ef04236-d86c-483b-beee-14a4455bc89b/versions/1732951783/media/6a862efc67ade315ce5b265ec4dd3cdc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KPOV2T5MKBCDHIPFUGUIOJBDCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941362},"content":"The three largest parties of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\">general election 2024</a>, according to the results of an exit poll Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3FKZJAIJJGYHC2X6HEWN5QLQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941363},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos/B&A on Friday for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, and released just after polls closed, are as follows: <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>21.1 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> 19.5 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a><b> </b>21 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party </a>4 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour </a>5 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>5.8<b> </b>per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a><b> </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">Solidarity</a> 3.1 per cent,<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\"> Aontú</a> 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6<b> </b>per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCRDHXYZUZFTBLP3DD4XBFVSYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917669917},"content":"If the exit poll findings are borne out when the votes are counted, it suggests that a return of a coalition based around <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a> is likely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4XQOEY6JRCXLLLDSZ7TE4FOL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917669918},"content":"If the results of the counts taking place around the country, starting on Saturday morning, bear out the exit poll findings, it will be the second time in a row that Sinn Féin has won the largest share of the vote – but is left without an obvious path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZWXRU5PXNEEDBG7ITYI23RWVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941365},"content":"The poll, however, offers no clarity about which of the smaller parties or Independents might help the two big parties to make up the numbers to form a stable majority in the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4CXPHNY6VHU3DATFMOLB5G3VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941366},"content":"Government formation may be strongly influenced by whether Labour, the Green Party, the Social Democrats and perhaps some left-leaning Independents – though the Social Democrats have been distinctly cool on the idea during the campaign – carry through on suggestions to agree a common red-green platform before any coalition talks with the big parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6W37ZABM5BAUTLPT5THZ7OIGLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941368},"content":"Either way, with the new Dáil not due to meet until December 18th, it seems there is little likelihood of a new government until well into the new year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GA2IC4WGGZFBVFE44JQZYKCLIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941369},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IR32OFOD5G4NC5JKH5LC3BNZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"FXWBHQEEWFHATGLUVFIHFJIKDA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6CLG2KEBURGGDGJH67JFW5NYV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941370},"content":"The poll is a joint project of The Irish Times, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte/\" target=\"_blank\">RTÉ</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tg4/\" target=\"_blank\">TG4 </a>and the department of political science at<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/trinity-college-dublin-tcd/\" target=\"_blank\"> Trinity College Dublin</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NETEQZFDBDKHE6PUP7BJVYU7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732918890679},"content":"The poll also asked respondents about their second preferences on the ballot paper. The results suggest that expectations of a strong transfer between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will be borne out – a factor which should help the two parties boost their seat numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6H7LDUUAT5CRBM34YCKXYC4CR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732918890680},"content":"If the parties achieve the support level suggested by the poll when votes are counted in the coming days, and with a strong transfer between the two parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are likely to approach the 80 seat barrier. A majority in the new Dáil is 88 seats, so if the two big parties combined break 80 seats, it means a coalition with one of the smaller parties – perhaps with additional support from some Independent TDs – could command a Dáil majority. On the basis of the poll results, that seems the most likely route to forming a government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQFVQJABHJHFZMI3YDRP6HDSU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876332},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people, the largest number to date, were eligible to vote, an increase of 423,000 voters since the 2020 election. There were more than 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the deadline closed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDHS3H5NZFEVRGI6KHLLVYHJJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876333},"content":"Reports of turnout across the 43 constituencies were mixed all day on Friday, though many polling stations reported a low turnout in the early evening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGDLPN7EZBB5TIVSGXJVR5ETNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"BV2GVRSFCZG67IVVUJOQXGLZAQ"},"content":"Analysis: Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5573CMMVBVF2DGCIENF4LLWMP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876334},"content":"There were reports of polling stations becoming busier in the evening but by 8pm average turnout in the seven Dublin county constituencies stood at 51 per cent; it was 49.1 per cent across the two Galway constituencies; and the average was 54.3 per cent across the three county constituencies in Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PONNIIFIORAQLLHBOP7XJ7R7X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876335},"content":"Overall turnout is likely to be down on the just under 63 per cent recorded in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6DWNXIGUJA57N2M6J7QBFUKKM","additional_properties":{"_id":"B6G6BS4Z5RH5DP5KW7V2VWZITI"},"content":"As it happened: Friday's vote and exit poll ","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"R4OQMXZ6JREXLD6BRDYHJFQLZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876336},"content":"After the polling stations closed at 10pm, ballot boxes were sealed to be securely transported to the 32 count centres. They will be opened at 9am on Saturday morning and counting the votes will commence, with first tallies expected by midmorning in many places while the results of first counts should begin to emerge in the afternoon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2WHOPE7FZEPREPD7ND37OLTWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913702199},"content":"<b>Note:</b> <i>There will be a special </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Inside Politics newsletter</i></a><i> Saturday morning with additional details from the exit poll</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDQPPDNWNBGULKEWX55PVXTIZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"ALIYX45Z65D4TPTBXRAQAFFJCU"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-55849","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"If the findings are borne out a return of a coalition based around Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil looks likely"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024 exit poll: Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on course for photo finish ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI","auth":{"1":"2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"C45FCNGQV5HMJITA7NYM374UOA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":286,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/cebf91b1-4b0f-42ec-8213-810934c49daf/versions/1732883646/media/8641571cb400426b316cf6be97fbd42d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RB7TVPFD2FEQ7GUBGVOM3PVB4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546538},"content":"It’s hard to pick a highlight of this most dull of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">election campaigns</a>. It only sparked into life – albeit briefly – twice. The first occasion was when <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-o-leary/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary</a>, the Ryanair boss who is not seeking election to anything, slagged off teachers whilst helping launch the campaign of his local <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> TD. His trademark off-the-cuff trolling was taken both literally and seriously by a political and media class that really should have known better.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CGIAZQIAFGTBNF4NI67F56RYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546539},"content":"The second brief flare-up followed <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> ticking off disability worker <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/27/a-dull-election-campaign-failed-to-shake-apathetic-electorate-out-of-its-slumber/\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte Fallon</a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/27/a-dull-election-campaign-failed-to-shake-apathetic-electorate-out-of-its-slumber/\" target=\"_blank\"> in a supermarket</a> whilst the cameras were rolling. This and his subsequent grovelling passed for a defining moment of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVCRGBMTGBE4FLWX4I7J52GTGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546540},"content":"Apart from these two utterly non-seismic political moments, the three weeks have dragged by in a yawn-inducing succession of manifesto launches, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/leaders-election-debate-analysis-clear-winner-emerges-from-slow-bicycle-race/\" target=\"_blank\">TV debates</a> and halfhearted “gotcha” journalism. But such is the price of democracy and we are lucky to have it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDMUB4G2IRARNNJNXFPROWENCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546541},"content":"Anyway, opinion polls show that people’s voting intentions are pretty much where they stood before the campaign started; most of them feel they are being presented with a choice as to who they want to be the third leg of the next <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>-Fine Gael coalition: the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Greens</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> or some assortment of Independents. The real takeaway from polls is that many people cannot see a better alternative or even the need for one. It would be a stretch to say they are happy with the outgoing Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOEUEEDULFE7FPWIB5KUL6V25I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546543},"content":"In truth, most just want it to be over. It could and should all be over within a few minutes of the polls closing on Friday but instead it will drag on over the weekend – at least – in a uniquely Irish form of political theatre known as “the counts”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N74TGSA6MNEC7KO4YRX3PU5Q4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546545},"content":"Over the next few days, something in the region of 3.5 million ballot papers will be sorted, counted and recounted by hand. If we are lucky it might all be over early next week. If not, it could be weeks before it’s finally done and the last recount competed. Thankfully, the equally tedious business of government formation will have got going before this, but it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that it could be affected by the last vote recounted on the last day by hand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26VOAY7PG5HW5ISZUVFPMQI4H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546547},"content":"So why do we as a nation put ourselves through this when we could know the result within hours of the polls closing and crack on with forming the government?","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRTRIHYUMZET3EZU7DUR2BAQEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546548},"content":"It’s certainly not a lack of suitable or affordable technology. Electronic voting is widely used and the cost of the machines incidental for a rich country such as ours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MK4LPOK7TZGZBEWG6XTUNQKDNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546549},"content":"Fans of the manual counts argue that in some intangible way the spectacle enhances the public trust in democracy by letting the public see – if they can be bothered – their votes manually counted in a public forum. Others say that it is a ritual deeply embedded in our political and wider culture; part of what makes us who we are, etc. This argument has the merit of not pretending that there is any rational reason for counting votes by hand. But at the same time, you can’t help feeling that if it is a drama, it as an amateur production put on for the benefit and enjoyment of the actors rather than the audience. But what harm? Don’t they deserve their fun after the hard work they put in on the election trail? Maybe, but it’s just more evidence of our natural tendency to a lack of seriousness in public life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FW6JWIGLJJGZHOMMZYVA4LZ654","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546551},"content":"The most compelling explanation for the continued use of manual counts is that the political parties still want them. In fact, they want them so much that they all went along with a farcical traducing of the integrity of electronic voting that saw more than <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\">7,000 voting machines costing more than</a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\"> €50 million bought in 2004 </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\">being scrapped in 2012 for €70,000</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TX5KJOSO6VCI5CEZO7SRBEL7MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546552},"content":"The reason for this incident of national idiocy seems to be the extraordinary wealth of information that parties glean from observing the counts. Party members – either separately or together – closely observe the opening of ballot boxes and the sorting and counting of votes by hand in the count centres. The information they gather – when combined with other data – is extremely valuable and put to use in subsequent elections. It’s unclear whether this information could or would be available with electronic voting but if it was, presumably every party would get the same details. Then there is data protection regulation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LZURDJPWJNCWLKXKCLCJYBD4NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546554},"content":"As things stand, the only direct benefit the average voter seems to get from all this is that if they live somewhere that the tallies show leans very heavily in favour of one party, then you don’t get as many random politicians calling to the door.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"John McManus"}},"name":"John McManus"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election counts are an amateur production put on for the benefit and enjoyment of the actors rather than the audience"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T15:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"As if the election campaign wasn’t tedious enough, brace yourself for ‘the counts’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UBDO7LLIMVHXH3F25NT7ZABOF4","auth":{"1":"bcd46fa9e584df6d40e79c22a1d813897514e3cafda903f3ab850a848c8b837d"},"focal_point":{"x":3840,"y":1479},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UBDO7LLIMVHXH3F25NT7ZABOF4.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"VLGJDMUTMJHYFII2PS6B5QWAHQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":360,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/78c20fde-9b0f-4562-a0ca-3a7bfe2a7888/versions/1732873071/media/257dfaacaef06fae1739569d6a944806_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/olivia-oleary-if-this-election-campaign-has-proven-anything-its-that-voters-are-not-eejits/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PT2OVAQLLRAHXLZPXSHSIFCBMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980894},"content":"There’s a great deal to be said for keeping it simple. The British journalist and excellent communicator, Andrew Marr, once advised journalists to put no more than four figures in an opinion piece. More than that and you lost the reader. And if this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election campaign</a> was dull, it was partly because it was weighed down with too many complex numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAQ247JE4BCM7H5Y2NYC7QVS6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883799},"content":"Maybe that’s what happens when there’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/11/20/which-party-has-the-best-plan-for-the-apple-billions/\" target=\"_blank\">more money available </a>than we have ever had before. But it felt for three weeks that a new budget in the form of manifestos was launched every day – and then mini-budgets in specialist areas were squeezed in as well. After a while, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/costing-the-manifestos-making-sense-of-billions-being-thrown-out-by-the-parties-to-win-your-vote/\" target=\"_blank\">many of us got lost in the blizzard of numbers and money promises</a>. That’s not to suggest that people didn’t engage: for instance, t<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/five-key-moments-from-the-leaders-debate-you-brought-the-crash-and-you-brought-austerity/\" target=\"_blank\">he number who viewed the political debates </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/five-key-moments-from-the-leaders-debate-you-brought-the-crash-and-you-brought-austerity/\" target=\"_blank\"> was high</a>. But we’ve learned to be sceptical. It’s not that long since the economy collapsed under political mismanagement, so we know that the lavish promises will have to be<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/23/the-potential-threats-to-ireland-now-come-in-four-guises/\" target=\"_blank\"> withdrawn if Trump slashes US corporate taxes </a>and starts a tariff war. We’re not eejits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOLZD24HFJCHNIN7I22Y6BDOJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980895},"content":"There’s also the danger that too much detail clogging up the message means that the message gets ignored, while moments like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a>’s encounter with careworker <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte Fallon</a> are remembered. Of course they are. Her understandable anger at how carers are treated, and his turning away from her, was an emotional moment caught on camera that went viral, that engaged people in a way that columns of figures never could. During an election campaign, the voter is supreme. You don’t turn your back on a voter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"99b36e44-04d2-4a86-b384-cd5c4fbf90d0","additional_properties":{"_id":"URJOS2GEHJFDHKBRF6LW4LSG3A"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"TYEMOVBETRAHNOPDAWN5T3OQZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980896},"content":"Harris’s lack of experience as a party leader showed in this bumpy campaign, as did the loss of some of the older, wiser heads in the party, such as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heather-humphreys/\" target=\"_blank\">Heather Humphreys</a> or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/richard-bruton/\" target=\"_blank\">Richard Bruton</a>. They might have pointed out to Minister <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peter-burke/\" target=\"_blank\">Peter Burke</a> that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-o-leary/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary</a> knows a lot about running an airline, but <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\">asking him to launch your election campaign</a> was a bit like asking your seven year old to drive the school bus. And they might have advised that a crazy TikTok Taoiseach rush around all 43 constituencies had to be balanced against the danger of a tired leader making mistakes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"446DXJGZ4BGFNLYYKQTTDUEADI","additional_properties":{"_id":"FMTEWGPEORAH5MXQLHRLD6IKRU"},"content":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"523NOFM3G5ELHEIYWESXPOBVSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980897},"content":"But amid the fog of numbers early on in the campaign came a voice of experience that set out in one clear sentence what his campaign was about. It was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> who said the battle was between parties that were pro-enterprise and pro-Europe and those that were not. He said it again in both television debates, neatly placing himself and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> and other possible coalition partners on one side of the divide, and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> on the other.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDIBB7K6BVBCPP7BJO7QVJ2VWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883803},"content":"Martin pointed to the fact that<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein\" target=\"_blank\"> Sinn Féin </a>has voted against most referendums relating to Europe, and claimed that its tax policies would create problems for many Irish indigenous industries, never mind their effect on foreign direct investment decisions. You mightn’t agree with him, and Sinn Féin wouldn’t, but at least his claim had the virtue of clarity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LXZ6QD7DFHTRNYJB7XP5WJCUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980898},"content":"In fairness, as the campaign went on, Sinn Féin focused more and more on the simple message of “change”.<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\"> Mary Lou McDonald</a> is a doughty campaigner and watching pictures of her on the stump in my hometown of Carlow this week, she showed the easy way she has with people, particularly with young people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLXI4XPEQBBG7PPDQRW2XENUQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883805},"content":"One political activist, not Sinn Féin, told me last year about doing visits to new voters in the senior classes of local schools. Having explained why it was important to vote and how the voting system worked, she finally asked if they had made their minds up as to how they would vote. To a woman and man, they almost all said Sinn Féin. She gave up going to schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTSNJSI75ZHWRKBK7JUWVMMZFA","additional_properties":{"_id":"VFNEJQYTGZBRTBDG3NRFR5BH7Q"},"content":"Key election 2024 battles: maps show where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin hope to gain - and may lose - seats","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MZJR6OX2IRB47PDE4FWQIFVRHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980899},"content":"We’ll be finding out on Saturday morning if that young vote came out yesterday and if it went Sinn Féin’s way. We’ll be finding out too what happened to the immigration issue, which arose so often during the campaign, and whether it contributed to that solid bank of support for Independents – 20 per cent in recent polls, equal to the support for each of the three main parties. The Independents are a disparate group, ranging from left to right. But will there emerge from them enough TDs, together with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peadar-toibin/\" target=\"_blank\">Peadar Tóibín</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a>, to form a solid conservative bloc in the Dáil, a bloc that has the sort of views on immigration that can increasingly be found in other countries in Europe?","type":"text"},{"_id":"4W3B7DS52RFCXI2QEV4X6YPYXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883807},"content":"In most European countries, the ultranationalist party is also the most right-wing party – take Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party, and indeed the Conservative Party in Britain; or Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party in France; or Geert Wilders’ Dutch People’s Party for Freedom in the Netherlands. Sinn Féin has long boasted that it is the most radical nationalist party in Ireland, but that it is left wing and has therefore left no space for the growth of an ultranationalist right-wing party here. Maybe that’s about to change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANVX4NQ5BVDH3MVX6G6KNQJ3A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980900},"content":"In his commentary on last Sunday’s Sunday Independent Ireland Thinks poll, Kevin Cunningham, managing director of Ireland Thinks, pointed to the 2 per cent rise in<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu\" target=\"_blank\"> Aontú</a>’s vote to 5 per cent and the 3 per cent rise in Independents to a hefty 19 per cent. He said that the rise of Independents and the potential rise of Aontú seems to be a function of a simple gap in the political market for those who both don’t like the current Government and hold more conservative views. “For the first time in our history, there isn’t a Fianna Fáil or a Fine Gael on the opposition benches offering a home to disaffected voters on the right.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7FZ6MQ33BELPIUMFO7VNQ6O64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980901},"content":"Could it be that those disaffected voters are finding a new home?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NQ4ORPPNZFZ5GRTNKYP4IMF5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871462467},"content":"<i>Olivia O’Leary is a journalist, writer and current affairs presenter</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TXQBAJRLVAPPKEIWTTEG5AHRE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olivia O'Leary"}},"name":"Olivia O'Leary"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Everything will be revealed over the course of this weekend. But in the meantime, we learned a few things during this bumpy campaign"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T14:57:19.808Z","headlines":{"basic":"If this election campaign has proven anything, it’s that voters are not eejits","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s performance, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing/\" target=\"_blank\">housing</a>, the Irish<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/economy/\" target=\"_blank\"> economy</a> as well as just how long counting will go on for are the dominant issues raised by foreign journalists covering the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> this weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5T5AIBYFFBCJ3NBGKOQHSI3IA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193181},"content":"With counting to begin on Saturday, international media have travelled to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a> over recent days to report on the campaign while others are located here permanently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XISKYD2JBNANFC6GHOU7ZF6U54","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193182},"content":"Jude Webber, Ireland correspondent for The Financial Times, moved to the capital three years ago and this will be her first time covering an Irish general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SETPA6BKVRFPTOY3RPYFTFQK3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193183},"content":"Webber, who was based in Latin America for over 20 years, said: “There’s an interest obviously in knowing who the next Taoiseach is going to be and there’s a particular interest at the moment, especially in our paper, in how Ireland has all this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple-tax\" target=\"_blank\">money</a> and what on earth are they going to do with it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNJADYNONNHKJDP3BCTHW2E6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":"XMOVJCBD6ZA5VKL44IVORZGO4I"},"content":"General election 2024: Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil in near dead heat at end of campaign","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HDATDDWKA5BDHDKOBSXRVA3D6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193184},"content":"“That’s the interest, and the exposure of Ireland to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump</a>, tax cuts and tariffs and what happens if the good times stop rolling basically.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CJDRC27FNBTJF32NQP6TRL2MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193185},"content":"Webber said foreign media are “always fascinated” by the prospect of Sinn Féin having a successful election while the decision of Gerard Hutch to run “caught all of our eyes”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K62AO77DPNFJNJWWO2WEZJCPJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193186},"content":"“Sinn Féin is also interesting because what does that mean about a united Ireland is the inevitable question,” she said. “If Sinn Féin were to do really well in the election on Friday, I can guarantee that I will be asked ‘what does this mean for a united Ireland and are we closer to a united Ireland?’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYCZK2OLZBDARPNYL3B6KUSAFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193187},"content":"Webber said what surprised her most about the local and European elections in June was “just how long it is”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4IHNSCGVFGP7BEK424G7PQDHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193188},"content":"She points out the first past the post electoral system is in place in the UK with results known a lot quicker compared to the Irish system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV).","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFPCWAKMCVASJM76EL3A2LJNEM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CRA3KI3OQNEMNCIB5Y52QJAKRA"},"content":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WFW5CQTZQREVFKOFTJ2PCLDRGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193189},"content":"“I’m sort of bracing myself for the days of counting ahead,” said Webber.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUEVQZPR2RBE3DBW7VYVCAOA5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193190},"content":"Pontus Mattson, a journalist with Swedish Radio who is usually based in London, travelled over to Dublin earlier this week to cover the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMANYLXNWRAG5NT3S7RO4772U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193191},"content":"He said housing appears to be the prominent theme of the campaign, with immigration also featuring but said “it looks like it’s going to be roughly the same parties who are winning, there’s not very much at stake”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"23LXAZKQENHONJFFKX5K533DYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193192},"content":"Mattson notes that in Sweden they use a proportional representation system for voting but do not have transferable votes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UIKBSULFNG3TBWH35PFOCA3KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193193},"content":"“You only have one vote and it’s counted,” he said. “Often you know the result the next morning, if it’s not very tight, then there can be recounts and so forth. Often you know the same night.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"USZRGM7ZC5A6HCIIMLPIEMWGQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193194},"content":"He said the Irish system of PR-STV is “very democratic” despite counting going on for longer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HYXSU4LOBDNXMXKMI3SLELOD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193195},"content":"“The first past the post British system is not very democratic,” he said. “The Labour Party have 64 per cent of seats but they only have 32 per cent of the votes. It’s a bit strange so I think it’s good in a way that you don’t waste votes, you can give preference to a second or third candidate.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4YJR7L3EBC6FE5PNTZCXNUTS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193196},"content":"Paraic O’Brien, foreign correspondent with Channel 4 News, is originally from Ballinasloe, Co Galway but has been based in the UK for 27 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UCFGBC3ANDHHPUXPCACZH5SKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193197},"content":"He travelled back to Ireland this week to report on the election and said much of the focus has been around housing and the role of Independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHKPYJQ2CNGJTICEGRNGBKVR4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193198},"content":"“Somebody described Friday to me as ‘Independent’s Day’ in terms of how well Independent candidates will do and we’ve been trying to understand why that is, why there are so many Independents running this time,” he said. “It makes Ireland quite unique in Europe having this number of Independents ... Every Independent has their own story and their reason for running.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TD4UTAVVNZEPPNWME2HUY3ZNEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193199},"content":"O’Brien said there is a lot of interest in Britain around Sinn Féin “because of their history and their past” and the “extent to which they’ve reinvented themselves”. He also said he enjoys coming home to report on Irish politics because of “how accessible the senior leadership is, especially during the course of a campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4WT4PSXPRDWPE7JHBGWR6AVT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193200},"content":"“You don’t get that to the same extent in England, it’s all much more locked down and regulated and hard to get proper face time with senior politicians on the road,” he said. “But in Ireland, that’s much easier and long may it last.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"General election: International media ‘always fascinated’ by Sinn Féin’s performance with housing and economy also a focus"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘I’m sort of bracing myself for the days of counting ahead’: Foreign journalists’ views on the general election","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ","auth":{"1":"249139a5c8cae89f3d8e835bf9c6cc2d173fc6feb5151fc0135d97e7d9a51479"},"focal_point":{"x":1075,"y":600},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/im-sort-of-bracing-myself-for-the-days-of-counting-ahead-foreign-journalists-views-on-the-general-election/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ZABYJV47KRE3NEFPLAGYA6BUWU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732185791951},"content":"The 2024 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> to decide what will be the largest <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail/\" target=\"_blank\">Dáil </a>in the history of the State takes place on November 29th. Following recommendations from the Electoral Commission, the number of Dáil seats has increased by 14, bringing the total number of seats to 174. As well as this, the number of constituencies has increased from 39 to 43. The increased number of seats and constituencies sees more than 650 candidates on the ballot - an average of more than 15 candidates per constituency. 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candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"3TLHO4ERHBAIJNZ6NPEH77FQ64","additional_properties":{"_id":"GPLNJGA2HJBQZC3WOBNZ4V65OU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LYQ35GJQFNCY3HGRJDAFWQVER4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"XDUJRMVFFJFMTESVX4VW73LZMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732217744302},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-carlow-kilkenny-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Carlow-Kilkenny</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRZS7V6YCNBNBCEEO4QN6DL3WI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732200128977},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cavan-monaghan-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Cavan-Monaghan</a> 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candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"N4ZYXXIDSJAB5LCJSDZQK44I34","additional_properties":{"_id":"6IJOM2DU7BBTPKSPTA4I542PPM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BRLBBLY34VHCPNRDDWNV54KQLY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"DFPRCCHG3ZEJZOHBDGJG7MSQMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732217744326},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-cork-south-central-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Cork South-Central</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMCMGASMIBERFPTSLFYL3IUYL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732200128995},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cork-south-west-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Cork South-West</a> 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Waterford</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"FN647EGAVRE4PH43XIJ3NDVJI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622073},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wexford-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Wexford</a> candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"YENEL74BLZHZ5CMAOPEMAN6XHU","additional_properties":{"_id":"XKAZY4RGXVDJFCJE42KLBAWXO4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NNVJJDUL7RH6FFKN74RS5NJY2U","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4MVGX6KEOZF2RE23ULZWYY74DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622076},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wexford-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Wexford</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBZJVZ7EAJCPZIHUBYZUTDRNFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622077},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wicklow-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Wicklow</a> candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"EZDET6KOOJHYHIY2KQGLU6ONJA","additional_properties":{"_id":"UIS66V3IYVBD5KAWY2DCZZ6BKQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y7PLNBV6URB2FIMQSIYS2JLVVU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"RLTDLKC7ANA33HO3EAQDN3RMIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622080},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Wicklow</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFYTJYUJ3NB35HSAGWKM36F4LU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622081},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wicklow-wexford-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Wicklow-Wexford</a> candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"MBVAJZUREBDAPLM2UGEG6VGSQI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TRAPCDV3FRAI5I6LGRNNGTKHHQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BW723E77LJDBFM3NTQU33BYQYM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"YSINACW2WBDLZH7LP5P5GAH7BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622084},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-wexford-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Wicklow-Wexford</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Find out who is in the running to represent your area using this online resource"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T11:48:23.977Z","headlines":{"basic":"Who are the candidates in my constituency? A general election guide","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ","auth":{"1":"f88eadc63d844d7a922af4da8a0b714d624750878271b0ad78d9363f3a18d3ac"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"5SCWSOQHOZGAZAAQHINQVGZMJM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":338,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/2c9b1989-fdcb-4f29-b2a3-eaaa8c3e9250/versions/1732804399/media/18db062e334762bca690449cb99cbc5a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/general-election-housing-cost-of-living-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-campaign-latest/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VRLJ5XD5GNHLFISOQXSUHGRJE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829847},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis\" target=\"_blank\">Housing</a> and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cos\" target=\"_blank\">cost of living</a> were the dominant issues raised by voters across the country before the 2024 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRD4TZHOWVBGJMNN7ZIKRHL3KI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829849},"content":"Over recent weeks, The Irish Times has run a series of Meet the Voters articles, hearing from various sections of Irish society, across the country, on their thoughts before polling day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M42FUM6DEBFK7PPUXQVBG4G5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829850},"content":"Housing was at the forefront of many people’s minds, young and old, with property prices continuing to accelerate over the past year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVYB5WCFQ5GQXJNPMFWSQICDAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829851},"content":"At Boxx Barbers in Finglas, north Dublin, Shaun Reid (29) <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/16/out-with-the-voters-the-view-from-the-barbershop/\" target=\"_blank\">explained that he was living at home</a> with his parents. He and his partner have four children between them and was minded to vote for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> because of the housing crisis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6MXJKGLCNEZLP777FWCPWJMBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829852},"content":"“It’s another opportunity for change,” he said. “I’m saving with my partner for a house. You are looking at the housing crisis and you are getting less motivated as the prices go up. You look further out from Finglas and houses are going up there as well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOZMSCM325CXJNTCMQMEJT7YPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829853},"content":"“It’s a hard situation for anyone in power. I’d rather give the opportunity to Sinn Féin because they haven’t had the chance. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> have had the chance and it has not worked out well for them.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WIXGMLCIZBGZJTI64OPYHBRHI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TRFR4CTP65CZHN2QBUUTOG5C5Y"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PRYZCAR5ZVGONK7GZAAGXBMQMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829854},"content":"A similar picture was painted by DCU student Amber Kane (18), who lives with her mother, sister and grandparents. The accounting and finance student said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/12/out-with-the-voters-housing-among-biggest-concerns-for-students/\" target=\"_blank\">housing instability was now becoming intergenerational</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYAQTNTFUZCDRBLLST6II3S2IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829855},"content":"“Even then it’s like my mam can’t get a house, and we can’t either,” she said. “I can’t see in the near future how I’d ever get a house. Obviously we started a college course, we want to have a career and job, but you’re putting all the effort in and you don’t know what you’re going to get back out. That’s really frustrating.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYDVAX23MVG5PPHYU75PGWMMQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829856},"content":"In Kilkenny city, Paula Fleming, a special needs assistant and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/emigration-is-exercising-kilkenny-voters-its-like-were-going-back-to-the-1980s-only-its-housing-now-not-lack-of-jobs/\" target=\"_blank\">member of the Nore Dragon Paddlers group</a>, said: “All three of my children are in their 20s, all graduated from college during the pandemic but yet can’t afford to buy or even rent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYZLGI34ANG4PJM6KX3KKF6VVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829857},"content":"“I went to London in the 1980s to work ... and came back in 1999, but never thought I would see my children in the same boat.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJEXYMX4AZD5BAVTB25K7CNOHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829858},"content":"The cost of living was another prominent topic for voters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TCLXIB6MRCBBPR26PHRQSDJ3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829859},"content":"At a greyhound meeting in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Joe Gaffney (54), who works in a medical factory, said he <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/i-wouldnt-like-to-be-a-young-person-you-get-a-job-but-you-have-nowhere-to-live-mixed-odds-on-governments-performance-at-mullingar-greyhound-track/\" target=\"_blank\">was “worse off financially” </a>compared to five years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7JREYRREZGZ3FNW4OXBFCJA7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829860},"content":"“Car insurance is going up, health insurance, everything is going up,” he said. “This country is so hard to live in ... I wouldn’t like to be a young person, you get a job but you have nowhere to live ... and they wonder why so many young people are going to Australia.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TI7CTRXA3BCUNKBAZ57DR5Z7IM","additional_properties":{"_id":"BSG627YEINHPLBSEXTLDAK6XYA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VH6C5LI4LFCE5BZ275MFDTJCHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829861},"content":"Dublin taxi man David Cummins said petrol costs were “very high”; he <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/13/i-cant-even-get-a-plumber-how-are-they-going-to-build-those-houses-dublin-taxi-drivers-give-their-verdict-on-election-pledges/\" target=\"_blank\">spends about €250 per week</a> to fill his van, a significant chunk of his earnings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F3F35OOOSZGEJPLJXZRUNAHDCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829862},"content":"Other issues raised by voters were health, public transport and the mismanagement of public finances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOOSMBFCNZH5NPDVTMIE5R5CHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829863},"content":"In Greystones, Co Wicklow, home to Taoiseach Simon Harris, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/08/election-countdown-how-will-the-dryrobers-vote-in-the-taoiseachs-home-town/\" target=\"_blank\">sea swimmers, The Dryrobers, discussed Dart services</a>, traffic problems, childcare and shortages of school places.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMMLUWQJINCQVKQIEZKWJT73GM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732788000722},"content":"For Clare Island residents in Co Mayo, there were <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/20/it-is-past-time-for-building-a-safe-all-weather-pier-how-will-clare-islanders-vote-in-this-election/?\" target=\"_blank\">more localised problems </a>about the dangers of Roonagh pier, commuting costs and the complexities of island living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKKI7HTFHJER3PWGROFWYNFXMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829864},"content":"Members of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) branch in Portlaoise, Co Laois <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/election-2024-politicians-hear-about-living-life-from-a-wheelchair/\" target=\"_blank\">spoke about hazardous footpaths</a> on the main street, the cost of living with a disability, accessible housing and transport.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6M2QPBR5BALXBIQI2MFXABGQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829865},"content":"At a social gathering of LGBTQ+ group Quare Clare, the rise of far-right parties <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/clare-lgbt-group-on-the-far-right-if-they-pick-on-one-minority-they-will-pick-on-another-we-would-be-in-the-firing-line/\" target=\"_blank\">has been </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/clare-lgbt-group-on-the-far-right-if-they-pick-on-one-minority-they-will-pick-on-another-we-would-be-in-the-firing-line/\" target=\"_blank\">a concern </a>and anti-immigration protests.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUHGYJGGIRB6ZITYUYSEUDWZYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829866},"content":"“Everyone knows what this leads to, if they pick on one minority, as soon as they are out of fashion, they will pick on another,” said Maurice O’Sullivan, from Corofin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWUDBJ72QZH2VAXLF2UXCQHE6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732788000726},"content":"“We would be in the firing line for that. We all know what that feels like.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XWUMSKDS5FMRPANNQM6CTK3MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829867},"content":"While members of the public set out the issues affecting them, with some indicating who they might vote for, others spoke of being undecided.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54FNUQM2TVGU7DANFSOW2BV62Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829868},"content":"At the CLEAS Irish language book club at Gaeilge Locha Riach in Loughrea, Co Galway, Ruth Ní Shiadhail said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/10/31/nobody-represents-me-at-galway-book-club-general-election-voters-pessimistic-about-next-chapter-of-government/\" target=\"_blank\">her natural inclination was to vote Green</a>, but “the Greens that we have are all city based”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKPJELZQYVADPCFIXOYE46KNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829869},"content":"“So the Greens are too city based and we don’t really have a proper Labour Party any more so we have very few options,” she said. “I am struggling to know who to vote for. Nobody is representing me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJWSRN2D3BAJXGON2MKJCIFJYE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NBKOBLARR5CQJAR2SDAMEEJSGM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YH43JCID5REZBHQQHNBOZAFILI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829870},"content":"Cepta Sheppard (64), a customer at Zinc hair and beauty salon in Kilmainham, Dublin said she <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/im-hearing-there-will-be-so-many-independents-and-im-worried-hairdresser-clients-undecided/\" target=\"_blank\">voted for Fine Gael in the past but was also uncertain</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZUK5OKHDJEZJNDTPP2G3SZ5LQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829871},"content":"“I’m really on the fence,” she said. “I would like to say I would give Sinn Féin a vote but I think personally, they would actually bankrupt the country because they have these crazy ideas.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DJQCBY2OFEKNIEBIDFW63GMNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829872},"content":"Read the Meet the Voters series <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meet-the-voters\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish electorate give their views on the important issues ahead of polling day"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Housing and cost of living dominated public debate in election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY","auth":{"1":"ec7afb82ff3c4b66cc641d240d6683b58afecfe129b9fb14b6482fb5b0dca772"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY.gif"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/general-election-housing-cost-of-living-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-campaign-latest/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"D2U5YPAOFRG6THLDDVH6FKT5WA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":262,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/c0d14d5f-231b-4285-a170-fd99652b784f/versions/1732826635/media/56ea409f3e67f5f04267b1145932929d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/three-big-parties-in-near-dead-heat-at-end-of-election-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WVHNA3DYYZBTDGOAE54ZWQXCPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150555},"content":"Polling stations open at 7am on Friday after a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> campaign that seemed to meander through a blizzard of lavish spending promises before jolting into life in its final week as concerns arose about the likely policies of the incoming <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump</a> administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"67OPNE3NC5GONCAMXDYZCM2QKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150556},"content":"Voting across the 43 constituencies will continue until 10pm on Friday, after which ballot boxes will be sealed and securely transported to the 32 count centres in advance of their opening at 9am on Saturday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KGLPQ6OG2JFLXEXJ2TGL24RID4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150557},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people, the largest number ever, are eligible to vote in the election, an increase of 423,000 voters since the 2020 election. There were over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline – a fact which adds to the unpredictability of an election that few are confident of calling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTAN6FUHYBFHBKBAMPBJHQK3II","additional_properties":{"_id":"JMB27G3ZRBHKTJUWROYSSSD2PU"},"content":"Election 2024: How do I vote, what are the polls saying and how does the system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZVL34X2LURDNHCMUK4XZFKSCIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150558},"content":"The first results of an Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD exit poll conducted by Ipsos B&A will be released after the polling stations close on Friday evening, which will give the initial indications of the likely outcome, and – potentially – the possible shape of the next government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2N2HKNPUZHF3LTIFLHCD6ZCIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150559},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> has been ahead in recent opinion polls but only by the shortest of noses and well within the polling margin of error. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> are close behind, and all three parties were in a near dead heat as the campaign finished, bunched around the 20 per cent mark.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PNTVVOBGNATFAUZEHLRXQA7XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150560},"content":"If those results are replicated when the votes are counted it will make a government based on Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil the most likely outcome of this general election. But they will need the support of at least one and possibly more than one party – and/or Independents – to form a Dáil majority.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YR5IXBU3VFFFRBOYYCJZEYM3VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150561},"content":"A stronger than expected showing by Sinn Féin could upset all those expectations, however. And the count is likely to reveal intense competition between the smaller parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5RQT3YJP5C2BCLNSKOWNRLFEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150563},"content":"On Thursday the party leaders embarked on a frantic last-minute round of canvassing. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was in Wicklow where he said the question of coalition with Sinn Féin was usually raised at the end of a campaign “for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the Fianna Fáil position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X6O5YKOKFZFVFLJYHYLRKM2K5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150564},"content":"“The bottom line is we did not go in with Sinn Féin in 2020, in 2016. The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NT6W2GL57JGWBAMTUOEA2C6MMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150565},"content":"Fine Gael leader Simon Harris turned his guns on Sinn Féin again, and said that people should examine the kind of policies that lie behind its message of change. “Sinn Féin is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPQF5XUC7ZG43DACYNDGUFHF4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150567},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald reiterated her plea for voters to “lend” their votes to her party, and also support others “parties of change”. Asked to elaborate on her view that Sinn Féin voters should support such parties, she said: “I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit, candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GB3NIIWCHNFRVOXVE5A4GZMXK4","additional_properties":{"_id":"Q44FN6YSBBFEDKPJN6QBOC6FDE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-89884","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JWZUBFDHSNHN5GQ6NA7L7X62GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150568},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the Social Democrats final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z7IPDNDIFZHCZOMFXXDECBNAGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150569},"content":"Green leader Roderic O’Gorman said: “It’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of the next government. Smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQ3HYAD6WNFHDH2P25TDP2YLLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150571},"content":"At her final press conference the Labour leader Ivana Bacik promised that the “first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline add to the unpredictability of an election few are confident of calling"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election 2024: Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil in near dead heat at end of 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the foundation of the State, Ireland has used the electoral system known as proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR–STV, or PR for short).","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7AD2AQRIBCQ5ILFTBYWRKI26A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255258},"content":"This means at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/local-elections/\" target=\"_blank\">local</a>, mayoral, national, general and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/presidential-election/\" target=\"_blank\">presidential</a> elections, voters are asked to give their vote in order of preference.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MSJ4LSANXFBIDKEGNE5XH7CQQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255259},"content":"Referendums, in which people are asked to vote on changes to the Irish Constitution, operate on a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ basis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJASZNZ6RVBAXGDFJBKP2Q5ZOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255260},"content":"Voters can stop after indicating their first choice candidate, or can continue to give a preferential vote to as many candidates as they wish on the ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5YWGGWZVB5HMNCCQ6HSYFWHWTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255261},"content":"When you vote with more than one preference, you are instructing the returning officer – the person responsible for the counting of votes – that if your preferred candidate is eliminated, or elected with a surplus of votes, you want your vote to be transferred to your second choice candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWLJP73X6NFVVDXJMCVWLOZEUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255262},"content":"Lower preferences come into play only when higher ones are elected or eliminated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDNXFABSCBEXNNDMKHELVHIDY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255263},"content":"In Dáil and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/european-election/\" target=\"_blank\">European election</a> constituencies, the number of seats (or elected representatives) can be 3, 4 or 5 per area, depending on population size.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4QOEVVUBNEAFLCWVYNNHRYZRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255264},"content":"In local elections, constituencies are called Local Electoral Areas (LEAs), and the number of seats in these can vary between 3 and 7.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WW7VK2S3RFD3RD7TFRX3GONAN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255265},"content":"When it comes to counting votes, ballot papers are sorted into first preference choices for each candidate and then the first preferences are counted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OGUWWYAQ5FYJOQR3JPOIFM2P4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255266},"content":"The total valid poll is determined after all spoilt votes have been adjudicated on. Ballot papers may be deemed spoiled due to writing on the ballot paper, if no clear first preference is marked for a candidate, or if the ballot paper was not stamped by the presiding officer or polling clerk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4P2YYZHYBDD7D2OQ7JDYI37RE","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPXAF47425CCHO3FSXTDKIRWHI"},"content":"McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HXXX6MKETVGUVJEREKQ7REPFYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255267},"content":"The quota is then calculated on the basis of the total valid poll. The quota is the figure that, if reached, guarantees the election of a candidate. It is possible to get elected without reaching the quota, but this can only happen when all other candidates are excluded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJ7WMZYXGND2LPZAYBN55KT4F4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255268},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSMECK5JRBAZVMPAP6EARGYCBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814283190},"content":"The quota is calculated by dividing the total valid poll by 1 more than the number of available seats, and then adding 1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHDR2TX7QRDK5NKOHPDZU6ABJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255269},"content":"For example, in a four-seat constituency with a valid poll of 60,000, the quota would be: (60,000 divided by 4+1) + 1 = 12,001.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FAXK7X4JBG7VNCKWEQHPRD7FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255270},"content":"The quota is a formula calculated on the basis of the lowest possible number of votes that can be filled by the number of candidates to be elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"447ALAZXARDJJGNFNVTKN7MDXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255271},"content":"Votes are transferred after each count when a candidate is either elected or eliminated. A vote can be counted multiple times with transfers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7V3X7AXNXJBIXCBCMZW3UUPZFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255272},"content":"Any preference for candidates who have already been elected or have been excluded is ignored. The next available preference on the ballot paper is used.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7VXXU3XLJBMBFKMWY5CTDQ4UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255273},"content":"If a voter picks only one candidate, their vote cannot transfer because they have no second preference. A voter can influence the election of other candidates by continuing to vote down the list of candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NQGWLJXZVEGVG2LYSIWMZ3QU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255274},"content":"When a vote is transferred it counts as a full vote even if it’s a number 8, ie the voter’s eighth preference. That is why it’s called a single transferable vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3EYQWL5VZDELGXF54LK54MF44","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255275},"content":"Candidates remain in the count as long as they keep receiving sufficient transfers to remain in contention. This process is repeated until there are no more votes to be transferred.","type":"text"},{"_id":"APIKMWBQUNACLCFV4AEZ76KTCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255276},"content":"A number of other countries, including Malta, use the PR-STV system, as does Northern Ireland for local and Assembly elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAKIIZZHVBDEJLO4PBFVQT3RCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255277},"content":"Two referendums were held, in 1959 and 1968, to try to replace PR-STV with the British first-past-the-post system, but both were defeated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Voters give their vote in order of preference, with lower preferences coming into play only when higher ones are either elected or eliminated"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","native":"Explainer: How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Elections 2024"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA","auth":{"1":"fc41984b79f073702294374ac1775410d64f805db64ddbf0e08b3a512d4e10c6"},"focal_point":{"x":1791,"y":1084},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/explainer-how-does-proportional-representation-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"DJFFNDEI2VHQHNBC7MKOBPGSIA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":451,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/10097cd0-6a98-4dca-8631-f7580e98a7ad/versions/1732792302/media/def174ddca01a84f3f7eea5596ea1c83_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/11/29/newstalks-interview-with-gerry-hutch-is-an-anticlimax-after-kevin-myerss-inflammatory-opinions-fill-the-air/","content_elements":[{"_id":"B2EK6QP6RZDJLKFOMZXUN7FMII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160909},"content":"On Tuesday, as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general-election campaign</a> enters the final stretch before polling day, <b>The Hard Shoulder </b>(Newstalk, weekdays) features a rare broadcast interview with a mercurial, controversial figure whose provocative reputation has long divided opinion. And if <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kieran-cuddihy/\" target=\"_blank\">Kieran Cuddihy</a>’s conversation with the veteran journalist and author <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kevin-myers/\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin Myers</a> isn’t contentious enough, the host also hears from the gangland boss and Independent Dáil candidate <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gerry-hutch/\" target=\"_blank\">Gerry Hutch</a>. But while the latter’s appearance makes the news – it’s Hutch’s only radio Interview – it’s Myers who generates the on-air pyrotechnics, with his talent for inflammatory opinions given full rein. All this while discussing his favourite books.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HMBSZN3GNBHBPDR5DX6VTGD6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160910},"content":"Speaking on Cuddihy’s weekly Bookshelf slot, Myers nominates Rudyard Kipling’s Collected Verse as his go-to volume – but adds in theatrically weary tones that this choice didn’t find favour with the show’s researcher. “Kipling is enormously unpopular in Ireland,” he says, citing the writer’s fervent support for the British empire. Myers doesn’t try to justify Kipling’s imperialism, though he insists the writer wasn’t racist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OAK6FVDLJG75MOIHPPXV2ZLGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160911},"content":"The columnist, who once wrote offensively about single mothers in The Irish Times, then gives a stirring recital of Kipling’s poem The Female of the Species – as in “is more deadly than the male” – quickly adding that its sexist sentiment is “ludicrously untrue”. “You have to forgive him for his many errors, but he is nonetheless a compelling poet,” says Myers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6C64ZEVPRA7JHH5S2O24BPQTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160912},"content":"Still, feeling compelled to dispel any unease about choosing a writer with such extravagantly outdated views, Myers picks a more acceptable alternative: Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, “in many ways a vile book, about a pederast’s infatuation with a young girl”. Stop playing it safe, Kev!","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EQUHLSBLZGLNJGNZ7BATO5KY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790638762},"content":"At this stage it’s tempting to think that Myers is back to his old scheisse-stirring tricks, but he adds that, despite the book’s evil theme, it has a “moral schemata”. Myers also praises the “Russian vigour” of the writing, which he also finds in his preferred Nabokov novel, Pale Fire<i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5G33MF4RZGAPH7FJNFS4BJ674","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160913},"content":"Throughout all this a clearly amused Cuddihy largely stands back, allowing his guest to fire off all manner of sweeping (if not entirely inaccurate) statements: “Men over 50 don’t read fiction”; “Many artists are unpleasant people”; and so forth. For all his robustly opinionated persona, however, Myers makes some serious points, notably the need to view artistic work on merit rather than purely through the lens of modern attitudes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVZFGBJNCBGHNNDQSYXDVTFKHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790638764},"content":"That said, he still revels in pricking contemporary mores, plumping for Kipling’s poetry as his favourite work. “Now no one’s going to talk to me,” says Myers, not sounding particularly bothered. It’s an entertaining and intelligent segment, albeit with a frisson of the inappropriate: Cuddihy is probably wise to confine his guest’s comments to books.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QZBV56AYZHWLCEDQRKEPTDAGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160914},"content":"Compared with that, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/henry-mckean/\" target=\"_blank\">Henry McKean</a>’s exclusive interview with Hutch is an anticlimax. The perennially breathless roving reporter tells Cuddihy how, after a chance encounter in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-dublin-central-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin Central</a> constituency, he persuaded Hutch to take part in Front Bench, his election vox-pop series. (It’s not the only bench Hutch has been around recently, following his Special Criminal Court <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/04/22/what-now-for-gerard-hutch-and-jonathan-dowdall/\" target=\"_blank\">acquittal</a> for the 2016 murder of David Byrne, a Kinahan cartel member.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB6V6IOVPVFS7HPP7EHV7J7MXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160915},"content":"Alas, that’s as exciting as McKean’s scoop gets. Though Hutch is guardedly polite, he approaches the discussion with the same uninhibited candour as he would a Garda interrogation. He says little about policies beyond bemoaning the lack of affordable housing and tersely deflects McKean’s softball question about his chequered past:<b> </b>“That’s all yesterday’s news. You want to move forward.” It’s only when asked if he has any regrets that there’s a flash of mordant wit. “Yeah, maybe I should have run as a politician when I was 20.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYDIZ4LYSZEEDALFGUMKRKYK6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160916},"content":"However his political future pans out, Hutch doesn’t seem destined to be one of the great parliamentary orators. And there’s something uncomfortable about the way Cuddihy repeatedly and enthusiastically plugs the interview, given Hutch’s dubious past. Perhaps mindful of such queasiness, Cuddihy – whose show isn’t as top-heavy with election coverage as some of his peers’ – finishes by quoting Ms Justice Tara Burns’s opinion that Hutch is the figurehead of an organised criminal gang. At times like this the old saw about all politicians being crooks seems especially trite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXOBHDPOZNHNLBGSZMYBC6JHDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160917},"content":"While the direction of the country is decided at the ballot box, <b>Spoken Stories</b> (RTÉ Radio 1, Sunday) gauges the national mood more imaginatively, in the form of short new fiction on the theme of “the state of us”. The latest story in the current series, The Impasse, by the Irish-Indian author Cauvery Madhavan, tackles this idea in deceptively light-hearted fashion. As Madhavan remarks to Clíodhna Ní Anluain, the programme’s producer, in the introduction, the thematic brief can refer to broader society or, less flatteringly, to personal mishap or embarrassment: her story, as read by the actor Dawn Bradfield, takes its cue from the latter definition, initially at least.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4M4ZCX3OWBAMLHXLKZFXM24AQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160918},"content":"The plot is simple. Two estranged old friends, Nuala and Imelda, nearly collide while traversing a narrow boreen. With both refusing to budge, old grudges and newer bugbears surface. The resentments are directed not just at each other but also towards the new, sports car-driving African parish priest – “the Trócaire baby brought to life”, in Imelda’s cosily prejudiced phrase. But far from being racist caricatures, Madhavan’s characters are nuanced if imperfect beings, sketched with good-humoured affection, while Bradfield’s reading imbues the tale with a pleasing tone of gossipy mischief. Much like the protagonists, the story doesn’t get too far, but there’s a lot of fun and the odd thoughtful moment while it’s stuck there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGATFKXZBBEZLGVQXVVUUWGN4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160919},"content":"It’s a typically absorbing instalment to the strand, which this season has featured works by Carlo Gébler and Mia Gallagher, as well as an Irish-language instalment from Colm Ó Snodaigh. Whether these tales end up as firm favourites on bookshelves in the future is yet to be seen, but for now Spoken Stories does an admirable job of representing the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDRD7P6ZZVBOHNJXIHTCGPPNPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160920},"content":"Moment of the Week","type":"header"},{"_id":"CHYHFWNM6ZFRFNY4XOLL5WKEYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160921},"content":"On Tuesday’s <b>Rising Time</b> (RTÉ Radio 1, daily), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/shay-byrne/\" target=\"_blank\">Shay Byrne</a>’s trademark chirpy irreverence leads to unexpected ruminations on being made redundant by technology. Shooting the early-morning breeze with the traffic reporter Sinéad Ní Uallacháin and the sports presenter Darren Frehill, Byrne remarks, apropos nothing, that an “<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">AI</a> Jesus” has been installed in a Swiss church to hear confessions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEUM3B3TR5HDDE3KSRN43H4W3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160922},"content":"After the trio ponder this titbit at length, if not necessarily in depth, Frehill takes the notion to its logical conclusion: “Will it be long before there’s an AI Shay and an AI Darren?” It’s hardly a new concept: that reliable font of wisdom The Simpsons envisioned the show’s clueless radio-jock duo Bill and Marty being replaced by the automated DJ3000. Byrne, in turn, does little to help his case. “My wife has always said, ‘Talking to you is like talking to a robot,’” he says, chuckling. Given RTÉ's parlous financial state, Byrne probably shouldn’t be giving management such ideas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSVAXSUJJZH73F32GTBYFVALHI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mick Heaney"}},"name":"Mick Heaney"}]},"description":{"basic":"Radio: The Hard Shoulder host Kieran Cuddihy gives his guest’s talent for inflammatory opinions full rein – all while discussing his favourite books"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Newstalk’s interview with Gerry Hutch is an anticlimax after Kevin Myers’s inflammatory opinions fill the air","native":"Radio review: Newstalk’s interview with Gerry Hutch is an anticlimax after Kevin Myers’s inflammatory opinions fill the air"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU","auth":{"1":"bd6cbb97bed4d978a11514d90f7489f60e60a6adfe94b31460ccf4fd4cf41b9e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/11/29/newstalks-interview-with-gerry-hutch-is-an-anticlimax-after-kevin-myerss-inflammatory-opinions-fill-the-air/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"XWW5LPILPJE2JFA6QKAQZPED7Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":192,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1924e77f-c771-4c42-a8c9-3edd7350b2a1/versions/1732819584/media/1ff9dacd5662ade5e41d050ec9db8690_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2024/11/29/the-irish-times-view-on-using-your-vote-a-precious-right-that-must-be-defended/","content_elements":[{"_id":"I2QVXVHOTFGWTOHTK6CXQW33EI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737062},"content":"It was flagged at the outset that 2024 would be an unprecedented year of elections, affecting almost half the world’s population. That would not turn out to be the entire story. This has been a year when democracy has been subject to setbacks, reversals and repression.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPJW2J4V2JAFLGMK6MRHHGZW7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737063},"content":"As Ireland goes to the polls today, it is timely to recall some of democracy’s darker moments this year. In February, opposition leader Alexei Navalany died in dubious circumstances in a Russian penal colony. In July, Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in a Venezuelan election that was neither free nor fair. And earlier this month, 47 pro-democracy activists were jailed in Hong Kong.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOJC22E4PFGDTMTSCXD24XZJAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737064},"content":"These are just three examples of how advocates for democracy across the world have forfeited their freedom and sometimes their lives in defence of a right which too often is taken for granted by those who enjoy it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFXPYCKU6NBTPLIBEKIOYDUOHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737065},"content":"Today, Irish voters have the opportunity to decide the shape of the 34th Dáil and, by extension, their next government. It is a right denied to most of the world’s population. And in many democracies – including the world’s largest, India – norms and institutions are under stress.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FD2LTQK35C7FDLH7WWWRSWLYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737066},"content":"In its modern form of universal adult suffrage, democracy is a relatively recent innovation, based on a simple but profound truth: each person is of equal value and should have an equal say. In practice, democracy is usually contingent and often incomplete. The United States – the world’s oldest and foremost democracy in the eyes of many – only became fully democratic with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1965.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKJNGGEAPZAQVCXAAN22BOR4TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737067},"content":"One sign of the health of a democracy is the presence of losers’ consent, where all sides accept the legitimacy of the process and the outcome. That can be lost if the majority abuses its power, as happened for decades in Northern Ireland. Losers’ consent has also been strained in recent US elections, and might have reached breaking point this time had the result been different.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJLSBK4N7FFUDKNWNFN6HP6Y3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737068},"content":"Populist authoritarians on both right and left set out to undermine these principles of equality and legitimacy by claiming to act on behalf of “the people” against internal enemies. That leads inevitably to the conclusion that there can only be one legitimate winner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IIT3OIVKGZDBZLJIDGKHZTDDRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737069},"content":"Fortunately, for social and historical reasons, that mindset has found little purchase in Ireland. Our electoral system has its shortcomings but tends to reward consensus and tolerance over extremism and polarisation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QBW3LUCXJGRFBNXATX2STJYNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737070},"content":"It would be unwise to be complacent, though. The trends visible in other democracies – declining trust in institutions, discontent with the failure of elected governments to tackle pressing problems, social atomisation – are all present here. The first and best way to guard against them is by actively participating in the democratic process and casting a vote today.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Our electoral system tends to reward consensus and tolerance over extremism and polarisation"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T00:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":" The Irish Times view on using your vote: a precious right that must be defended","native":"Voting is a precious right and the best way to protect it is by using it"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74","auth":{"1":"abc2de1dcbfd7f8a7c2c379d6f80461b410ee80debb8d78f9f1d11942105d95a"},"focal_point":{"x":950,"y":477},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2024/11/29/the-irish-times-view-on-using-your-vote-a-precious-right-that-must-be-defended/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}},{"_id":"6NNN53HADRE6JLVGUC3T73ONW4","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-campaign-live-updates/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DQ5TIPUNWNAFHCS5DF3BXO6QQI","additional_properties":{"_id":"NKKQYOTKJNGC5GTBZ77BOGCXTU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732782600000},"id":"timestamp-44036","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"QHLCRIYMPRAWZBX3L7SG55Q7O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112231},"content":"The parties are sharpening their messages in their last-ditch appeals to voters on the final day of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> campaign ahead of Friday’s vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRD6O3PE55FG5NXNZ4BLQ7UIUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112232},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> has appealed for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\">voters</a> who have traditionally stayed away from the party to “lend us your vote” to remove <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a> from office, with party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> suggesting her party’s voters should “transfer on” their votes to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a>. Meanwhile, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil continued to focus on the threat of a shock to the Irish economy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I627E6WAVFTDPBFGM7VYX4AWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112233},"content":"The final poll of the campaign released on Wednesday night by the Business Post showed the three big parties bunched together with around 20 per cent support, leaving it all to play for.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QW2FS3PJ5HHXAXVRU3GLREVNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112234},"content":"Key Reads","type":"header"},{"_id":"XAQWOSH27BA57HDAF2V2PYFBXU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"ZJY27VTXNRGL7JJSMGRQQ6W5OE","additional_properties":{"_id":"TL6L4Z3WRNFXBLWMA3LVASUI6A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784191413},"id":"timestamp-59452","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JF4ELIYU6BFZDOPM3QL34EY2LQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498452},"content":"Time for the Insta generation to step up?","type":"header"},{"_id":"NPJWCWKX2FA4TIPX436PJR3S7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498453},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> was back on Instagram live this morning asking for votes for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> in an “extraordinarily close” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLOBDYRCE5DTBBR5XHCJLYFKBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498454},"content":"The Fine Gael leader warned pundits it’s is “very dangerous” to try to predict the outcome and said to viewers: “It’s you and you alone who will decide this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6DTFMBQTREBRNCBW6ICAUQQEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498455},"content":"“This is a three-way contest and I respectfully argue it’s now time for our generation to step up, it’s time for a new generation of leadership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJQCK36X6RDI3HJNBMY2XQ6K6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498456},"content":"“That is what I represent, an ability to get things done. An ability to bring common sense to politics but also an ability to represent a new generation... Please lend me your support tomorrow, lend Fine Gael your support and in return I will give you my absolute all”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4QUIGX46VANPIJBC3F4KTVUFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498457},"content":"Earlier in the post he spoke of Fine Gael promises for €200 per month childcare, the creation of more special schools and abolition of college fees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X427MB3B5BD5DDLJGLV4LWS3GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498458},"content":"He said: “I don’t get everything right, no political party gets everything right but you know what I do step up every time I’ve been called upon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXLLIQSONBAA3EKR5LVTIXVAFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498459},"content":"Harris said he “stepped up during the Covid pandemic to help save lives and livelihoods” served in Government during the “difficult days” of Brexit and promoted apprenticeships as Minister for Higher Education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFWHVEG66RD6HIAWXI6OKRWYAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498460},"content":"He said: “as Taoiseach when the vacancy arose I again was willing to step up because our country needed leadership and he said a Budget was delivered to help people with the costs of living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WJD3VT5IFGMNPGKBG5VVHWUR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498461},"content":"Later in the video he responds to other people’s posts – here’s a sample:","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2KOPD3TDNHTNDJEU5PWX6LXW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498462},"content":"“vodkashot78 making a point about housing ... let me say this – housing, housing housing is my number one priority. But that’s just rhetoric here’s how we’re going to fix it ...”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SURGWPCHJJGERIGASR7YPJH3GY","additional_properties":{"_id":"YED5LFCCSBEJLMO4ZGI6DQDCAU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784238303},"id":"timestamp-64603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"XZCRYJCXQFFS7AU3COF3L6T5HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498465},"content":"Harris’ Instagram Live comes after a previous one last night last night where he said “it’s all to play for” in the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6657HJLH7RE5FAPPVGV7E4674U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498466},"content":"“There’s a poll out tonight that shows when you give people constituency ballots, Fine Gael is neck and neck for first place.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGHY5YKSOBC2FP5D5KOO6OIRCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498467},"content":"This is of course a reference to the Business Post/Red C poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FRCBXORYFGMBFYCJV2PTBEXBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498468},"content":"It had Fianna Fáil unchanged since the last survey on 21 per cent, Sinn Féin up two points to 20 per cent and Fine Gael down two, but also on 20 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYVB66TVL5D5FEC6ZLKHCUFZ6A","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QP3R3QF5XBH23C4H4VOCMVC67Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498470},"content":"Fine Gael has had a rocky election campaign and Harris told his viewers: “I’m really asking everybody to please, please, please get out and back my Fine Gael team right across the country”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6TMGXEK5NAKVG7Q6CGJGDUPJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498471},"content":"“I really need your support. I really need your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGIMD4XZDBHLTK4TYXSXEQKL44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498472},"content":"“I’ve been working as hard as I possibly can over the last seven months as Taoiseach of this country and as leader of Fine Gael”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHO6ZMF32BDDTOBN5UE53MXQ4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498473},"content":"He said that during that time he has “tried to reconnect on a number of issues that I’ve heard from you that matter.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYOA466IDBB2VA5DVGQU5OST7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498474},"content":"He again referenced disability issues as he has repeatedly done since he was confronted by care worker Charlotte Fallon on the election trail last week but also mentioned migration, Ireland recognising the State of Palestine and his efforts to improve relations with Britain.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQVZZ7LHXZEFZC4MSUZTAZNPEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498475},"content":"Harris also said he has been “working really, really hard on putting together what I think is an exciting plan for our country.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWEELRL3IRGSNL2SJOGLID2NPA","additional_properties":{"_id":"M2OOS3CGMFF4TC3N2PPYWW7FUA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784337998},"id":"timestamp-94675","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CLJNPQSYGVHEPOBHGMYPFBMEII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498477},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> had more reason to be happy with the poll saying in an online post that it confirms “what we are feeling on the ground: The momentum for change is with Sinn Féin. It is growing everyday! We can do this together! We can change the Government.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7NUMSH5AREHZHEGW3DEFQVCSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498478},"content":"Her upbeat tone is a far cry from where Sinn Féin was in the weeks before the official election campaign when the party was mired in a strong of controversies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVAFYUFIJ5FR5DA6GEKY6W3UFM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"WT63WIK27VAVXIED6H265BAGSI","additional_properties":{"_id":"JMLT2LW5VRDWFPGGJPTCKQ5EXQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784523286},"id":"timestamp-29971","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"K3PTTJ4S4BGATBIBYCJ2NK7OKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498481},"content":"If <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> was encouraged by the poll showing his party in the lead – albeit very slightly – he was not showing it in social media posts last night. Instead he posted a clip from his pitch to voters to back Fianna Fáil during his interview with Virgin Media television last night. Speaking of his party’s time in Government he said: “In a period of inflation and conflict in much for the world we acted to protect Ireland’s interests and help families faced with rising costs. But this election is about our future. It is about how we can protect Ireland’s progress and implement new policies to tackle critical issues ...”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5ZN7OTN2VGKFBUXKVD63Z5ULU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498482},"content":"Martin’s party has been the most steady in the polls (The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll this week also had it on 21 per cent, in advance of Sinn Féin on 21 per cent (up 1 point) and Fine Gael on 19 per cent (down 6 points). But it seems that heading into tomorrow’s election there is nothing between the big three parties in terms of their respective support levels. Of course much will depend on the complexities of the different dynamics in 43 election battlegrounds as to which one ends up with the most Dáil seats. Fianna Fáil is probably best placed to do so but that does not mean that Fine Gael is not hoping that their fortunes cannot be revived from a blunder-filled election campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"72YBOT5DQZCX7EDFE2IDXO3VAM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QDGOGPYKGBGVVKIYXZFJPR7BQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"IAWUUC62I5HOHPNFQJ6DBXDASA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784810909},"id":"timestamp-76977","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"FJ3Y3M7Y3JFSJMJS5XYU2LOBNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498485},"content":"The moratorium is dead – long live the “additional care requirement” for broadcasters","type":"header"},{"_id":"SOYVCDIHJBAGTPXWOLBBLCZ2W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498486},"content":"Election 2024 will be the first in a long time without the outdated broadcast moratorium which previously put the kibosh on radio and TV political coverage from 2pm the day before voters cast their ballots","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQKB57RY2ZDWTBZLWHUUCCBOYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498487},"content":"Earlier this month Coimisiún na Meán confirmed the moratorium, which has been in place since 1997, is being replaced with a measure called the Additional Care Requirement for broadcasters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7VUP7Q37FCFFL7UTG36E2SSWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498488},"content":"It will require broadcasters to “treat with extreme care information relating to the election that it believes, or has reason to believe, has been circulated with the intention of misleading or confusing voters or that is likely to mislead or confuse voters.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2MVCNX6KJEBTEYB526NMPANRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498489},"content":"See our report <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/media/2024/11/01/broadcast-moratorium-to-be-scrapped-and-new-requriement-to-tackle-election-misinformation-introduced/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKBIUZHZRRBMXKKU7MVDIKHOTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498490},"content":"The new requirement will be in force during the 24-hours before the opening of polling stations and during the period when voting is taking place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAWASADVVRHA3FFRBA7IFPWBOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498491},"content":"It will be interesting to see how broadcast coverage plays out under the new rules today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGH4FKK2YNAZLMAVM3L7ZZ3VOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498492},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris is due on Today FM’s The Last Word this afternoon – which would not have happened under the old rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJRT4ECVEFA4RJ4R3UXNGK27SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"2372ZPGSTZB2TJON7I4JYCLQF4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732786181091},"id":"timestamp-57210","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BCOVCHRXKBC37DHME6KGDZ2O7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498494},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan has also been posting on Instagram this morning with a clip arguing that “the Government’s version of affordable housing is making a mockery of the idea”. He has been filling in for party leader Holly Cairns for much of the national campaign events as she is expecting a baby <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/social-democrats-leader-holly-cairns-doing-incredible-job-campaigning-while-pregnant/\" target=\"_blank\">imminently</a>. He wouldn’t thank anyone for saying it but he probably has the safest seat of any of his party’s candidates. Here’s what he said when that suggestion was put to him that he was nailed on for a return to the Dáil at a Social Democrats press conference on Wednesday: “I wish that was the case, but certainly not. Five years ago a lot of the pundits and commentators said I wasn’t in with a chance of getting a seat. Now they all say I’m a sure thing and I don’t believe either of those. We’re fighting very hard to get re-elected in Dublin Bay North.” In a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-dublin-bay-north-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">profile</a> of the constituency Jack Horgan-Jones writes that O’Callaghan “should hold” the seat and sets out the lay of the land there with three other incumbents not contesting the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAU6ANT2BRE7RJYYU446JH7D6I","additional_properties":{"_id":"EJ6ECUBV3ZHILFWJXQPSSURODQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732786855752},"id":"timestamp-99614","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"V2E4O7UV6FGYJCUNIXCQLCWOSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498497},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris has just done an interview with Pat Kenny on Newstalk radio and <b>Vivienne Clarke</b> has been following it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOLPVHBA3NFPLOPV5FAMLXGBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498498},"content":"He says he feels “really good” about tomorrow and “very hopeful” that people “will lend us their vote so that I can continue my job as Taoiseach and so that we can really put together a stable government for the next five years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7F5TCYTQPRDH5OAKOHYWMCOAOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498499},"content":"Fine Gael’s support has been falling in opinion polls but Harris argued that the polls “always reset” after an election is called. “I think Irish people think about their vote very carefully. They think it through. They want to put politicians through their paces.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOJ5CMPKRZANZBRRQ647KUTDOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498500},"content":"With 18 Fine Gael TDs who won seats in 2020 not contesting the election he also said that he has “had to rejuvenate my party in real time, introduce a lot of new candidates to the people right across the country, people who are new into politics, but certainly not new to delivering in their area.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYTRG63JXVFJXBWVVATICH3OSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498501},"content":"He also said: “I think what’s happening now and you saw it in last night’s poll when a ballot paper was put in front of people in the Red C poll and my party came joint first with 21 [per cent] apiece. We’re going to go to 21, and same for Fianna Fáil. This is a very, very close election. And that’s why right through today and right through tomorrow, up to 10:00 tomorrow night, I’ll be asking for every possible vote for Fine Gael.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LME77MI6GFD4HFPX535UR2CIKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"6NVICSKN2VFLFODOS7RANG5H2Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732787262958},"id":"timestamp-27294","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6SZAVEERHBA5HEM4O7X2JCK4N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498503},"content":"Harris also defended the November 29th date of the election during his Newstalk interview. Since becoming Taosieach he had said his intention was for the Government to run its full term – which many took to mean into early 2025. Harris said: “My priority was to get that Budget through, to work with the other political parties, to be respectful to them in how we govern. Then we got to a point where we were getting into nearly this kind of pedantic debate about what is the full term. And my view was based on my view today is still this. Once the government passed that fifth budget, I think there was a safe and appropriate time before and to have a general election. People will vote tomorrow. That will then provide a period of time for the politicians to deal with the outcome of that election and try and form a government and have a new government in office ready to hit the ground running. Because what I can definitely tell you is this. But what we don’t need after the next general election, the people are sovereign, but what we don’t need here is months and months and months of navel gazing. The country needs a government that can get on with the job.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FX5ULTUAM5GMBCZPZCV44YHVUI","additional_properties":{"_id":"EVGFLSW6VZHFXJOXSQIFMVDG5M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732788042688},"id":"timestamp-73949","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"YURYT64ZWRAWDOPJSDE3AZ7F5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480716},"content":"Fine Gael has had a bit of a nightmare of an election campaign but party leader Simon Harris has insisted it is “entirely possible” he can be returned as Taoiseach after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVWHU5JKOVD4LI6TEPOLDU7D5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480717},"content":"As <b>Vivienne Clarke </b>reports, he told Newstalk: “I’m glad I am running in this election to lead the next government. I believe it’s entirely possible that that can happen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OHV3HFOR5FB7MRBQ5S6WR5BW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480718},"content":"He also again set out his preference for a three party Coalition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJUTEFVGFZEOBGOW67T5JIPBWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480719},"content":"“I think what’s most likely to happen after the next election is a coalition government. I think that government is likely to probably involve at least three parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WKLZ7NE22BBULAVYSDY5O7IU6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480720},"content":"“I would think a government that gets beyond three parties becomes harder to manage in terms of a coherent policy base.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVE7SNI4A5DENEYUHOD6FPAE2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480721},"content":"He added: “I strongly believe we need a stable government with a working majority.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMWUS4C6QVCKNCRTPKKZR4VAEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480722},"content":"One misstep by Harris on the campaign was his exchange with care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork where he cut the conversation short after she confronted him on supports for people with disabilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMZ5IP2ZWZAZ5DK7UH3L4TL7PU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480723},"content":"He contacted her afterwards and apologised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4D6HBONOW5ARPGXB5ZV3PUIEXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480724},"content":"“I was annoyed at myself because I’m better than that. Look, I messed up. I messed up on an issue that is extraordinarily important to me and my family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YGWLYKKHIJD7XNCYCUMW6LEWAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480725},"content":"“And, you know, the issue of disability, is there isn’t a more important issue based on my lived experience.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGH4YKR4HBBQZJM6IQ2KZN7JTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480726},"content":"“I know I messed up, but you know what? I was reared that when you make a mistake, you put your hands up. I apologise.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPKI5UESX5HWFGQHXRGHVLVIMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480727},"content":"Asked if the apology would make him appear vulnerable, Mr Harris responded: “My political opponents can seize on whatever they like.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNI2H4ADZBG6JK2UVA7CZA24FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480728},"content":"“I think the people of Ireland, I certainly hope, know me. I think they know me for the leadership I provided through the Covid pandemic. I think they’ve seen the role that I played. I hope they know how hard I work”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMHM5FK4FBEP3IUPHD76ZTKEHM","additional_properties":{"_id":"I3UMK73H7NFTTEW3XGUW7O72WE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732788674063},"id":"timestamp-23080","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"H64GSGNQRBGE7MF2RHNGX2OIPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480730},"content":"It seems the Labour Party’s Dublin South-West Ciarán Ahern has met at least one irate voter on the doors. Here’s his latest campaign video featuring Seán Flanagan of comedy trio Foil, Arms & Hog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPZ6RCAYPNC3ZG7FIHVMCUBO6I","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"3MXW57EA4RCYXOOV6TVLANGUNU","additional_properties":{"_id":"AOWO7ZBRJRH4LPMFOYPLG4B2EY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732789086325},"id":"timestamp-64580","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OF66A42Z7JGCDDRKUMTSOM3ILY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480733},"content":"Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan can chill for this election campaign. While he is out and about canvassing now that he’s back from the COP29 climate talks – and remains Minister for the Environment until a new Government is formed – he is not contesting the election himself. He posted this serene image from the sunrise in Bray as he headed out canvassing with his party’s Wicklow candidate Steven Matthews this morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y665JR5KR5ECHKWAZVTFHNJRDM","additional_properties":{"_id":"QAKC2KZXWFCS5LUIQH433UFOUU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732789488546},"id":"timestamp-48062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NB23YVJ57OP4RLDGJBPKYA7CEE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NQFTFOWXSFDYNOJ4B5S5TNTTC4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AEZLAJ3UGJF47JP66R7ABPF3ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480737},"content":"Don’t forget your umbrella when you’re heading out to vote tomorrow. Met Éireann is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/11/28/weather-ireland-met-eireann-rain-election/\" target=\"_blank\">forecasting</a> outbreaks of rain including some possible “heavy falls” as the electorate heads to the polls. Will it impact turnout? Poor weather including high winds and heavy rain <a href=\"https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0208/1113979-turnout/\" target=\"_blank\">did not deter</a> voters in the February 2020 general election when turnout was 62.9 per cent. Turnout was 65 per cent in 2016 – also after a miserable February election race. Regardless of how many go out to vote tomorrow – this campaign has seen snow, rain and flying posters during Storm Bert. Can we have a summer election next time please?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TPUQ4Q3YUJCK7KH4V6NLD5APWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OG2TZQIY2ZEVROXSAGCW2LGWRQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732790383083},"id":"timestamp-92625","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2NKW6IEXRJAUBBJV4C4GGKITIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480739},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s rapport with people while out canvassing is front and centre of this Sinn Féin campaign video posted online this morning. Our own Miriam Lord observed<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/miriam-lord-mary-lous-chatty-campaign-trail-style-a-world-away-from-dail-barbs/\" target=\"_blank\"> McDonald out on the campaign trail</a> in a piece headlined: “Mary Lou’s ‘chatty’ campaign trail style a world away from Dáil barbs”. She wrote: “As soon as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> leader escaped the Morning Ireland after the [TV debate at] Montrose night before (the least they could have done was given her a bed between grillings), she took off on her penultimate day of hard yards and the softest of hard sells in search of a mandate to govern the country.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGCWJEB4UJFP7L5J6LEYPNPJIA","additional_properties":{"_id":"SLPVEWLFBVBWNCLJJRFAGAOHP4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732791051263},"id":"timestamp-60560","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"THNRPDXVVNDAVKHZANPTQN6ZDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480742},"content":"We had a chat with some of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-im-not-going-to-comment-on-anybodys-inexperience-if-they-dont-comment-on-my-age/\" target=\"_blank\">younger and older Dáil hopefuls</a> running in the election. Fine Gael’s Bernard Durkan (79) paraphrases Ronald Reagan’s zinger line from his 1984 re-election bid when the 73-year-old American politician – at that point the oldest ever US president – was running against a younger candidate. Durkan laughs and says of his rivals in Kildare North: “I’m not going to comment on anybody’s inexperience if they don’t comment on my age.” Here’s ‘the Gipper’s’ original delivery of what was, in fairness, a great line during his debate with Walter Mondale. It is worth a watch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2ONBM4RB5AWBEHWB6BLHJL3CY","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"MSMH4YLR3JCXBAO7E6T3PEUU3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"EORA6Y7H35A33P46GGWV6WEFDM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732791657443},"id":"timestamp-99829","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"IULFR3HB4RFZZHCK5X24T75JA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480745},"content":"Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe stacks up the Jenga blocks for the latest round or what Fine Gael’s opponents would brand as the party’s “project fear” campaign on the economy. Taoiseach Simon Harris has countered such charges by arguing it is “project truth”. In the campaign ad Donohoe boasts of full employment and says “we can build more homes and we can invest in public services” as he builds the tower but he warns “If the wrong policies were implemented they could undermine the progress that we have made. And if that happened enough...”. There is a dramatic pause and the Jenga blocks topple.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJD6W2NATRFYLG3IGZWCOBRCDM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"KD2C3UVN4VE2LLP5NNP4FXPRRU","additional_properties":{"_id":"6GV7RIHWSZFU5EL46ZWOCYMLXM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732792367185},"id":"timestamp-52764","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"7V3YKN62JRBBZPHP2O5XKR5WQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480748},"content":"<b>Harry McGee</b> reports that Labour leader Ivana Bacik has said that she is confident her party can gain seats in the General Election and be in a position to establish a strong platform consisting of centre-left and green parties and TDs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWHV3XVTDBF5XB3FKOCAXOFDRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480749},"content":"In her final press conference of the campaign Ms Bacik also dismissed Taoiseach Simon Harris’ description of Labour as a centrist party [in an Irish Examiner interview], saying it “smacked of desperation in the last few days of the campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUJXMJKX4BAOHOXMQDEYIPXAYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480750},"content":"“I’ve consistently said for many months now, before this election campaign even started, that the first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPMLWMDCVVAS7HM25VFQJVEILY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480751},"content":"Ms Bacik said that party’s main campaign message was to create what she said was an “active State” that would drive a radical reset of housing policy, and deliver a publicly-provided childcare system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JO5LALTKT5CZRKYWTIHG5PYPGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480752},"content":"She said her party would deliver the homes people need, tackle the “scourge of vacancy and dereliction”, and provide stronger protection for renters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG5EJUIPFRH2JBL4L7GXQQN7SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480753},"content":"“People are looking for something different, for an alternative that only the centre-left can offer.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNMRVTYPRFBV5PQR3XHNJGQCI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480754},"content":"Ms Bacik was speaking at St Stephen’s Green with MEP Aodhán Ó Riordáin and candidates Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central), Shane Folan (Dublin Bay North), and Darragh Moriarty (Dublin South Central). She said the party was running 32 candidates and was confident of making gains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2C74CJSVNASFGG7OOXFHRW5JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480755},"content":"She said Mr Ó Ríordáin’s victory in the European campaign had given the party a real momentum and it had fought a dynamic and robust campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7LQBKKEXZBQBNWYAX522XLVEE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ADU5ZJXPOFEFNI5O537L7LRCXE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NXNXJRNA3ZFFDLDPNTK2S27SKA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732793803595},"id":"timestamp-51487","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MGK3BQRDLZCC5NTRYICEOZJF2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480758},"content":"‘We all make mistakes’: Waterford TD responds to criticism of UHW election display","type":"header"},{"_id":"SIIR5ZRNXJB4JHAC4HZ7IBZEBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480759},"content":"<b>Vivienne Clarke</b> reports that Waterford Independent TD Matt Shanahan has responded to criticism of an illuminated General Election advertisement for his campaign being used on the grounds of University Hospital Waterford (UHW).","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2WMU2J7TRBPROEBPCYNNWMVGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480760},"content":"The display appeared on <a href=\"https://www.wlrfm.com/news/shanahan-cancer-ward-advertisement-394966\">the Dunmore Wing at UHW</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNESMW7TTJE77IR5LBKXEFMDHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480761},"content":"In a statement to WLR News, Deputy Shanahan said: “I wish to apologise for any upset that I caused by using the gable end of the Dunmore Wing to create raise awareness of my election campaign. As humans, we all make mistakes. I was trying as I have done repeatedly in the Dáil, to shine a light on the issues facing our hospital which remains completely underfunded. In this instance, with this activity, I regret any upset caused.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHWJDWU4MJACLMXPVWHQRVEWQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480762},"content":"He added: “I am deeply passionate about University Hospital Waterford, and I hope the people of Waterford know that. My activity was solely directed at keeping UHW and allied services at the forefront of our regional political debate. This has been a learning experience for me, but my determination to fight tooth and nail for the people of Waterford is as strong as ever. I ask you to judge me on my 10 years record of fighting for this hospital and not just this one event. Matt Shanahan.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CV4DA4H3PVGSVLZ6BJD7PXUZ3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480763},"content":"Management at UHW also issued a statement to WLR News, saying they were advised yesterday evening of a projected image on the exterior of the Dunmore Wing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PABF7I47SNBNTK4JPZ5YM25YEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480764},"content":"“After engagement with the parties involved, the projection of the image ceased and the vehicle involved vacated the UHW campus shortly before 8pm,” the statement said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33XKMZOVPREALPBIMGEZF3HD6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480765},"content":"“UHW would ask that any activity of this nature is conducted outside the boundaries of the UHW campus and respect the privacy and dignity of UHW patients, visitors and staff.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNWPNHX6U5HSJE5P4T6EG26EEI","additional_properties":{"_id":"P23OIYDIZRHZPHUF74F722LU7I"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795146129},"id":"timestamp-8288","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"63KVRUETN5DU5MTRTYNOWQ57ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":"O6BRYBUJ6FE7ZEXAB4KJPWSJS4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NYSFMSUEJRCZRJMTXVSDVQPHDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480768},"content":"People before Profit leader Richard Boyd-Barrett “urged” people who do not want a return of the present Coalition to vote for his party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55VU5ZFPMND7NAQBYPKMHYDVSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480769},"content":"The party has candidates in 42 of the 43 constituencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSXYCJM4U5B3LJF7OUQMLJ7Y7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480770},"content":"Those include young people who can’t afford a place to live, working people who are struggling with the cost of living and those who are neglected in the disability sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KEPVEFXOSBAVNMBPFQZCYZ5RZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480771},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have done an “amazing feat” of having so much money, but they have failed to do the basics of being able to put a roof over people’s heads, he said in the party’s last press conference before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6Z5TQHNTBAOFBD3X6DBDY2SQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480772},"content":"Nurses, he suggested, are taking industrial action because the Government has refused to resource the health services properly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7KTAYSFVJBOFFMYF4QDM3ZNDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480773},"content":"He repeated that parties of the left need to pledge that they will not prop up a Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WR5HX5Q3DNAQFMAUIDKWXQ4GHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480774},"content":"Such a move would “demoralise all those people who are thirsting for an alternative” and destroy “this historical opportunity for change”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEBB3NJURJAYLCYOQ2HVULSIF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480775},"content":"Outgoing TD Paul Murphy said the “received wisdom” is that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will be returned to office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSVG3IDCB5ENVH5IKJ4OZOFEMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480776},"content":"That perception has changed in the last week, he believes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVW4H5RCMRCGXBSMT6XPSDJKKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480777},"content":"He anticipated that young people, workers and women will come out in historic numbers to change the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UU43M2J675AHVJOARXGSXTW5FU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480778},"content":"“It is not true” that voters can only change the Government by voting for Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHPGNCHJZNCD7LG43MOPTG4VDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480779},"content":"He criticised Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats for not ruling out coalition with Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P6UZPVECZCBDP7HCGYIZKETDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480780},"content":"<b>Ronan McGreevy</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3ENALD56ZEVXNJTZQW4OJ55BU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WAQ53XI6EZGF5PGAHHDCW45LBY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795618816},"id":"timestamp-5056","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GAYBMF5XYXXNRLBZJECIQOQLP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"EKTFUD5FTZCBLMOGUXFXV77GT4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3HCGKS5IFVHOHDEHKZZPAWEB3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480783},"content":"The Green Party’s final message to voters is “stick with us”, according to party leader Roderic O’Gorman who said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNSD7XENQNHDLNYHTVBB3NVJDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480784},"content":"“Our priority has always been about acting now to build a better future for you, for your family, for your children, and we’re asking for another mandate to continue that work in the next Dáil,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6N2TAEOLBFJ7OC65J2ORBAPCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480785},"content":"Speaking at his party’s last press conference in Dublin before the election tomorrow Mr O’Gorman said the Greens in Government have “broken that tradition in Ireland that the smaller party is always overwhelmed by the agendas of the larger coalition partners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IFFXKTFZNBGDJP6KWOXGSW2RZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480786},"content":"“We’ve had huge success in implementing our agenda. We’ve kept our promises even when often our coalition partners might have had very much competing agendas.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5KJLKHJEVD7XDRCOQIJBHJLWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480787},"content":"He cited successes in delivery on public transport, childcare, retrofitting and said that “as a party, when we get the chance to act, we don’t go we don’t walk away”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XK55AWZYMVB5FAWKHHZQGFAR7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480788},"content":"Mr O’Gorman a TD for Dublin West said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote. So we’re asking the Irish voters tomorrow to give us that number one vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRY4XUZVJZEEDITQ7BUKECL5FA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480789},"content":"“If you want to see us to continue to deliver, we need that number one. This time around, the number two, the number three, is not really going to cut it. We’re asking for that number one to continue that strong track record of delivery.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEJ5OVZ2QZEUJFA4KCQSARFXXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480790},"content":"<b>Marie O’Halloran</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7I5VXPSJJBT3EFVHTQ4GODNUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"UPJFAVOELBE2DIADACSJVFWCYQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795918862},"id":"timestamp-84412","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OBBU6TLG4BG7RHQZOSBK3WOYXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480792},"content":"Our Political Correspondent <b>Jennifer Bray</b> is on the campaign trail with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. He is in Greystones this afternoon with his party’s outgoing local TD Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Health. Wicklow is now a four-seat ‘constituency of death’ after it lost a seat when the south of the county was chopped off in last year’s constituency review. Five incumbents - Donnelly, Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG), John Brady (SF), Jennifer Whitmore (SD) and Steven Matthews (GP) will all fight it out on a smaller battlefield. At least one of them will lose their seat. Here’s our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">constituency profile for Wicklow</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPQBJVNHAVH6PAZ3T6ZU3WKBZQ","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QUL5GURIIFHJFGOV2G3BLD654Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"5M6BUANS4NHP7LERBHCMKLYNJU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732796320089},"id":"timestamp-41111","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G2N7N2MVTZBQLOPOJYXONKFIGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480795},"content":"More from <b>Ronan McGreevy</b> at the People Before Profit press conference.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NM3Y3D6INNBFHNM352NGLFWF2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480796},"content":"Outgoing People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy highlighted Taoiseach Simon Harris’s encounter with a disabilities worker in Kanturk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45EONKNWI5HUZOHWQNYJUM2V6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480797},"content":"He claimed the “mask slipped” when the Fine Gael leader met Charlotte Fallon who complained to him about the pay provided to Section 39 workers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5BXLAPVCNFUNIUTJRFMJG447Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480798},"content":"Mr Murphy said it was the time that the “media bubble burst” for Fine Gael. He contrasted the “guffawing” at Michael O’Leary’s comments about teachers at Peter Burke’s campaign launch with the “dismissal of those trying to provide services for disabled people”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMAUUK6RYZBK7BPZXX6W6NTFD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480799},"content":"He also suggested that a left-wing government is “definitely on the cards” and there is a real possibility that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will get a historically low combined vote in the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SODXI6NRNRBMJG7GRMRXY2IVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":"XT4JWM7IZBD7XJ76NB775734CA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732796673612},"id":"timestamp-73280","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"WEK67MBBNKR7YZHJUISQPHFXRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FDRTOX5PCJHFFGZXEDMHI34MAA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZFZL3TK7SRG5BIZBNDIU6APEPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480802},"content":"McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Soc Dems and PBP","type":"header"},{"_id":"GDTFRMQAZZG2PJGWNLEJGG44AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480803},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has indicated Sinn Féin voters should consider transferring to parties such as the Social Democrats and People Before Profit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQWG4ZKRPVD7NIEUBIQJCO2SLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480804},"content":"As parties shore up their final messages to voters in advance of polling tomorrow, her comments will be seen as a significant intervention and a potential overture to partners in government talks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWRF5QYJ6BCSBP3RUCGCJZHHCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480805},"content":"Speaking to reporters outside Government Buildings in Dublin, where Sinn Féin held its first election press engagement three weeks ago, Ms McDonald was asked to elaborate on her view that Sinn Féin voters should support parties of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PK56ZOV5ABEETIQAAQADVCICSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480806},"content":"“I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C755P5E755A6NJO3QHGN7JWWDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480807},"content":"She added that it was not for her to tell people how to vote but to ask them to vote in the first instance for Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCLQ6IUM4REBHNOA4W7KOF4DDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480808},"content":"<b>Jack Horgan-Jones</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKREQAWIVZH7VDN3NBOBASVPP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"BMVWOTCVCRDZLM422UQ5J7FFLM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732798177349},"id":"timestamp-35503","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2KXBPAK7XFBZ3I5N3EKPZBZ6PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480810},"content":"Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has been campaigning while nine months pregnant. The due date for her and partner Barry Looney’s baby girl was November 22nd but the new arrival is not here yet. In an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/election-day-so-close-to-due-date-of-her-first-baby-that-holly-cairns-will-lead-socdems-campaign-from-west-cork/\" target=\"_blank\">interview</a> with <b>Harry McGee</b> earlier in the campaign Cairns said: “It’s very tricky, obviously. In one way, I’m so excited because it’s our first baby, we can’t wait. At the same time, I’m gutted by the timing for it to land in the same week, potentially, as polling day. It’s less than ideal, and it does pose a challenge for us as a party.” In an Instagram video posted today Cairns said: “It’s election day tomorrow and I can’t believe it and I can feel the swell of support behind the party”. She said “it’s coming from a place of people just wanting a party that will address these issues on housing, health, disability”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBWCG24KWBCR3LUFFN6LR5RYBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"JBOA622JCZGDFPC56GWPSPBETI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732798860841},"id":"timestamp-21603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"K5ZWAGNHLFCUXGN6F5D7BYKXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"RV4RHBBYV5AMBH57MSHTWWU4OI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"F6MMWMG3X5HHNJNPDGZ6GCXRMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480814},"content":"McDonald on potential Sinn Féin Coalition partners: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet”","type":"header"},{"_id":"YMK6LV2JLVBQ5PNMX6CQCPZTMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480815},"content":"Fresh from her party’s last election press conference Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald stopped by well-known Dublin watering-hole Grogan’s. She joined had singer Mary Coughlan and artist Robert Ballagh for a cup of tea. While she pulled a pint, no cheese toastie was ordered we gather. The Irish Times’ <b>Chris Maddaloni</b> was there to capture the campaign stop. Here’s <b>Jack Horgan-Jones</b>’ <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/mary-lou-mcdonald-indicates-sinn-fein-voters-should-transfer-to-social-democrats-or-pbp/\" target=\"_blank\">report</a> on Sinn Féin’s press conference where she suggests her parties voters should “transfer on” their votes to the Social Democrats and People Before Profit. As Horgan-Jones’ reports Ms McDonald reiterated the Sinn Féin request to the electorate to “lend us your vote”. Asked about potential coalition partners for her party, and what her path to power would be, she said she was going to talk to everybody once all had gathered their own mandate. “I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she said. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause,” she said, joking: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet. We have to get to first base before we pass it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNYD7WPAP5AXZIVCJL55EY4PNE","additional_properties":{"_id":"EK5ZLMDPMRBPRM63T2I6I67OUY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LKXEO3VTYFEILHTBZIAHSFCC5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"EPPNQHVWM5FTTLGEIJBXJNNKKY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732799558110},"id":"timestamp-90322","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"WZ55AECPCZCHFD7BR5CUW5IPWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480818},"content":"Here’s more from <b>Marie O’Halloran</b> at the Green Party press conference. Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has said “it’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of next government” and “smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHZDYRSGARAFDCWTHO5SLI6N64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480819},"content":"He said people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted whether it was a progressive party like the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that are what brings to the right, whether it’s anti climate, whether it’s anti choice, whether it’s anti equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUFLNHICSRDNZIPAN3WPJ5IGQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480820},"content":"He added that the Greens have been “demonstrating our track record of delivery of our policies and also stability, being a grown up partner within the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6FHGWDOBVAALHDKRZPTJGXJDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480821},"content":"Asked if the party was getting its message across because it was consistently criticised about being the party of cycle lanes, Mr O’Gorman said political opponents “are always going to try and go for the what they might consider the weakest link, and undoubtedly, we’ve been subjected a few pile-ons over the course of the last four and a half years. That’s the risk that the small party takes when it goes into government.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERPXYGBC65AUDNCXAWRFZUSHDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480822},"content":"But “people recognise that we have done what we said we would do. People recognise the influence we’ve had in this Government, and whether it’s Leo Varadkar or the Healy-Raes it is recognised across politics that we have had an oversized influence on the policies of this of this Government. We got 7 per cent of the vote, so we’ve been able to deliver a huge amount of our policies, far more than any smaller party has been able to deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4YUBM2YFFDIJHIGQWGHY5HFAE","additional_properties":{"_id":"CY6PPEYA4FCPHEQQ2VENBMS4HQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732800867157},"id":"timestamp-88000","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"4YSJD2MDOBDBLNJHNR74KXIBNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480824},"content":"Jennifer Bray is still on the campaign trail with clean-living Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Wicklow where he was ‘caught rapid’ raiding the treats shelves in a supermarket. Healthier dark chocolate for the Fianna Fáil leader no doubt...","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDLX6U7H5BCSPFEDFDCMK4KMMM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QW6PI5X46JEFNKFK4K5I5XS5DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OJF7HAD5ZJHKTJKUB6RYWKE6QM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732801708380},"id":"timestamp-28733","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UYUT52YILRHDVL32UB644P2XIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480827},"content":"People could end up “skint” if Sinn Féin wins power, Taoiseach claims","type":"header"},{"_id":"7COL6AASXFHMVIMMMCY5X4QG2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480828},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris has claimed that if Sinn Fein becomes part of the next government, people could end up “skint”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMGQBXMEX5DAZBMA4MVTCFDTQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480829},"content":"In his final press conference, the Fine Gael leader said that people should examine the kind of policies Sinn Féin is pursuing behind its message of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KXHFRTHFYNCMBIL6ATL2XBR344","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480830},"content":"“Sinn Fein is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2D5KU2F6RCYHH5YPWJ3QUUKFE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"PPIWZ2QCUZHIFEKP7TB6TC3P5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480832},"content":"Mr Harris was speaking at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Lucan along with Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFLUE7JZZRA5LM6RCYZ7ACAXDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480833},"content":"Both focus on the prospect of an economic shock ahead, particularly after the election of Donald Trump as president of the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JE5IIDSESNBRLLF6SCVOH6XXHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480834},"content":"“If you lend Sinn Fein your vote you lend them your future. If you lend them your future you might not get it back,” said Mr Donohoe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJFLL747KNF23GBSRCJ5GOHPAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480835},"content":"Mr Harris added: “The economic headwinds are real.” He said Mary Lou McDonald had rejected what she had called a doomsday scenario.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAVTGERPYVF3JJTDSK4Q7QHKMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480836},"content":"“To describe the (Fine Gael message) as scaremongering is dismissive of that reality,” he argued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2NB6Y2TO5DS7FGRJBG3JYOLSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480837},"content":"Asked about coalition options, he agreed that some TDs in other parties (a reference to Fianna Fáil) have said they are open to a coalition with Sinn Fein.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVM7T6MFF5FGDAJSFKPGHDKPXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480838},"content":"He continued: “You will not find one Fine Gael TD, on the record or off the record, being open to a coalition with Sinn Fein,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3JMJCUJUZCWBJVBBMFEAGXPLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480839},"content":"He also argued that Fine Gael that was a party that had never “bankrupted the economy”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETDP5UUQ2VDGNAOMOU57OHJWIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480840},"content":"Asked if he regretted not being more familiar with the circumstances surrounding the assault incident in 2018 involving Co Louth candidate John McGahon, Mr Harris again repeated his view that Mr McGahon was acquitted by a jury in a criminal case, and if otherwise had been the case he would not have been a Fine Gael candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJPUW2KHTVEQPIIGB7PPWXZAWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480841},"content":"Asked if his party had lost momentum to its two closest rivals he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWJO2VF6KBDBJKKZWLFBAA76V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480842},"content":"“We hit a couple of bumps along the way. I have been honest about that. To err is to be human.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANBIBIQ6WJGZRKOXIPEZRU4VEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480843},"content":"He added that the election was about issues, that he has been Taoiseach for only seven months, and wants to have a chance to do more for the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GKDX4KO5BHWXET22JKF4NITDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480844},"content":"“There is a little bit of arrogance creeping into other parties as to who will be the biggest party. The best of luck to them,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3JN547G2VATHJBQZJJ2KMN6YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480845},"content":"<b>Harry McGee</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJAUEIEMPBANLBJL6JFLO7DZCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"DGRQDLTJCZGL7P33WCIM5EJ3UQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732801928507},"id":"timestamp-99895","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CKZASDM77FBD3NC3FCIVDZHPOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480847},"content":"TV and radio election moratorium was “entirely anomalous” and “outdated” - broadcasters","type":"header"},{"_id":"UWXPDQQH4BF23PORGJADZ6UAII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480848},"content":"We are just minutes away from when the old election broadcast moratorium would come slamming down on the eve of polling day. Not so this year as Coimisiún na Meán scrapped earlier this month. <b>Martin Wall</b> has a story on the submissions made to the media regulator seeking the abolition of the old ban on reporting any information which could influence an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\">election</a> from 2pm on the day before polling day until after voting had ended. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte\">RTÉ</a> said it was “entirely anomalous” that its online news service could report on a significant breaking story, and particularly one based on disinformation/misinformation in the moratorium period, but its television and radio division could not do so. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/virgin-media\">Virgin Media</a> Television said the broadcast moratorium was “outdated and is no longer effective”. You can read more <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. The moratorium is being replaced with a measure called the Additional Care Requirement for broadcasters. It will require broadcasters to “treat with extreme care information relating to the election that it believes, or has reason to believe, has been circulated with the intention of misleading or confusing voters or that is likely to mislead or confuse voters.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SKVVELPAFDOHCQBP4JR55FRII","additional_properties":{"_id":"VWHP6LAKTVCA5OMUXVQK7QMOUU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732802556953},"id":"timestamp-75052","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SFAXJ5FDWVCNDKCFAGAYDLNPC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480850},"content":"Martin insists he has support of his party to rule out Sinn Féin as a coalition partner","type":"header"},{"_id":"LZI4QPYW7JHDJMKGO2T6HIHQ3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480851},"content":"Tánaiste Micheál Martin says he has the support of his party in his decision to rule out holding government formation talks with Sinn Féin, and said he felt the question was being asked “for mischievous reasons.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OREKSRHJEZEPNKZX3PED6OMJCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480852},"content":"The Fianna Fáil leader was in Greystones with outgoing Minister for Health and Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly on Thursday morning, the last day of campaigning before voting starts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2W7HPZBO5AURKO75RY6BB2JM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480853},"content":"“I’m always intrigued that in the last two days of the last two campaigns, this kind of question is raised,” he said, after being asked again about ruling out going into Coalition with Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OBXAXCXD7NAFRGUFXN2K3UPKKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480854},"content":"“I think it’s raised for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the Fianna Fáil position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with. But this is becoming a hardy annual now. The bottom line is we did not go in with Sinn Féin in 2020, in 2016. The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6WM226ILHJECZKDEULKP2WF76U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480855},"content":"Asked what the overarching themes were of the general election campaign, Mr Martin referenced housing and access to disability services. As he visited different businesses in Wicklow alongside Mr Donnelly, he was asked about the VAT rates for business, access to the basic income scheme for artists and the number of DART services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TPSZXG2J5GCZOFAWGNLKH22AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480856},"content":"Mr Martin said his focus in the next 48 hours is “to say to our party members and to our candidates to do everything possible that we can to get out the final vote, and to get as many people voting for our candidates as possible. To speculate on the aftermath of the election is somewhat premature.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQOUMZTDANETZGTIJJZV4OQET4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480857},"content":"He said there was “a lot of engagement” on the campaign trail.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7KJNLDCONBMDEYZ3HMUQK2AL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480858},"content":"Mr Donnelly was asked if he would “relish” the chance to the minister for health again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYHWQGPSTZD7JGVAXIFQRVNCCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480859},"content":"“I have one focus, which is asking the people of Wicklow to vote for me tomorrow, and if I’m honored enough to be returned as their representative, then that’s as far as my time frame goes right now. It has been a busy four and a half years. There’s no question. There are still big, big challenges, as we know, but I think there’s progress that has been made that a lot of people four and a half years ago said couldn’t happen.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPA2ONB3ZBBN5M5E72C3ATTTJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480860},"content":"<b>Jennifer Bray</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FKSKXLXDJDUDOI3C7MJLHDZ5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"OBKLSJUY2FDRZLCRKCRQABGMRM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732803069533},"id":"timestamp-1701","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G4ZUAHT77RGRPO54ZNUPNTH3LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480862},"content":"Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín is posting on X today that “the story of this election” has been the “momentum” behind his party. Aontú stood at 3 per cent in this week’s Irish Times/Ipsos B&A <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">poll</a> - the same level of support as People Before Profit and nipping at the heels of Labour and the Greens which were each on 4 per cent. It was on 1 per cent in the same series in September 2023. Tóibín has been the party’s only TD for Aontú's entire existence and is very much hoping to add more after tomorrow’s vote. Tóibín reckons “The last seat in many constituencies is a battle between Aontú and the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZE7DGPN2K5CX7GLFF24JAU3HEU","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"JZJDMNSRUZDMBO2YHOHOKI27F4","additional_properties":{"_id":"UUNXKTC64RFW7IY5EBFVT3BN5Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732803964676},"id":"timestamp-31144","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BSGKYFY2YNGNHE64RKTBLH2O2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480865},"content":"There are almost 3.7 million people registered to vote in tomorrow’s election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5FRXJW6ENGXRCIS3BP2I66KDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480866},"content":"An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission says the latest figures provided by local authorities indicate that the number of electors nationally is 3,689,896.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAGZSLWKKRDTFCY3SGSG3QYCAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480867},"content":"Around 3.5 million people were eligible to vote in the last general election in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I22Q76YQVRHDJHPJJ6QOMP4GIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"L5FZLCDTLRGOTGSRYTEVYKUT74"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732808374784},"id":"timestamp-68152","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CO3SCT2FSZDWPLNUTIVS3FCB4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559825},"content":"Minister for Enterprise and Employment Peter Burke is among the more than 250 General Election candidates endorsed by the trade union backed Respect at Work campaign after he pledged to support legislation to promote collective bargaining and protect workplace representatives during the term of the next Dáil, Emmet Malone writes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YA5RV4TU3VCS3LRV52YB5XKUNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559826},"content":"Mr Burke was among a number of prominent politicians to sign the pledge in recent days with Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and employment, Fianna Fáil’s Dara Calleary and Government chief whip Hildegaard Naughton also indicating their backing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWMGJDSL4BBGJC72Y5IQKPLG7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559827},"content":"Th Respect at Work campaign was launched in April with the intention of promoting trade union rights, mainly in private sector workplaces where employers might choose not to engage with worker representatives and are in some cases accused of actively working to deter any form of representation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NO53XNH5OJDEJOH3HFVT42JMBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559828},"content":"It has been primarily backed by Siptu, Mandate, the Financial Services Union and the Communication Workers Union.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZA54RLGVSVHJJOQTBQPLB63TSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559829},"content":"In recent weeks, it asked election candidates of all persuasions to commit to a specific pledge to “support legislation which promotes collective bargaining, protects workplace representatives and ensures the right to access a trade union at work,” with the campaign asking trade unionists to support those candidates who signed up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDPYZV3B5JC2LDCI3LTLM3XXZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559830},"content":"By lunchtime on Thursday, with the process formally closed but some politicians still adding their names to the list, just over 250 candidates of about 600 had signed up, most of them from the parties of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDIF7DYNL5HIPE3ILAYF3YRJ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559831},"content":"Among the eight to commit on Thursday morning, however, were Independent, Michael Lowry, Aontù's Peadar Tóibín,Ms Naughton and six other candidates standing for the two larger Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWAU7GKFVZF3RCDPRWXKF3J5D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559832},"content":"The most eye-catching name, though is Mr Burke who had previously been criticised by leading figures in the union for his decision not to legislate on the collective bargaining element of the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive, a key demand of Ictu and its membership over the past year","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4I3WTASHNFGZFYIT567O3EQGU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4SERCZXCZZBJPK5FTRBCPO2FFA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732810369401},"id":"timestamp-8256","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"VYYEST74Z5FOLFG2OPN2CYTDHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559834},"content":"Reporter Ronan McGreevy spoke to Donegal fishermen ahead of the election to get their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOB5JUAGXJHKVCJRZELNX6M56I","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"IZGOAKA6HRBRBDZZIVIAP36WBI","additional_properties":{"_id":"KIMES2EG2BBKPEWK5LFPC525II"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732814564819},"id":"timestamp-86759","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6HFOMBD4E5BWHOCC4HRNMTJD7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287182},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the Social Democrats final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AHURWRTCFAUBFKEJDS5YDHYNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287183},"content":"He said he wasn’t in a position to tell people where to transfer, but what he had said all along was to transfer to progressive parties and parties of the left and that he considered Sinn Féin to be a party of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUSRPPGGSFEXBIVL5NZMH33ZW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287184},"content":"Mr Gannon, who shares a constituency with Ms McDonald, said he would give her and her running mate Janice Boylan a preference, alongside PBP’s Eoghan O Ceannabhain and Labour’s Marie Sherlock. He would not be drawn on what order he would vote for them in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4COQVE6ADVE6RI4F2332DF27KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287185},"content":"Asked what his message would be to those who were considering voting for Gerry Hutch, a gangland figure running in the constituency, Mr Gannon said he didn’t want to personalise his comments but urged voters to back candidates who would be strong legislators and develop policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PV6RVN7KV5FZHO4XICP6TPOY5E","additional_properties":{"_id":"6IQPEYSLQ5H5DKL3GOD5A563CM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732818294757},"id":"timestamp-19672","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ERPXPQAOTVEXPDC3ZXWEGCI62I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069239},"content":"Uber is offering discounts of up to 50 per cent for customers taking a journey to and from polling stations tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSAE7WNVDNBNHCFRTOFSVQM3UU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069240},"content":"Polls across the country will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm. Uber is offering up to 50 per cent off 2 trips anywhere in Ireland on Election Day with the code ELECTION24.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HN72DEGJWJEEPAOCEZYDY6APKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069241},"content":"It works by entering the code in the Uber app to activate the offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYQ5RHXYHRBDFPK6US7SDJ5LJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069242},"content":"It’s conditional on the cost of each trip being up to €10 per trip.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVR5DWIUIRDHPI6X2CFIQLJPAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069243},"content":"“We believe every vote counts, and we’re proud to support accessibility to polling stations for everyone,” a statement from the company said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVU27Q4RFNAV3GCUR52KNZNSMI","additional_properties":{"_id":"F3OSQSRY2VB35NZ7QEG56BLD6E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732823081474},"id":"timestamp-32903","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"YOBMCEIVRZGWXD734YSFDLJD64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194301},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris was in Clontarf on Thursday evening for a last minute canvass, Fiachra Gallagher reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYTBVNZ57RB5ZOKZPLTGYEKOCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194302},"content":"He was joined at Nolan’s Supermarket by Fine Gael’s Dublin Bay North candidates Naoise Ó Muirí and Aoibhinn Tormey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYALWL3L5ZG33H3UTWUFAHH2OI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194303},"content":"The Taoiseach met with Amanda Lynch outside the supermarket, who outlined her long-time struggle with anorexia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSXQEAJICJCXFOTBEPKUTJRAOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194304},"content":"“I went 14 years without proper treatment for my anorexia,” she told him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3AOWZOJFJFTLOU5UVYCEF3DNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194305},"content":"“It’s such a complex illness that they need specific beds [in adult mental health inpatient units],” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCOGE4MHORBPBP54R3NOZVDWWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194306},"content":"Ms Lynch called on the Taoiseach to improve inpatient service for suffers of anorexia. Mr Harris agreed to set up a meeting with Ms Lynch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKAF4NJGNZEBXCC6YGGI4YZI54","additional_properties":{"_id":"SUT4HO5QOVBPHELM4KSG4LJZXI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732827198871},"id":"timestamp-61014","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"IGMVR25VLZDCJLCEWGS4FADIIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827774021},"content":"That’s it for our live coverage of the election campaign today. We’ll be back with more live coverage tomorrow morning.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jade Wilson"}},"name":"Jade Wilson"}]},"description":{"basic":"Mary Lou McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T20:53:18.871Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024 updates: Simon Harris conducts last-minute Dublin canvass as campaign enters final stretch ","native":""},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Live: Election 2024"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"},"live":{"text":"inactive"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY","auth":{"1":"b723acae284f2a76ef51d12363aff24fbf2ff017767e30c8a51a9056d2e04757"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"live-story","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-campaign-live-updates/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"IY5SFWZ6WBFVXH22W53VXMPXAI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":352,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/49afed5f-146e-4133-8138-e0540869d9cd/versions/1732824155/media/33f9cc415136abf00bd2e1feafe9d565_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/would-you-not-be-better-off-going-independent-canvassing-with-sinn-fein-in-dublin-mid-west/","content_elements":[{"_id":"75ZODOMMEVBYNB52OHVCGESQUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136023},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MOX2ET73ZBCNNCBBQEH2HSTX7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136024},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUYKUYXEE5FUPEFH4LMDSEUSG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136025},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> TD Mark Ward is accustomed to all sorts of local problems and issues coming up while knocking on doors during an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">election</a> campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJLFHPFG2VBOLOQFZ36O6KKUYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945096},"content":"But even the Dublin Mid-West representative gets caught by surprise with an unexpected question.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGNJJYJRWRCSDOCI3VOSZDSNK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136026},"content":"“Would you not be better off going independent?” a middle-aged woman asks him while canvassing around Rowlagh Park in Clondalkin, west Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZIGCNAB4ZERTLDDA5ITSCFRLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136027},"content":"Taken aback, Ward (49) responds: “Myself? Absolutely not. I’m a proud Sinn Féin republican.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ5TR56RXZAG5CY5VL3OGWJIS4","additional_properties":{"_id":"XTFRCA5FXRAOBDFDRXOOMTFMIM"},"content":"‘I’m not making eyes at anyone’: Mary Lou McDonald indicates Sinn Féin voters should transfer to Social Democrats or PBP","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PEPTZK4H6RB4VJL5DI2DKG4STI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136028},"content":"Ward, who was previously a behavioural therapist, later admits this is the first time ever such a proposal has been put to him during his political career.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE4GLVS7J5E4TJIAK2SUNP42PA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136029},"content":"The woman is critical of Sinn Féin for appearing to align alongside the government parties while raising her concerns around immigration, in particular “people coming over with no passports”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2EQQ34UBZEPNBTGFLXLV5T5ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7FVXOPJP4RBQLFNDCWTLHBZF4M"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"HOLLRWI3ZVATLITWZWXL3DADBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136030},"content":"Ward is clear that his party is “not in government”, adding “we didn’t get in” at the last general election in 2020. He points out that Dublin Mid-West was the only constituency in the capital that time to run two Sinn Féin candidates – himself and the party’s housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCOY2REEMNCUXEEFW5TZ3WOMEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136031},"content":"On immigration, Ward says the current system is not working and his party’s policy is that if a person has “a right to be here, you should be looked after and you should be given everything the State can give you so you make a positive contribution to society.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OXVQEKLIRF3RF6DXJOVSNPCIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136032},"content":"“But if you haven’t got a right to be here, a decision needs to be made quite quickly,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDXFZ5DD3REO3C6W5VDE5LNE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136033},"content":"While the woman does not indicate how she will vote this Friday, her assessment of Sinn Féin is in the minority in the working-class area where Ward grew up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45VOIVVD5VBIZF5LC4FHRACXR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"PDTUIDKKYVEPXKESY4CQW2XQUU"},"content":"Sinn Féin’s US political arm raises €366,000 in latest fundraising drive","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3OFXRBOO3FAMJL6BE4I76JD6IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136034},"content":"The TD, first elected in a 2019 byelection caused by the election of Fine Gael’s Frances Fitzgerald to the European Parliament, says he is “confident” of retaining his seat in this constituency which has grown from a four- to a five-seater. It covers an area from Fettercairn in Tallaght to Saggart to Palmerston.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GCFH654VVFD43L5BKGEQGX6OP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136035},"content":"He is encouraged by a recent Irish Times/Ipsos B & A poll in which Fine Gael’s share of the vote fell by six points to 19 per cent and Sinn Féin rose by a point to 20 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5dd52dd9-04ea-4f39-ab28-9025024fea60","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZPJ2EBKFYZGCZDZI3KV762RWQM"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"3R3QRQOGYVD7FMRFGA3PHUS4VM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136036},"content":"“Momentum is building, the response we’re getting on the doors is starting to get to 2020 levels,” says Ward.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMT5QVVCYRGPTPRZ64D3M4S5DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945109},"content":"“We’re starting to see that response… that people want a change and they see Sinn Féin as the change they’re wanting to bring in.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNECUP4GFNAB5EYQHUK4OSNFIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136037},"content":"Back on the doors, Mick Tomney (73), who has been living in the estate for about 45 years, says he will be giving his first and second preference to Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEVOSSC275DAVCHW4LTGHG4QY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136038},"content":"“We definitely need a change of government,” he says. “The two parties have cosied up together, the Civil War parties, and you wouldn’t think there were two parties there at all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQ5LJH3Q75GFBCFDSVZWJJKXWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136039},"content":"“We need a change and to give Sinn Féin and whoever else they can cobble up together a chance. They can’t do any worse than what the other crowd are doing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GVXLWBVOLNBZ5MYDG7HEC4PID4","additional_properties":{"_id":"GCABQS6OCNDOLM5ZTOYV52TWF4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TELCIFOGKFHVDFZTPMQG4O2CTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136040},"content":"Tony McLafferty (50), originally from Glasgow and living in Ireland for more than 20 years, tells Ward: “Anything is better than what we have already.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FTRSFIB3QJAITOD57ITX73EFCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136041},"content":"McLafferty says he usually votes for Sinn Féin, adding “years ago we needed some stuff done and every person who came to the door councillor wise, we asked them and they [Sinn Féin] were the only ones who helped us out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IK6RARFW4JGZRDMWTQFWUCTRQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136042},"content":"Lorraine O’Sullivan, who has been living in the area for almost 30 years, cites antisocial behaviour and discarded nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters on nearby green fields as her main issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Y5UTQLYNFFHZA2KOHJOZLNXPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136043},"content":"O’Sullivan says she is a long-time Sinn Féin supporter and that Ward and Ó Broin have “always been very good to us – anything we want them to do, they have done”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5JTIISVYZEL3OHM2FTTQPNR3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136044},"content":"Ward says housing, health, the cost of living and disability services for children have been the dominant topics raised while campaigning over recent weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45V27L3D6RDGDBXI23M5GQ3KLY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FADGGABVSRE5BBQVQICDHXZNRM"},"content":"Election 2024 live updates: McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5THFD77JSNDU3LDN2WEFSF6F3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136045},"content":"The expectation is that Ó Broin, Ward and Fine Gael’s junior minister Emer Higgins will hold on to their seats in the constituency with Gino Kenny (People Before Profit), Shane Moynihan (Fianna Fáil), Paul Gogarty (Independent) and Francis Timmons (Labour) in the running for the final two.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEZOT2MJXRH7BN5XJBKOMWADCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136046},"content":"Ward says his party was considering running a third candidate in the constituency at one stage but members decided against it following the local elections when Sinn Féin secured just five out of 40 seats on South Dublin City Council in June, despite fielding 21 candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEAZMEPGXFHRZBY4K4GIGOIXZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136048},"content":"“We have had worse days but we have also had better days,” says Ward.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7JYTKS4PFC3VAPGWQMLDOSAY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136049},"content":"Even at the start of the general election campaign there was “a certain sense of apathy” in some areas but “you could see that lifting over the last couple of days”, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNJKZEI2RBGGJG7UZ4FA54J7BQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136050},"content":"“People are only really starting to think about the election now because we’re coming up to it. People are looking for that change and feel we are the only party that can bring it about.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYXO4NBQFNE5XCWZEUYZGJF3G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136051},"content":"A woman in her 70s, who asks not to be named, says she has “absolutely no idea” who she will vote for. She explains that she is caring for her husband but is unable to avail of the carer’s allowance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZM72OYCGOVGZTNYYRJECWZPX4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136053},"content":"The woman describes her situation as “absolutely shocking” and adds that she had to previously fight to get a medical card.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QCNU3NTKNAYZNBVCZUM5ABH7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945126},"content":"“I just think nobody listens,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sinn Féin is hoping to return its two TDs as the constituency covering working-class areas in Tallaght and Clondalkin moves from to a five-seater"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T20:02:27.358Z","headlines":{"basic":"Canvassing with Sinn Féin in Dublin Mid-West: ‘Would you not be better off going independent?’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SEW7JZV3TFHPRPHIRR465E24CI","auth":{"1":"f90293af511a62f45645667bf865fbfd795bdb08ef6d50d6c3c18f93ba2fd935"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SEW7JZV3TFHPRPHIRR465E24CI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/would-you-not-be-better-off-going-independent-canvassing-with-sinn-fein-in-dublin-mid-west/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"XYJMMXF3GVGN5DUNBFUXD6SDJU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":354,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/97ea8042-1654-45dc-9fe0-767349a1e339/versions/1732824263/media/aa626cf8833d7e8ccff0d843f3bae008_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/carers-and-the-election-i-had-to-borrow-35000-because-my-son-has-never-had-a-public-therapy-session/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UBSQRUWFGRDIJNUFQJ5IZOWTII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060822},"content":"The issue of care and disability was catapulted to the forefront of the campaign following the meeting between <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/disability/\" target=\"_blank\">disability</a> care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk last Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTYKLH6C4ZH37JLQFO6YXOAGS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060823},"content":"Ms Fallon articulated to the Taoiseach the frustrations that many carers have with the present Government. She accused him of ignoring the sector and of treating Section 39 workers, who are contracted privately to work in disability services, differently to those who work in the public sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5F4GV4FANCNJFS6DRPEH3YFWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060824},"content":"The annual <a href=\"https://familycarers.ie/news-and-campaigns/netwatch-family-carer-of-the-year-awards\" target=\"_blank\">Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards</a> are always scheduled for the last Thursday in November – this one happened to be the day before the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB6XPKS5QNENFHSDOTU7HZGWOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060825},"content":"Carers from all 26 counties in the State go forward to the provincial awards, with the overall winner chosen from the provincial winners. All four provincial winners have their own tales of woe while battling with the State for services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"65W5ICUVM5FCNH7L6MQFZE2E4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060826},"content":"The Laois, Leinster and overall carer of the year was Sarah Dooley from Mountmellick, Co Laois, who is a mother of four. She has autistic twins, John and Patrick (5) and a seven-year-old son, Cathal, who has been undergoing leukaemia treatment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JPBJZSCBMFF5FAS5DMQK5LJG7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060827},"content":"The twins were turned down for 19 schools each before eventually getting a place. She described it as “soul-destroying” and said she would struggle to cope without her partner, Cathal, and their extended family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDQQEHBUDRASVNREC46XRO5JQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060828},"content":"Whoever forms the next Government has “to provide more services with additional needs, speech and language, occupational therapy – none of it is available”, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDLKUXS5EZAMFPJB7CEEFRFURQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FN22YIWWRVFJVL2GMLPXFDTI2Y"},"content":"Mother who fought for school places for autistic, non-verbal twins named Family Carer of the Year","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KMQ7U7T5ENAJRA43THR4UYR5C4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060829},"content":"The Munster carer of the year, Joe O’Loughlin from Athea, Co Limerick, cares for his wife Donna, who has a traumatic brain injury, and their three children, including Jacob (6), who is autistic with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Caleb (4), who has a brain injury, autism, epilepsy, scoliosis and oral dysphagia. His youngest child, daughter Precious, has been diagnosed with a bowel condition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4T4RW54VFB73JRDZ2BE46QG4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"B4AZ6DMUNFDQVJDTQRGD627WSI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UNVYTQMV4RD6LETZHL7AHKJF5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060831},"content":"Mr O’Loughlin said carers need to be treated a lot better by the next Government. “A lot of promises are made before elections, but not a lot of them are kept,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJGUNTOLZRAC3IA4RJPE2L5WXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060832},"content":"“For my two boys I get €680 a month. That wouldn’t cover a week of Caleb’s therapy. Caleb has never had a public therapy session. Everything has been private because he has to wait two years. I had to borrow €35,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQ5IBVDOFVA2LDZXQJTTQ7TTR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060833},"content":"“Look at scoliosis. People are waiting years. The only reason that Caleb has got anything is because my wife has pushed so hard for it and we have had to pay for it, and it is wrong.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DIPXI6FOUVAVHAPK54XGUPKHTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060834},"content":"Connacht regional carer of the year, Maura Fahy from Renmore, Co Galway, has spent 14 years caring for her elderly parents while balancing her own family responsibilities. Her father lost a leg 12 years ago. He died in September. Her mother has dementia and is blind. Her 26-year-old son has autism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAJAJ56AWZGBJGEBLNYM54FAVA","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZZOLB6W4ERCEPMOZPJULGGM4IY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"OAETMZHXBNFIPCBMEJX5CEPZMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060836},"content":"“Change has to be made. The stories that we have heard here today when you have children with special needs,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZIQU64BKBFUXE7LJ4W5PKMI4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060837},"content":"“It is a very lonely life if you are looking after your parents or your children. We need more home help, we need more respite, we need more funding. Covid-19 added to this. It really affected people with special needs because it took away their social skills.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3O7MZDY5VCRTL7OWFQ6KQCK5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060838},"content":"Ulster Family Carer of the Year, Cathy Kelly from Carndonagh, Co Donegal, cares for her four children, including Timothy (10), who has hydrocephalus, and Lucy (14), who has severe cerebral palsy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QLHONKEBJFVHBHJNCAWJ26SLI","additional_properties":{"_id":"3HU2Z4XP5RG65NDYTLD4AQATBY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WRNQYUYS7NGEHM7MSIE5BZ4HXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060840},"content":"The workload she has in looking after two disabled children was compounded by a tragic workplace accident five years ago when her partner, Kevin, was killed. Local people stepped in to help raise money to adapt her home for her two disabled children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MICW5NRNBCJVFP52DRYAL4VOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060841},"content":"She said carers in Donegal have an added set of problems on top of the issues faced by carers elsewhere in the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6O27PD5TVA45B5R2SJ3KMU7HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060842},"content":"“There is no respite services really in Donegal. We have no motorway to get to appointments in Dublin. I don’t think people south of us understand the plight we have,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MA57BN6GUJATHN42NJO3OESL4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060843},"content":"“We have a community leisure centre in Buncrana which has been closed for 20 years and they won’t open it. They got funding but it still hasn’t been opened.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB4LU3IYNVFI3DCKNL3DMSPTWY","additional_properties":{"_id":"2ZUVNSRTAFB6JBBC4XL7I2HPXU"},"content":"Fine Gael says contact with RTÉ over viral clip was ‘appropriate’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XR3V2ZPXKREHXOO2GVBARBL4NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060844},"content":"In relation to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">an incident that Mr Harris had with the care worker in Kanturk</a>, she said: “As a carer I have to say that most politicians live in their own world. Unless it affects them directly, they don’t know what it is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3WFNIXYKFCSTJ6VHALTSHPE4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060845},"content":"Tricia Blee, the community support manager at Family Carers Ireland for Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, accompanied Ms Kelly to Dublin. She said there is a “postcode lottery” across the country for services and Donegal comes out worst of all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TRW5CTBVNA35NIGAZG6L5WX7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060846},"content":"“In Donegal there are no vacancies for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, assessment of need. It is a completely different world in the northwest,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Winners at Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards call on next Government to improve services"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:35:25.716Z","headlines":{"basic":"Carers and the election: ‘I had to borrow €35,000 because my son has never had a public therapy session’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> has said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> voters should consider transferring to parties such as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a> in Friday’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general electio</a>n.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HEU3P7JYCBF6BOPNOLXROFXKM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890559},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"6A4MY6KWLZAINA4UHX7QFUO76I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890560},"content":"Speaking to reporters in a final press event outside Government Buildings in Dublin, the Sinn Féin leader was asked to elaborate on her view that her party’s voters should support parties of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3N4C7JPLRHO3GUCHZDVOKVD7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890561},"content":"“I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3UYQPNT5JB7DI2PPEMP2ZNBYY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZBHF56DYUJCR3CM5RJ5TE4H6PI"},"content":"Election 2024 live updates: Harris insists he can return as taoiseach after election with ‘all to play for’ on final day of campaign","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7PVOQ2Z63JA2VFFSWHEVVL3JO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890562},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"AADMRYQMBZAIFIJKYPUYSG5Q7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890563},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJ4BZWTXGCGPNZSJRW7ODMELGU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WHP5PS555RAIJHJE4WIBVLPSP4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KVH5I3TI7BFDPD2MDLM65B6UKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890564},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLYU25ABHFHD3FL5MOQZO4WYSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890565},"content":"She accused government parties of “scaremongering” on the economy in the run-in to polling day, with warnings about the potential of economic shocks from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> in particular a “mark of desperation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULQBH6DH6ZAXVGXJQD5KAJRQEA","additional_properties":{"_id":"Q2DYXSNOHFBIPDO2AU5YTQOPBQ"},"content":"Election 2024 manifestos: Use this tool to compare party promises","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RRERGLEKYFEZBH7QKVAW2KGNKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890566},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGBOK6CBI5HABDPVGHEAQELPGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890567},"content":"Asked about potential coalition partners for her party, and what her path to power would be, she said she was going to talk to everybody once all had gathered their own mandate. “I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she said. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause,” she said, joking: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet. We have to get to first base before we pass it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMNZH2WZ6ZFRVPZWSTOIHRPFEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673901},"content":"<b>Fianna Fáil</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UAWCPOA7JNABLNFMWR5OSSBAME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673902},"content":"Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> said he had the support of his party in his decision to rule out holding government formation talks with Sinn Féin, and said he felt the question was being asked “for mischievous reasons”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TRKPM77KWRB4JJXANUK2LWRG4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673903},"content":"The Fianna Fáil leader was in Greystones, with outgoing Minister for Health and Wicklow TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/stephen-donnelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Donnelly</a> on Thursday as campaigning drew to a close.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NGU5CELMLRGEZPBZUYHXETEP2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673904},"content":"“I’m always intrigued that in the last two days of the last two campaigns, this kind of question is raised,” he said, after being asked again about ruling out going into coalition with Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5P4VRECUBAOTPDKRNUYROUZ5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673905},"content":"“I think it’s raised for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with ... The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHUR2KDR55BAFKRVZLIHB5LVF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673906},"content":"Asked what the overarching themes were of the general election campaign, Mr Martin referenced housing and access to disability services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P67SV5XW4NC5VFHSPTGX2ZGY4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673907},"content":"<b>Fine Gael</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUYD5VAPHJCQ5EX64OBU6GZJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673908},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> has claimed that if Sinn Féin becomes part of the next government, people could end up “skint”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWGM6EWCLRHYTORKM7U2DHFAVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673909},"content":"In his final press conference, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader said people should examine the kind of policies Sinn Féin is pursuing behind its message of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OK7NFG7C3FEKHFMAKFF7OIUHMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673910},"content":"“Sinn Féin is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPHJCHQBXJAKDMGVCLJ26KBBIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673911},"content":"Mr Harris was speaking at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Lucan along with Minister for Public Expenditure <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paschal-donohoe/\" target=\"_blank\">Paschal Donohoe</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZTSU3JXSBB5DOKEAATXYETDAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673912},"content":"Mr Harris said the election was about issues, that he had been Taoiseach for only seven months and wanted to have a chance to do more for the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V3IXXEBRL5B63M7KI26L5KAUYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707371},"content":"<b>Labour</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DCP5LHKF4RGFPBGAXR5OGB54QM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673914},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ivana-bacik/\" target=\"_blank\">Ivana Bacik</a> said she was confident her party could gain seats in the general election and be in a position to establish a strong platform consisting of centre-left and green parties and TDs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWQEJSLEK5G7BMOKH5LZSZAC44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673915},"content":"In her final press conference of the campaign, Ms Bacik also dismissed Mr Harris’s description of Labour as a centrist party, saying it “smacked of desperation in the last few days of the campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWSZFK26OBF33HKDFWP4X2W2PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673916},"content":"“I’ve consistently said for many months now, before this election campaign even started, that the first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQQZ2L6ZQZDNFDPDDTPXK7PJSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673917},"content":"Ms Bacik said that party’s main campaign message was to create what she said was an “active State” that would drive a radical reset of housing policy and deliver a publicly-provided childcare system. She said her party would deliver the homes people need, tackle the “scourge of vacancy and dereliction”, and provide stronger protection for renters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GR7IAU5MDRFZLCQOP2E7BP35EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707379},"content":"<b>Social Democrats</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFA2I7BFUFDBDIMWWTJQKZIMM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673919},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXL7PGWJCJDA5DYISI6BT6ELAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673920},"content":"He said he wasn’t in a position to tell people where to transfer, but what he had said all along was to transfer to progressive parties and parties of the left and that he considered Sinn Féin to be a party of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2XTYIXLJBECBA5DO4BXQRCOLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673921},"content":"Party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/holly-cairns/\" target=\"_blank\">Holly Cairns</a>, who has been campaigning while nine months pregnant, posted a video on social media on Thursday while she said she was travelling to Cork University Maternity Hospital for a check-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXGXPRI3XVCYZNIQZKLONX2GYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673922},"content":"“I can feel the swell of support behind the party,” she said. “It’s coming from a place of people just wanting a party that will address these issues on housing, health, disability.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5W43KEITKZFA5HAPQ4EJOGKIBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"VYA3663UQRFLBJKTJJWAFJEIVE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-26786","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"V3IXXEBRL5B63M7KI26L5KAUYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707371},"content":"<b>Green Party</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"JW5B5VDQPZAU5G3XESHTZP4VNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707372},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-ogorman/\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> has said “it’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of next government” and “smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXPLJA4FJ5HGFBM6WL2HN3FZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707373},"content":"He said people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted whether it was a progressive party such as the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that are what brings to the right, whether it’s anti-climate, whether it’s anti-choice, whether it’s anti-equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MYFX3XGSBCTBMYV65UXD4K6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707374},"content":"Mr O’Gorman, a TD for Dublin West, said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOCOUORPKNEJBNJFGPOK5JPDYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707375},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRPWLYRGTJG2RCOTPXTAAWMVOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707376},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WMM6VU2MUNFDDEQKK54I4SG6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707377},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCBWQVWQLBH6VPPTHJQ3LABBSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707378},"content":"He said: “People recognise the influence we’ve had in this Government ... We’ve been able to deliver a huge amount of our policies, far more than any smaller party has been able to deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQX2CM2F4JDSZML44TIHPSQIKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673931},"content":"<b>People Before Profit-Solidarity</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKIUAD6EPVCFXNTIWIMV36LEWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673932},"content":"People Before Profit-Solidarity leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/richard-boyd-barrett/\" target=\"_blank\">Richard Boyd Barrett</a> urged people who do not want a return of the present Coalition to vote for his party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IV2JBEJEJVAABGJWMPZXS6REXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673933},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXZWJHHIOZF2VHNJZTKCEWNUJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673934},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQUOTRI64VELBB32ZBX67MV2EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673935},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had done an “amazing feat” of having so much money but they had failed to do the basics of being able to put a roof over people’s heads, he said, in the party’s last press conference before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73XT32ZDXJDATEPP3WWMY7YAEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673936},"content":"He repeated that parties of the left needed to pledge that they would not prop up Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LV4JGLF3MFA25BVYKHVEEBZPZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673937},"content":"Fellow TD Paul Murphy said “it is not true” that voters could change the government only by voting for Sinn Féin. He criticised Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats for not ruling out coalition with Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UCAVOTPJAZHBZDRQKY5AVEJR5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673938},"content":"<b>Aontú</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"5VRTH6KS6ZFL7JDJDUIADSWK44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673939},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a> used the final day of the campaign to launch a cost of living policy document in the Dublin West constituency of Mr O’Gorman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5VRTH6KS6ZFL7JDJDUIADSWK44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673940},"content":"Aontú leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peadar-toibin/\" target=\"_blank\">Peadar Tóibín</a> said his party stood “a good chance” of taking the Green Party leader’s Dáil seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FD4BEE23WZCIJO24MHJ3FTRJIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673941},"content":"Mr Tóibín said the Green Party in government had failed to protect families from the effect of high energy prices and the rising cost of living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXUTIYJ6ZVC2HF4O3OCNPBMNWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673942},"content":"He said “it’s likely that our vote is going to more than double”, adding: “I think that the story of this election in many ways has been Aontú, the plucky underdog, fuelled by conviction and hard work, taking on the political establishment and winning.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Rival parties pressed on possible coalition arrangements in final campaign events before polling day"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:16:51.444Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election: Mary Lou McDonald indicates Sinn Féin voters should transfer to Social Democrats or PBP","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ","auth":{"1":"cdf07bb2c8b70f92b2b2e46d86d4057c33ccb8cc35939761ec057d8113218027"},"focal_point":{"x":3220,"y":2364},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/mary-lou-mcdonald-indicates-sinn-fein-voters-should-transfer-to-social-democrats-or-pbp/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"55B4YBO5FFBLTMGMLXZ2JVVAWM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":168,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/612e0ea8-bdce-4513-8f19-ce3258e5d734/versions/1732820325/media/597c53f4a1c875092dcc29cda094403a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/green-party-asks-voters-to-stick-with-us/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YL5JFRCLWFH4BM32UQE3DPQ7IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515844},"content":"Small parties and Independents are going to be “crucial” and “absolutely pivotal” in the formation of the next government, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-o-gorman/\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR5JC7LICFGQDFFYZBLDJMSRHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515845},"content":"The Dublin West TD appealed to the electorate to “stick with us”, adding that “we have delivered, and we’ve delivered in spades. So the Green Party represents the best value for your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXHTHQACWNE3BFDVTCWKKU4OWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515846},"content":"“We’re asking the Irish voters tomorrow to give us that number one vote. If you want to see us to continue to deliver we need that number one. This time around the number two, the number three, is not really going to work. We’re asking for that number one to continue that strong track record of delivery.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EX2VFIIL3ZDJHDXJ4PNNSPJOZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515847},"content":"Speaking at his party’s final press conference before the election on Friday, he said that when voting people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RA4E7DWDAFGF3PWXOHVQTYFHVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515848},"content":"Did they want a progressive party like the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that bring us to the right, whether it’s anti-climate, whether it’s anti-choice, whether it’s anti-equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2ZKFZANFNAALGBOFJNJNAKWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515849},"content":"The Greens have been “demonstrating our track record of delivery of our policies and also stability, being a grown-up partner within the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMUX6VEKLRHBJMFYXCJ4PV3FA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515850},"content":"He said the Green Party worked well with its coalition partners and kept its fights “behind closed doors”. That was “what created such a stable government over the last 4½ years” and that was how coalition should work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KII4PQA7HJHOVAMOOGHXKNSSVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515851},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5P6OLXWLRE45HHEWRRFSBVJUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515852},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGVBCF3F5RHP5B75Z65625YDGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515853},"content":"Dublin Central TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/neasa-hourigan/\" target=\"_blank\">Neasa Hourican</a> said the election campaign in the constituency “went from being probably the least interesting constituency in the country to all of a sudden the most interesting”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEUHDRO3PJGWDKCPCOAV4A36XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515854},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTVV7IW2SVEG5EYRPU6QBV2AGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515855},"content":"Asked his view on the call by Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty for the electorate to “lend us your vote”, Mr O’Gorman said “I won’t be lending Pearse anything and I don’t think Green voters will” because Sinn Féin has “absolutely nothing to say on central issues like climate, like public transport; when you see how all over the place they are on Europe, for example, registering EU nationals here”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQ5Y2FPTXNB55HHW2OD6L2T2JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515856},"content":"He said that in the leaders’ TV debate “we saw how empty their migration policies are – one of the big challenges our country faces and Sinn Féin’s policy is just vacuous. They have no clue how or where people will be accommodated.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GH45CSCDXNH73K4D6HGMRDAS3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515857},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSK3GHSKHBGEVDSVAVQ2UUV6AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515858},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Green leader Roderic O’Gorman say his party has ‘delivered, and we’ve delivered in spades'"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Green Party asks voters to ‘stick with us’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ","auth":{"1":"cedf145a65279a640272b1d601b70bd7656fc454c2ca880807701920cc324abe"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/green-party-asks-voters-to-stick-with-us/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"NBD5HFOTIRG45JFRVSZ6JVG5HU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":216,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a7a960c5-1f4d-4436-be7b-d5becb6bc384/versions/1732811632/media/28f4b5056f67d7886f65e78b76cabaa9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/eamon-ryan-opens-cycle-lane-first-campaigned-for-30-years-ago-in-last-event-at-minister/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CTXL3ALD2BFDVHQH2LVVE5JYPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301707},"content":"Minister for Transport <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eamon-ryan/\" target=\"_blank\">Eamon Ryan</a> presided over his last ever ministerial ribbon-cutting on Thursday, making an impassioned call to arms to cyclists at the opening of the Clontarf to city centre cycle route.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BHJCZPBYBAQNNOZ6WKHX4NM6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301709},"content":"The former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader praised the “political guts” of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-city-council/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin City Council</a> in forging ahead with the 2.7km route which has been 14 years in gestation but, Mr Ryan noted, for which he had started campaigning 30 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSAPTOJCSRGWPJCH3VSG7AQ3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301710},"content":"The route, which runs from the junction of the Clontarf Road and Alfie Byrne Road along North Strand Road to Connolly Station on Amiens Street, is part of a €71 million project that also involves water mains works and new bus lanes. It will for the first time provide cyclists with safe access from the city to the off-road Dublin Bay cycle path, which runs from Sutton to Clontarf.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3J377QKQ5E2VAQM6BFBZAUCLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301711},"content":"Dublin today was still “positively dangerous and hostile” for cyclists Mr Ryan said. “It’s not a good place to cycle.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"54JDJM4DXVF3DLJMBU26R7NIAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301712},"content":"However, projects such as the Clontarf route, the Royal and Grand Canal cycle paths, the Liffey cycle route and the increased segregated cycling facilities throughout the capital were going transform Dublin into a cycling city, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLBWFZ5GSJDMJFZ6OPMBKAZV24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301713},"content":"“Dubliners are going to turn to their bikes in their hundreds of thousands because it is the best way to get around. It is the fastest, cleanest, cheapest, most social way. It makes Dublin a wonderful city, so let’s build from here and let’s not stop,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZX6Y2QRKWBDPHPFY57MA5Q77QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301714},"content":"Installing safe cycling facilities was not “anti-car” he said, but a way of offering more choice to people in how they got around the city. “The people of Dublin want this, so let’s keep going, let’s see today as the first step in a dramatic change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3TX3AZ35VGTRCMOSZK3F5EYPM","additional_properties":{"_id":"QZQSHKBJOBHS5ADRBIOWUA3XQA"},"content":"Tolka Estuary Greenway: First look at 2km Dublin Port cycle and walking route","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XMDC3GCDFRBINELKHGYK3BXES4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301715},"content":"The Clontarf to city centre route was proposed in 2012 at an estimated cost of €7 million. However, the project was beset by delays and underwent several redesigns, including one following protests in 2017 over plans to cut down 50 trees in Fairview Park. The council subsequently amended its plans to save 42 of the trees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS4U6KXNAFG3PMOTYWGYKMU3MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301716},"content":"In February 2019, the council published revised costs of €20 million following design changes and the decision to include extensive water mains replacement and new sewerage systems in the project, as well as a link through Fairview Park as part of the Tolka Valley greenway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDOETIAS2FA7DAROMMWWOVIMQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301717},"content":"The project again stalled due to a failure, the council said, to reach funding agreements with Irish Water and National Transport Authority concerns about proposed bus diversions during construction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYIXNHPHKVGU3CSMQCEQDJ4264","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301718},"content":"By the time construction started in March 2022 the costs had increased from €20 million to €62 million due to “enhanced streetscape, additional planting and upgrades of the public realm throughout the scheme” and the incorporation of “major upgrades of 6km of water mains and part of the Tolka Valley greenway” the council said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTSJQ73DVFFXTOM6Q62DXGN47A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301719},"content":"The project had been due for completion earlier this year but following some revisions to the scheme it was finished this month at a final cost of €71 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olivia Kelly"}},"name":"Olivia Kelly"}]},"description":{"basic":"Outgoing Green Party TD says Dublin still ‘hostile’ for cyclists"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Eamon Ryan opens cycle lane he first campaigned for 30 years ago in last event as Minister","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU","auth":{"1":"0ebcb2da17a6be8e81709cc3f27b984a0d818865e7134016f9af6e187899166d"},"focal_point":{"x":2685,"y":1406},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Dublin"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/eamon-ryan-opens-cycle-lane-first-campaigned-for-30-years-ago-in-last-event-at-minister/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"FUIAO624RRGVZLSXK364ZBSKZA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-the-highs-and-lows-of-a-tense-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DRWIYHDC6FEHXNTDHYF6A7DQ7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Would you like to see the Inside Politics podcast team recording live on stage in Dublin on December 11th? Buy your tickets </i><a href=\"https://events.irishtimes.com/events/95842\" target=\"_blank\"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"HC2ZSH2VCVHMLPBLMBSABSRJJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Pat Leahy, Jennifer Bray and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election</a> Daily podcast. It’s the last day of campaigning and the leaders of the three largest parties have been communicating their final messages to the electorate:","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPCNEGFVJRFRLPL2D2Q3Q2Z2XU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"D6QCIAGPANDPHGNSFMWR6KFFIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821708794},"content":"Pat, Jen, Cormac and Hugh discuss all of the above before picking their favourite, most pivotal and most consequential moments of the campaign. 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My activity was solely directed at keeping UHW and allied services at the forefront of our regional political debate.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NATYVLZPBBGBB6NGYANFRRNJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812952662},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2B5NZXB6IJFT7BSHTT6XLPZOEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233320},"content":"Management at UHW said it was made aware on Wednesday evening of a projected image on the exterior of the Dunmore Wing. “After engagement with the parties involved the projection of the image ceased and the vehicle involved vacated the UHW campus.” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABIJIHNUZNDY5MMPJJXU4ZAWRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233321},"content":"It said any activity of this nature should be conducted outside the boundaries of the hospital campus, “and respect the privacy and dignity of UHW patients, visitors and staff”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233322},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}},"name":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Matt Shanahan apologises after initially defending the laser display"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T16:56:15.187Z","headlines":{"basic":"Independent Waterford TD apologises for displaying election message on Waterford hospital building","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4","auth":{"1":"48182c6e71c8a3a5b560f57c72b8a72f8604d8c292467f02ffb3ef2316779156"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/independent-waterford-td-apologises-for-displaying-election-message-on-waterford-hospital-building/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"MVQ2Z7RVX5EGTF2VRWTMXTVBEA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":509,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/40249935-facf-4661-a6b2-33101bcd67e3/versions/1732810994/media/a542e69b228ababbc3c65ab4481fd7c6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3WUCJNY6RFDBZJGWIK53L2MCYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767436},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> is finally happening, right?","type":"header"},{"_id":"MDNEFWYB5NG7XBEX5YI5AEM72Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767437},"content":"It is indeed. Ireland will vote in the representatives to sit in the 34th <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\">Dáil</a> on Friday, November 29th. The weekday vote marks a return to a tradition that was broken last time out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WQ33EJSCNBTHGG2454FKTOIZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767438},"content":"A tradition?","type":"header"},{"_id":"B6FSEYLPLRACVFCOEDCCWXVYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767439},"content":"For decades elections in Ireland used to take place on Thursdays or Fridays but in 2020 the election happened on a Saturday as the then taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/leo-varadkar/\" target=\"_blank\">Leo Varadkar</a> said he wanted to make it easier for students and for families with young children to have their say. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> had a different view although we’re not for a second suggesting he wanted to make it harder for students and for families with children to have their say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OMQXGHPMZCS3HMZ6OVDW4JA5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767440},"content":"How many TDs will be elected?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZYC4D427FJC6RGKWL7C2OE26YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767441},"content":"More than ever before is the first thing we should say. A total of 174 TDs will be returned to the 34th Dáil, up from 160 in the outgoing assembly. It was 158 in the 32nd Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JIT3KWWQJJC2NKI7ED5MPBSQHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732862823929},"content":"And for a majority, party or parties need half of 174 plus one which makes 88 the magic number, right?","type":"header"},{"_id":"OAB4Q5NVZFGQTP3KTQ6JCEES5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732862823930},"content":"Wrong – well technically anyway. When it comes to electing a taoiseach and forming a government, the effective seat number is 173 because one of the TDs will be Ceann Comhairle, the speaker in the Dáil. If a coalition of parties can muster up 87 votes they would in theory be good to go although that won’t give them any margin of error and would make each subsequent vote in the Dáil a pretty tense affair. In reality, any coalition will want at least 88 TDs and would ideally have a buffer above that to be comfortable. The first sitting of the next Dáil is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHLN24I3GFDMXD6TLDAD3BFB2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767442},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4NEYHO3ZRC4XEJ6J7X4XZBBSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767443},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KO3KCWNZ6NFWNFIF3MBQAAOZVM","additional_properties":{"_id":"YLQPLSQMCNGWPNMVQLQWNC7KDQ"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-6759","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"B2SCTHLZOFG2BLNPQHJ3THFS4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Why do we have more TDs now than we did last time out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"7QBUVRDT2ZE7HCGJCT5BVUZNQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767445},"content":"The increase was recommended by the Electoral Commission to reflect a growing population and shifting demographics. Under the Constitution, one TD is required for every 30,000 constituents and for that to change a referendum would have to be held.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HG27APSRBJFVTLC4RYFI6BMZNY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VX3KNWNNXJFMRIQSOTHZRBDKPQ"},"content":"Who should you vote for on Friday? Use this tool to see which candidate matches your views","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"27GELDI52ZELJAILD4CVRWIBNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767446},"content":"Have we had to squeeze all the extra TDs into existing constituencies?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RVORRVII5NEKFHQOJMM2QP43JQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767447},"content":"No. As well as more TDs, the number of constituencies has increased from 39 to 43. The constituencies of Tipperary and Laois-Offaly have been split in two and there are two new constituencies in Wicklow-Wexford and Dublin Fingal West. Read our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/constituency-profiles/\" target=\"_blank\">profiles of each of the 43 constituencies</a>. We also have an explainer about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/13/election-map-explainer-how-has-it-changed-and-how-are-counties-and-parties-affected/\" target=\"_blank\">how the electoral map has changed</a> and why.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGVKXZDEN5DLNE3AN4KQTFWEJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767451},"content":"There is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/\" target=\"_blank\">a list of all the candidates running across the country</a> available and if you are wondering which candidate mostly aligns with your views we have you covered on that score too, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/election-2024-how-do-your-views-match-with-election-candidates-in-your-area-use-this-tool-to-find-out/\" target=\"_blank\">thanks to this tool</a> developed by Rory Costello from the University of Limerick.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNSUDH6BBZCCDHPXVN46HC7BWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"HDSYYZUVJJC2BJ7YPPUTRIOVGI"},"content":"Donegal fishermen frustrated as general election looms: ‘We are the fish basket of Europe, yet we’re the poor relation’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"AAD25JSPIJBORNAI6UMLYR24BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767453},"content":"What was the state of play when the last Dáil was dissolved?","type":"header"},{"_id":"AEYXOZ3TEVDS5MHDNFUB7SVNDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767454},"content":"Like this:","type":"text"},{"_id":"MX55RX434ZCAJHKH3VALASUMWE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"ZQFT27VUP5F3PAGVREUB3DIY34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767456},"content":"<i>*There were five vacant seats after deputies were appointed to the European Parliament in the </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/european-election/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>European elections</i></a><i> in June and the </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/08/26/fine-gael-td-joe-carey-resigns-from-politics-for-medical-reasons/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>resignation of Fine Gael’s Joe Carey on medical grounds</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"TT5VJ7Q7ZBBFLFZR3Q45YXUPJM","additional_properties":{"_id":"GZKMV6XRTZGWJOZUBAPSVT7HVU"},"content":"Former IRA member among nursing home early voters for general election","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7LTE2XRD5NDZTL2IFFHDYQPPMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767457},"content":"So, could one party win outright this time?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZLFPA6UTIBAXLNSIKOXW6DJKCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767458},"content":"No. As we said a party or collection of parties will need the support of 87 TDs to successfully elect a taoiseach. A coalition is inevitable and not just because it is what all the polls have been saying for donkeys’ years. No party is running enough candidates to achieve a majority on its own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIFSMJPT2VCIBJEJ2VAG652FDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767459},"content":"Who is promising what?","type":"header"},{"_id":"YPQ5H2ZV3NBVTNMWLJT7QGQUII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767460},"content":"A cynic might suggest that everyone is promising everything. But we are not a cynic which is why we will just link you to the party manifestos.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZ74L4PUWBBEHNWJ6MAJXQDL7I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4VDUXN7R5BEEHJFAC7BIDBGWLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443106},"content":"You can compare the manifestos across 10 different policy areas <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/promises-promises-what-do-the-election-2024-parties-stand-for-use-this-tool-to-compare-their-manifestos/\" target=\"_blank\">using this nifty tool</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHCPIMCIYVDVDIJW2BINXAZUPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767462},"content":"I am not sure if I am registered to vote. Is there a way I can find out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"B72EYRGCQJE5VLYW6M72UR3HBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767463},"content":"There is indeed, <a href=\"https://checktheregister.ie/en-IE/\" target=\"_blank\">checktheregister.ie</a> site will have your name if you are registered while you can also call the local authority for confirmation. At the risk of stating the obvious, if you are not on the list by now you are not getting in to vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUVS6PHIXNHMFJEWQYNROEHKIM","additional_properties":{"_id":"7EERD5J7N5FEFPDDXPRLAKXD6A"},"content":"General election 2024: What are the issues in housing?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"2VW7GBBH7RBDXOHC2H2NMRPALA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767464},"content":"Hooray, I am on the list so what time can I vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"HBNZKA33ZJDM7EDGFBHTHPVGLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767465},"content":"Polling stations open at 7am and will remain open until 10pm. If previous elections are anything to go by, polling stations will be busiest after 6pm so if you can get out to vote early, it should save you some time although queues at Irish polling stations are – thankfully – very rare so even if you have to vote at rush hour you should be in and out in no time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M54UFV5VSJEBJFMOLN7FFYI3HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767466},"content":"I don’t know where my polling station is, where do I find that out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"LOIFE3JGRBC45DBHKYXDBOPQR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443112},"content":"Your polling card will tell you where you need to go to vote but if you can’t find it you can check it on <a href=\"https://checktheregister.ie/en-IE/search\" target=\"_blank\">checktheregister.ie</a> or call your local city or country council and they will help you out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q33W5BFMSZGDHC2YEYOOCH53ZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767467},"content":"What do I need to bring with me to cast my vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"BWPCG65UEJCKPK6LBT3ANCKJJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767468},"content":"You will need ID and, ideally, your polling card but if you can’t find it don’t panic. You do not need it and a number of other forms of identification are acceptable. These include a passport, driving licence, public services card, an employee identity card containing a photograph, a student identity card with a photograph, a travel document with a photograph and name, or a bank, savings or credit union book with the voter’s address in the constituency. Voters can also show a chequebook, cheque or credit card, birth or marriage certificate, once they produce one of these with a document showing their address in the constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2J537YC33VCTVIWOMATAADZWHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767469},"content":"And how do I vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"LE7NOSNX7VE7DLS3KI6O6WD6FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767470},"content":"This is where it gets interesting, at least for election fans like us. Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV) system of voting which differs from the first-past-the-post system used by the UK and the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFUHPB4TUJFQTJJTA3VLBXDJ4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767471},"content":"What does that mean?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QCNGHDNZCZAMXEFI4FV7QOIYNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767472},"content":"You don’t just vote for one person. Instead you can mark your ballot card in order of preference. Your first choice gets your number one and your second choice gets number two, your third gets number three etc, all the way down the ballot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2YBTYPABVE3DO3FYAYZ3M5X3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767473},"content":"That seems complicated. What are the advantages of that?","type":"header"},{"_id":"XYFAMAVDR5A6DH7B3YIA6T4JN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767474},"content":"The STV system provides a more representative outcome. In the first-past-the-post system, if a party wins 51 per cent of the votes in all the constituencies they win all the seats despite having the slenderest of majorities. In the STV system, the party wins – broadly speaking – only 51 per cent of the seats. It is complicated however which is why we have Paddy Smyth on hand. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/why-it-pays-to-vote-all-the-way-down-the-ballot-paper-1.2548241\" target=\"_blank\">He wrote an explainer</a> a few years back that is worth a read if you want to know how best to maximise your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25FX76RK2FFFVKZN3SVXKOSIRE","additional_properties":{"_id":"6FB7X7WE2ZEWFCHHZRXBRIEBZM"},"content":"Rise of the Independents: could they be kingmakers for the next government?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RV2F7BLVZVF25HGCJJOLPQMAYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767475},"content":"But the bottom line is no Xs or ticks?","type":"header"},{"_id":"GEB4ZYBBANDYPKKHZOSMJRKCWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767476},"content":"Absolutely not. If you put an X or a tick or a smiley face or anything else other than a clear number into the boxes, your vote won’t count. If you give two candidates a number one then your vote won’t count. In every election, many thousands of votes are spoiled, with 17,703 wasted in 2020. Some people do it on purpose as an act of protest or discontent. Others do it without knowing they are doing it. Don’t be one of those people. Oh, and don’t be taking selfies in the polling booth either. That is not allowed and might get you into trouble. If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, the returning officer may give you another ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSNNLRVY7ZGKLIFZAYCR3XPRUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443123},"content":"What do the polls say?","type":"header"},{"_id":"IEZVBSOKCBEPRNCNAMFBXQ6ZRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443124},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">Our last poll of the campaign</a>, published this week, had Fianna Fáil in the lead on 21 per cent of the vote, Sinn Féin in second on 20 per cent and Fine Gael in third on 19 per cent, after a six-point fall in support in less than two weeks. Among the smaller parties, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party</a> was at 4 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour</a> 4 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats</a> 6 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-alliance/\">People Before Profit</a> 3 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\">Aontú</a> 3 per cent; Independents (including Independent Ireland) 17 per cent. Undecided voters, who are excluded from the above figures, were at 19 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZG5JYEGYVCXDNVVXJE7L2C2NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443125},"content":"However, that’ll all be immaterial by Friday evening as it all comes down to how you vote. Have your say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Simon Bracken"}},"name":"Simon Bracken"}]},"description":{"basic":"Everything you need to know ahead of polling stations opening at 7am on Friday"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T16:31:51.851Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024: How do I vote, what are the polls saying and how does the system work?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI","auth":{"1":"6a1153ef2e6a02d1c987964a7d8156710ca24f537eed70d22f1fde1d939ef332"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"F6RGJWP36JHF3PGGJBJJBJUW3A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":399,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8c805cd5-823d-4354-9ae8-4f066487350d/versions/1732808184/media/08e921e57ca9d6c7700ed23d23edd727_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/bellwether-waterford-crucial-for-sf-to-lead-next-government-and-for-fg-to-stay-in-power/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IIHUM7MYCJCUVO6Y5LOOCZQPLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846031},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUPJORCW2JCFPANXJDHOMBXOQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846032},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Waterford</a> promises to be a bellwether constituency in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024</a>, a sign of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s potential to lead the next government or for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> to remain there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NWY22JNK5F5BLVCGSFGDHKMBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846049},"content":"Fine Gael must win a seat in this four-seat constituency to be in contention for government and Sinn Féin need the two seats as part of its bid to lead the next administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNZIJKZJOZD2NPYDVLCPOM7XWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846033},"content":"Simon Harris’s campaign tussle with Kanturk care worker Charlotte Fallon has hurt Fine Gael in the polls and confidence is growing in Sinn Féin due to improved polling numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGKBR23ZWRDPXNNLDKNG67HR2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846034},"content":"In Waterford, Fine Gael candidate Senator John Cummins (37) says he is not feeling any extra pressure since the major misstep by his party leader.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXUCDVM645B6TOB5VSYEBXPBPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846035},"content":"“The reaction on the door has been quite similar to what I have been receiving over the last number of weeks,” the former PE teacher says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XOU2AT7OARDRTBDF6KNRJ7X3UI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TN25LHK4EFBJZL3ZANQ5A3QJB4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6XIQTL75KBANTPP5ELNXGKGPS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846036},"content":"He is hopeful it won’t affect his vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FA7U24XFUZEMZD5Y2SASLWZ6W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535145},"content":"“One thing you could never accuse Simon Harris of is not having a commitment to disability services,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAUQRNYIAZGI7A42TQJ5UJGI2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846037},"content":"During a canvass of the middle-class area around John’s Hill, the matter is raised just once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5BWMN27CRCYPKZ2EWIKT23U6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846038},"content":"The candidate is canvassing with his father, former Seanad leader Maurice Cummins, who is recognised by a lot of older voters, including Henry Flynn who refers to the Kanturk incident.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTOGGDXTEZFVHHLB3IVIFCZKVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535148},"content":"Of Harris’s handling of the incident, Flynn says: “He made a gaffe there, didn’t he? He’ll get over it but it’s a pity because it went viral as well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSEHUVJIO5GE3L2DZ4M65VDBRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846040},"content":"On a Sinn Féin canvass, the issue comes up just once for Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane (50).","type":"text"},{"_id":"GNFEOWMFG5BDLFBSHEK4RRAPUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846041},"content":"“Harris is after shooting himself in the foot now – make the most of it,” says Pat Cox, as he and his wife, Phil, chat with Cullinane on their doorstep.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56M6VBBRDBH7PALJ2A4ARUJ5IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846042},"content":"For Fine Gael the pressure is huge to recover the seat the party lost in 2020, when it ran two candidates and split the vote. Cummins lost out but now he is the party’s sole candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXHZ7XURVRAI7D55LEWFUXIV4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846043},"content":"Sinn Féin had the opposite problem. Cullinane topped the poll with almost 40 per cent of the vote and almost two quotas. As the only Sinn Féin candidate, his huge surplus helped elect Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh and contributed to Independent TD Matt Shanahan’s success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGPI5BPAAJGFZEDPBU5ZCQSPXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846044},"content":"After bucking the trend at the local elections and winning 21 per cent of the vote compared to 11 per cent nationally, Sinn Féin is running two candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7CT4KYQNZGGFOII7FWRIDJETY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846045},"content":"“It’s a perfect geographical split,” says Cullinane. He has the city areas and his colleague, councillor Conor McGuinness, has the west of the county.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GYGEKXHPNE27G4EK36ZTMOS4A","additional_properties":{"_id":"6DLIVEBY4BFFXLCHX4EF3RSBFQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4Q6EF7EO6FGWTOL3IW5DMNZYJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846046},"content":"All four outgoing TDs are running: Cullinane, Fianna Fáil’s Mary Butler, Shanahan and Ó Cathasaigh. Cummins and McGuinness make it six candidates running for four seats, with the Green Party TD facing a major hurdle to be a contender.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCZX7GCRHBE2LDFF667RA7QTY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535157},"content":"“There’s nobody putting me under pressure to win the two seats,” says Cullinane, who is confident of the party’s chances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IWD5EFVPLFBUXCAM4WZLKSVK4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846048},"content":"“We forced Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to stand one candidate each. There’s very few constituencies where there’s only one Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael candidate and in my view that’s because of the threat Sinn Féin poses,” says the party’s health spokesman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CABEZGQGYFAT3LVTS7K37FY4S4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846050},"content":"On the Fine Gael canvass the campaign team includes Sinn Féin-turned-Independent councillor Declan Clune who left the party in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2I3PQIENFBRPFSDX4GIF3CFJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535160},"content":"“There was no one particular thing. It was a build-up over time,” he says of leaving Sinn Féin. “There wasn’t much room for having an alternative view and you’d be kind of isolated and undermined.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LR4IK2EWNABFAA4VNJOXFHXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846051},"content":"At one door, Cummins declines to say where a voter’s second choice should go, just his number one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOMRGQ2OGFA45FKRFNPN32BPZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846052},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWCQVPBDVNGIJJBY6KFKFNUJYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846053},"content":"Local man Gerard Fitzgerald says he has “zero confidence” in Sinn Féin’s numbers because “they have all this hidden stuff like this wealth tax, which they’ve taken off but they’re still adding it in at the bottom”. He plans to go “with the tried to trusted”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UZ7XFJF5FHX7C2UAFFDKBDCCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846055},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JS4VSEIAPJB63EESEEYQRP2AJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846056},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZJWBJHV3NH6TB5H5TRREOAJ7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846057},"content":"Jill and Joe Gallagher on John’s Hill are confirmed supporters of Cummins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUDWL4DOW5C3JE7GQ366TF4PZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535167},"content":"“I would know John since back when we were teenagers. He was always someone who could be trusted,” says Jill. He supports local business and “they don’t all do that”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCURSXWNIZBRFCMLYR2Y64IJYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846058},"content":"In an estate off John’s Hill, Anne Heine inherited her house from her aunt but is concerned about the tax “as a single person, not married, no children”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3DAIEFQ45E3VCH2BOX72R7NDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846059},"content":"Back on the Sinn Féin canvass, Ann Rogers asks: “What are you going to do for the workers?” She says all she ever hears about is “everyone on social welfare”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4EBOOLQJLFDCLGIWAE4HA6N3XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535170},"content":"Cullinane says the party will abolish the universal social charge (USC) for the first €45,000 of a person’s salary and will also provide €10 a day for childcare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KCJJQD7J5HC5KAN67BWRU25WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846060},"content":"Bridget Douglas assures Cullinane of her vote “because I know him very well and he’ll do something for us – hopefully”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAWRNOWHVZBYRLUVBJXYCMTLNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535172},"content":"“I’m all right but a lot of people don’t have what I have,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVZT2BNB7FACBAEYRD3ZVCA6VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846061},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZV6KBHG2R5C2XC6MX7KY4OMKTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846062},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Q5H4IXMJ5GSNIWHSLWERA45DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846063},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXOYPJTMKBDWRPDQYS52XKFA7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846064},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGWDGGMFXZBMLERDZP56SOPAWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846065},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGCXLPUWHVFR5NEKMLWR7ALVLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846066},"content":"Terry Whiteman, originally from the UK, doesn’t vote because he doesn’t understand the Irish system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBKOQNEFNVBUVAVUOH6S5JTLTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535179},"content":"“I don’t understand the parties here – Fianna Fáil and all the rest of them. I haven’t got a clue,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W5IINYDFHNGQLLFDD5JR5UMJAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846067},"content":"Asked how long he’s living in Ireland, he says: “26 years,” to laughter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKQFNYH55JA45CRZZZ6NDETIMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535181},"content":"“That’s enough time” to learn about the system Cullinane suggests. “Maybe I’d vote for Fine Gael; I don’t know,” says Whiteman. “Someone said to me they’d be similar to the Conservatives.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTZOI5FNONAQJB3LLJP5JEXCUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846068},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OL5NAG4EYJGSFE6ZZU6BNZX4JY","additional_properties":{"_id":"IFGOBXFNDFAU5FTWSRU5QS2RSI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JR5LASYATNB27B6EWHKTPSSUEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535184},"content":"Cullinane says that if Sinn Féin can harness the vote he thinks is in west Waterford, they can win two seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJIGIK6ZQFAN5HMBTU6EIKOQXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846069},"content":"“We have the balance right. We’ve been ambitious where we need to be and where potential seats can be gained,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND2RTONSLZE5HCFPQJXTJ3URHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846070},"content":"“But even on 20 per cent we can still make gains,” he says of Sinn Féin’s opinion poll standing. “Anything above that then we can at least win those seats we left behind the last time. And there was at least 10 of those that we could say were low-lying fruit.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh under huge pressure to retain his seat as six candidates vie for the four available seats"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T15:31:13.018Z","headlines":{"basic":"Bellwether Waterford ‘crucial’ for SF to lead next government and for FG to stay in power","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA","auth":{"1":"06d4c533b81728fbad4d02967b0497d8e5619aa61d0af892885a374be1aff3ac"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/bellwether-waterford-crucial-for-sf-to-lead-next-government-and-for-fg-to-stay-in-power/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{}}}},{"_id":"3FWY6CZDNNFIJFY5WLERU36BBQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":287,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/eacbd067-e9c3-4e8f-9c75-107af32d6a82/versions/1732808166/media/b38716005ee53920e719d5bcd13a88c0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-issues-crime-and-the-challenges-for-irish-policing/","content_elements":[{"_id":"E6XWJ35OS5EQPDVK4COTMIYBSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483895},"content":"Crime very often dominates the news cycle and political discourse when an especially shocking or violent series of offending takes place. Gangland feuding, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-riots/\" target=\"_blank\">riots in Dublin</a> 12 months ago, far right-related disorder and murders force the issue – and people’s fears – to the fore.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQ3ZNFOABBGMRMIAF7LP64G22Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483897},"content":"However, even when major criminal events are not on the front pages policing and issues like antisocial behaviour, street drug dealing and reportedly higher levels of aggression are never far from people’s minds in many parts of the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QRSW2AVFEBCO3JMWYRJUKSPR64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483898},"content":"There are concerns the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/garda-siochana/\" target=\"_blank\">Garda</a> force is perhaps becoming more distant from the people it was designed to serve and protect, at least that it can no longer provide the same service it once did. So what are the big issues facing the Republic in the areas of crime and policing at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUJ5HYZELNHC5OW7QEBHBQHSMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483899},"content":"<b>Garda numbers</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7DKD3756JEMZB3G6OJILRF4VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483900},"content":"The number of sworn members in the force was as high as 14,700 in the early months of 2020; a record high. But then the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, was forced to close because of pandemic-related restrictions. Due to retirements and resignations numbers steadily declined – to 13,890 by November of last year. And though recruitment has long resumed numbers were still at 14,125 by the end of September.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XLJTDTMEUNGYZOTW6BND3X5ZOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790450815},"content":"Failure to increase the strength of the force – especially amid population growth – is stretching the capacity of the Garda. Very often it is impossible to muster full strength units for run-of-the-mill duties on the streets of towns and cities. And specialist units are under the same pressure. It all leads to poor outcomes in investigations and slower response times to emergencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5LWRGYDUZBTZNW6LTFG5FFXFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483901},"content":"<b>Rural policing</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3K7Y2ED6JBBTBYIIGSVS6F3AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483902},"content":"Over the last two decades the closure of Garda stations has been a very unpopular development that has only served to underline the feeling of vulnerability of some communities, especially in rural areas. Even though violent attacks against the elderly in their own homes, for example, are rare, one or two high profile incidents can lead to widespread fear. The Garda was praised for its outreach to communities, especially isolated and vulnerable people, during the pandemic. A similar effort – via community policing – has been widely called for.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WT22YO2V2FEIRJX7TDP27Z7IEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483903},"content":"<b>Safety in Dublin</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCM6KTGMKVEKPOQC4R5YCFPNO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483904},"content":"There has long been a sense that safety in Dublin city has declined. Richard Guiney, chief executive of Dublin Town, has said perceptions of safety were at their highest in 2016, according to polling it commissioned annually from Red C. In the afternoon and evening time 51 per cent of people in north central Dublin felt safe in 2016 and 81 per in south central Dublin. This was down to 35 per cent and 57 per cent respectively in May of last year. Virtually every time the Garda engages with community groups and other stakeholders the chief request is for more gardaí – to deter crime, improve response times and shore up the public’s perception of safety.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4GK4T4QCNFW3AXDE35J2OK5LY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483905},"content":"<b>Cyber-enabled crime</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHCANZEWGJB3NCWIOVNX7L6FQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483906},"content":"Frauds and scams – often based off bogus phone calls, emails, texts and social media-based contacts – spiked during the pandemic and are here to stay. With economic crimes there is a shortage of personnel to perform all the tasks that arise during these complex investigations. This includes detectives but also forensic accountants, data scientists and analysts, AI capability and the licences for cryptocurrency analysis. Great strides have been made in the Garda’s approach to investigating domestic and sexual violence. But across the specialist units many of the resources available to police forces overseas are in short supply in the Garda.","type":"text"},{"_id":"37KAATHZRFGSBB4ZH4SM5PQFJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807838827},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGEJG2VL2VDKVGRWPUOYQYPPFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483907},"content":"<b>High volume “petty” crime</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCVPSS26KNA4DGMKCKAHKQGP7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483908},"content":"Offences such as the theft of mobile phones, high-value bicycles, motorbikes and even some burglaries – with minimal damage and little property stolen – are something the public is becoming increasingly inured to. A police force that is thinly stretched must prioritise the emergencies and crimes it allocates most resources to. More gardaí, in virtually every station across the country, are required in a bid to ensure high volume non-violent crime does not become an area that goes unreported and uninvestigated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Lally"}},"name":"Conor Lally"}]},"description":{"basic":"Antisocial behaviour, street drug dealing and reportedly higher levels of aggression among issues of concern"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T15:30:57.314Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election explainer: What are the big issues in the areas of crime and policing?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U","auth":{"1":"84c0602f44de188feef48f0be7bde9302654d95971ef9214c1202c00b69e00d3"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-issues-crime-and-the-challenges-for-irish-policing/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"NJSRQFHYZRCDDMR4CHEPS6NFMA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":1085,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9bf52d42-e993-4eaa-9585-3b5cbb6e0d01/versions/1732741568/media/fde0e9274f0611ea8430c2808e75d966_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TJKS3ZULQBBQPDFBFUBDFPLV4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116714},"content":"Identifying target seats in Irish <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general elections</a> is an art more than a science.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7C7C47M75GXBHWJKLIYCIVNG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732718657008},"content":"Unless there is a huge surge for one or two parties – as happened in 1992, 2011 and again in 2020 – gains and losses happen at the margins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6T6X4GOXVJA5JA3FHGB6H625EM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116715},"content":"Unlike in the UK’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/uk-election/\" target=\"_blank\">Westminster elections</a>, where it is first past the post, the Irish voting system makes final outcomes difficult to predict. Here, there are multi-seat constituencies with transferable votes which means multiple counts. Transfers can be unpredictable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOB5MXPJNVAODMLESZVTKNI3HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732718657010},"content":"Geography can sometimes outrank ideology when votes are being cast. For example, in 2020 in Longford-Westmeath, after his elimination, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael’</a>s Michael Carrigy transferred more votes to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil’s</a> Joe Flaherty than he did to his party colleague, Peter Burke. The reason? Both Carrigy and Flaherty were from Co Longford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UIA72NFLVBGFJFW2KAHK4UNU3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116716},"content":"Nevertheless, based on the 2020 general election results, party standings in opinion polls, and the candidate selection by the parties, each of the three big parties have identified target constituencies that they can win with a small swing – and others that they might win, if there is strong momentum behind the party on polling day. Equally, they have identified vulnerable seats for each party which they will fail to hold if the performance on the day falls short.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5CJLQIUTZBZTGEMMSCJYHZICY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116717},"content":"The Irish Times spoke to senior figures in parties and groupings to get a sense of their <b>main targets</b> – the constituencies where they are hoping to take seats; <b>possible gains</b> – seats they will be contending for where the party’s national performance is strong, and the <b>potential losses</b> – vulnerable seats they will struggle to retain on a bad day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDNWKLMHHJDATH7E4UTFQQUO7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732803218525},"content":"<i>* Click on each constituency name to read a full profile.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2N4EBVASREVDOS37ORWKM2Y6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116718},"content":"Fianna Fáil","type":"header"},{"_id":"SXOHTVSLNFBM5IW45OOODWC7IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116719},"content":"The party has 12 main targets for gains, in addition to another eight seats where it believes it can compete for the last seat on a good day. There are eight seats not guaranteed as wins. The vast majority of the main targets are in rural Ireland, while most at-risk seats are in Dublin and Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMR24VE4HFCIFMQYIMJMWWUHIU","additional_properties":{"_id":"SHRYMPFEUVC4HBGMFZ7WD5DQH4"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-Fucuf\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Fucuf/5/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"D35JK37WONHFZPTEJKTH242OZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116720},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6LQ6TMT3BDLFGMF7OXUAIPEXE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"5DGSZMHKO5F77HKWI4HODPIRBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116722},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y657VG7F2ZFG7B6XGCFREPGE7M","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7MVVGDYRJVHIXIXAIP56LLLKFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116725},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWBUQFJZMRBWJMVXA4GUFIAC6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116726},"type":"list"},{"_id":"OCFHVNZK6VHOFMGOBGWP2XB554","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116734},"content":"Fine Gael","type":"header"},{"_id":"J4FUBIKEGJDF3NWBBDY72QIBJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116735},"content":"The party has 12 main targets where it could make gains and 10 constituencies where it has a chance of taking an extra seat. Donegal is a vulnerable seat for the party, while it is marginally at risk in six others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGJM7MRRQZATDNPPXMGZJCL2VU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WAUZP5AZTZEZNLIMA6NURN3WJ4"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-APUmX\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/APUmX/3/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"MSEQCLAQFZDZVPEISHFFY2KWUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116736},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQM3RKSRFRBOFKT3AP3VAR3V7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4TGA65YRXZFBPKRKCCZ5J456QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116738},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJP4ILBV5JECLFOYNAFLYTMMIY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"D53G3HRADZDMVPLDBBTBCUZHYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116740},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJSD4XV3XRCPRDCOSTJWCK34JM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116741},"type":"list"},{"_id":"25J5YYTWA5ERPGQ4Q4D2WFCEYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116749},"content":"Sinn Féin","type":"header"},{"_id":"XPBRHKWDENHRLNT42D4F3SCALQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116750},"content":"There are four strong possible gains for Sinn Féin and another seven where it could pick up seats if the party has a good day. On the other hand, the party is in trouble in three constituencies and, if national support is down, there are a further seven constituencies where seats might be at risk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJWQHYRXOBFXTDRSJ5LJWMTV3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"REP4ZSHJTVAWTESMOZ3CIL4MCI"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-619Fr\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/619Fr/3/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"5BBMXRILPNCPDABWJVUIDQ27Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116751},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIDF5MASUBA7ZPOQTQJFICN4MQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"GBDUMCFRL5BRBM3EXWTOYBRIDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116753},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SB4FL7RL7JANHPOERLVDVASEAU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"QZGALJIO4NG6RPQ5YMYFMTHPHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116755},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116756},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"With transfers unpredictable, gains and losses are expected to happen at the margins in fiercely-contested multi-seat constituencies"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T14:17:45.913Z","headlines":{"basic":"Key election 2024 battles: maps show where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin hope to gain - and may lose - seats ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU","auth":{"1":"4150d58fcaa7caa7dcd2509358a8a603dd60d6c8340669715956d7e10e68ceb4"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"O5CBH4DH3ZGCJGBBURSJIUVWUY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":138,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9c867585-dcb5-4a3a-8ed0-71cd024f86e5/versions/1732802901/media/a2474cd8dd286e56afbadcca41071b6d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/28/mother-who-fought-for-school-places-for-her-autistic-and-non-verbal-twins-named-family-carer-of-the-year-2024/","content_elements":[{"_id":"Q6O57YW5EJBNTHPWRCK2KI7JME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908043},"content":"A Co <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/laois\" target=\"_blank\">Laois</a> woman has been named the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3DA6W3IZJA7RO5AJ34N5RCXOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908044},"content":"Sarah Dooley, a mother of four from Mountmellick, took the overall award at a ceremony in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a> on Thursday to acknowledge Ireland’s 500,000 family carers, who provide 19 million hours of unpaid care every week. The awards, hosted by broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, are in their 17th year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWTM6EZ2P5EFRF7SH7CTPKCGWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908045},"content":"Ms Dooley’s youngest boys, twins John and Patrick (5), are autistic and non-verbal. Her son Cathal (7) has been undergoing treatment for leukaemia for the past three years, requiring constant hospital visits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJQZ77HZZRC2TGLLCNSFMT4URU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908046},"content":"She has fought to secure school placements for the twins and has put her career on hold to care full-time for her children. She and her partner Cathal were refused places in special school 38 times, 19 times each for the twins. “It was soul-destroying,” she said. The children now have a place in school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKFA44YCERBI5MKCS5CEPOWNRM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CBZNDDG36ZDVXIR3TDARSJ57ZI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MXV27243TBBBLDF3IJEVRB4TZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510333},"content":"She admitted she had never been in a five-star hotel before she arrived at the Westin Hotel in Dublin to pick up her award.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZWHF4E22RB6NNZJWGKSFB2WE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510334},"content":"She thanked her partner Cathal and her wider family for the support they have given to help her manage with the three children who have special needs. “There isn’t many supports available for the twins. Family support is a massive thing for us,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K53ANUQPDNAPDOS5Q7BGZZZSSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510335},"content":"In advance of the election, she said the next Government will “have to provide more services for children with additional needs, speech and language, occupational therapy – none of that is available”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAJX2NJO2FEGRKSBPGIKXZKCRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908048},"content":"Family Carers Ireland spokeswoman Catherine Cox praised Sarah’s exceptional dedication. “She will be an incredible ambassador for carers,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVVCRQYNK5FDPFSWSU4OARDS64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510337},"content":"The issue of carers came to the forefront of the general election campaign following Fine Gael leader Simon Harris’s confrontation with disability care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork last Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBKPI6DTNJCUNAY5LIN4CYJFLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510338},"content":"Ms Cox said the incident brought the issue of disability and care to the forefront of the election. “It highlighted how we should support our family carers. Nobody should do it on their own and they shouldn’t have to. I hope, when people are voting tomorrow, that they will vote for a party which believes in supporting family carers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25NOIGC2WREUPFWT32GCDNCPXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510339},"content":"“Family carers shouldn’t have to fight for basic supports like therapies and medical support, yet they do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEUKCFPZVFAMBC2NH7ROCNVTHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510340},"content":"“The next Government must take decisive action to address their urgent needs and fully recognise their vital role in society. Throughout this campaign, family carers have voiced their frustration with empty promises and inaction – this election must be the moment for real, lasting change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWFRDM2ITVAKJI6JZZA7XGQEJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908047},"content":"Five young carers from across the country, Shannon Egan (16) from Co Westmeath; Ellen Gannon (11) from Co Limerick; Sarah Conway (11) from Co Mayo; Lucy Connor (14) from Co Monaghan; and Senan Vaughan (12) from Co Dublin, were also honoured for their support for siblings and parents with additional needs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sarah Dooley from Co Laois takes overall award as five young carers also honoured at this year’s Netwatch Family Carer of the Year ceremony"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T14:03:10.24Z","headlines":{"basic":"Mother who fought for school places for autistic, non-verbal twins named Family Carer of the Year","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY","auth":{"1":"b7e9b374978ec5c5702a7d2c980ff88603ef3c8a9d49a9b8f3adfa1096811b74"},"focal_point":{"x":2757,"y":1232},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/28/mother-who-fought-for-school-places-for-her-autistic-and-non-verbal-twins-named-family-carer-of-the-year-2024/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}},{"_id":"LSJ7LIDA3VBBXBI3F4R2JTX4UA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":329,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/235d12c2-e856-4d36-b442-1ccef15f31a0/versions/1732801948/media/418dcb30f085088963f278cdcdb0a861_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UHFB6AL3DRDORDAGO4FR6NWGOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672107},"content":"Broadcasters backed the abolition of the long-standing ban on reporting any information which could influence an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election</a> from 2pm on the day before polling day until after voting had ended, media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RS5RXB4PZRHIJKE3BL5MFERCDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281349},"content":"The regulator said that, in response to a consultation process launched several months ago, there were seven submissions from broadcasters, all of which favoured abolition of the moratorium.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJUBLAZ455ES7E6FOW764G37AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672112},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte\" target=\"_blank\">RTÉ</a> said it was “entirely anomalous” that its online news service could report on a significant breaking story, and particularly one based on disinformation/misinformation in the moratorium period, but its television and radio division could not do so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KILKGZ23YRGBZLEMWOJPU5W2CU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672113},"content":"It told Coimisiún na Meán: “If a story based on misinformation or disinformation emerges in what would be the moratorium period, broadcasters should have editorial freedom to report on this and bring relevant facts into the public domain.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFEBARG5AZH2XBADOP6EGX75KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672114},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tg4\" target=\"_blank\">TG4</a> told the Commission: “Because reporting restrictions of the moratorium do not apply to other media, such as online and print media, there could be a potential imbalance in coverage of elections and referendums between broadcast and other media. In order to have better balance across all media, we believe it is necessary to abolish the moratorium entirely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZQDK3RI2ZBQPIKVM36OEH4BRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672115},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/virgin-media\" target=\"_blank\">Virgin Media</a> Television said the broadcast moratorium was “outdated and is no longer effective”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHJLABNVLBCYNAJWQHZJ6N4ADE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672116},"content":"“The moratorium does not allow broadcasters tackle the rise of disinformation/bad actors during the moratorium period. In fact, by silencing broadcasters, the moratorium completely undermines and hinders the trust and credibility in broadcast news. Abolishing the moratorium would permit television news to fulfil its primary public service function of delivering fair, balanced and impartial coverage of all election issues.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOXCI7JFCJDMXP7456CM62OHYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281350},"content":"The regulator said there were five responses from organisations performing a regulatory, political or advocacy role. It said among these, there were a mix of views in relation to the options put forward by the Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGRMYIXJVVHRHAKHTIPWDDC7OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281351},"content":"Among these submissions there was support for abolition of the moratorium; making it last for a longer or shorter period; changing the rules so the moratorium would cover only more limited types of broadcast coverage or replacing it with a positive obligation on broadcasters, for example an obligation to exercise particular care with regard to material addressing election or referendum issues in the lead-up to a referendum or election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJUBLAZ455ES7E6FOW764G37AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672112},"content":"The Law Society said it supported the abolition of the moratorium and replacing it with guidance imposing positive obligations rather than negative obligations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKLDARIQBRHMPJ5VQB5GCTA66E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672118},"content":"The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media said its preference was “to afford a reflective period to the electorate in such a way that it is applied in a fair and balanced manner to all forms of media including social media”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HD3OE6LEZNBU5ELCK7OHIP6LMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672119},"content":"However, it said in the event that application of broadcast moratorium rules to online platforms was not possible in the short-term, and where the only options available were to retain or abolish the moratorium, the Joint Committee would favour abolition of the moratorium until such time that it could be enforced in a fair and balanced manner to all forms of media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NLJGUZ5DRBCNL3UDA7BMN4GEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672120},"content":"Staff in the FM104 and Q102 newsroom in Dublin, part of the Wireless Ireland Group said: “The news cycle is more ‘24/7′ than ever before and our work is made further challenging during voting cycles, especially when untraditional, online-only news outlets can publish stories during the broadcast moratorium that we cannot then make reference to. These stories can then often dominate the discourse on social media, and broadcasters are hamstrung from even mentioning the issue. We then get accused of ‘not covering’ the issue or ignoring it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q436NF7UNVCBFKXBIA6OERWUQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672121},"content":"The Labour Party said it backed ending the moratorium but said it was legitimate to have guidance requiring broadcasters, in the final hours, before polling day, to exercise special or particular care in considering whether to broadcast certain material.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XXI2HJJVZBUZEK5UDJFGJIM34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672122},"content":"“We support the view that it would be reasonable to require a broadcaster to prepare a policy to guide appropriate decision-making around political coverage near in time to a public vote.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKO26HXMUBGAZCJRCADVH3WTSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281352},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán said there were six responses from individuals to its consultation process, split between leaving the traditional moratorium in place and abolishing it entirely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TOUO3VXAJF7BLYZZLETIZ244U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281353},"content":"The Commission decided earlier this month to abolish the moratorium and replace it with a revised guidance to broadcasters to exercise additional care with regard to material addressing election or referendum issues during the “critical election period” in the lead-up to a referendum or election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YINMC4WU7FHMDD7PQB2Y45QFFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281354},"content":"“In arriving at this view, the Commission considers that maintaining the integrity of elections is a legitimate objective in protecting fundamental rights but that the broadcast moratorium can no longer be regarded as a necessary restriction on freedom of speech in a democratic society in light of the growth of online media,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3AQR5AWSFGSBKN6BOYJ2FV4HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281355},"content":"The broadcast moratorium had been in place since 1997.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"}]},"description":{"basic":"General election: Coimisiún na Meán said there were mixed views on future of broadcast moratorium"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T13:47:11.182Z","headlines":{"basic":"Broadcasters told media regulator they backed abolishing the pre-election moratorium","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU","auth":{"1":"6beefa8c5e7cd7373e802b7dd29bb368e4c45519e9864e028501ae3079cb240d"},"focal_point":{"x":1343,"y":1237},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"O6QQAPIP2ZAMJEQOWIT7XEBGNM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":339,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/aa28b205-e6af-4d4b-986a-8edda9cb96de/versions/1732798947/media/441cf661c0aa1214b0cf97c1f870a430_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-social-democrats-labour-green-party-people-before-profit-campaign-students-latest/","content_elements":[{"_id":"N3PUVEEXHFDYDHPGDZFP53JP5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945295},"content":"Members of the Southeast Technological University’s (SETU) kayaking club climbed out of the water at The Ferry Playground in Castleconnell, Limerick, as the rain poured down in the aftermath of Storm Bert last weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGDOVWXJ2NEPDF5CD46NGUGR3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945296},"content":"Based out of the university’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford\" target=\"_blank\">Waterford</a> campus, the students are practising ahead of the teams’ match at a Munster Polo League event at the University of Limerick. In the meantime, they’re busy making up their minds about who they are going to vote for in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">the election</a> on Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KL3SH736PZFGNFPIFAPDZXNR4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945297},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis\" target=\"_blank\">Housing</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mental-health/\" target=\"_blank\">mental health</a> services and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/public-transport\" target=\"_blank\">public transport</a> are the biggest issues on the minds of the students, all of whom feel the previous government did not deliver for young people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6C3VMNXYVRCKHNBTLJKLKJF63Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945298},"content":"Vice-captain of the club, Dean Horgan (20), is originally from Midleton in Cork, but was drawn to SETU by its Construction Management course. Now in second year, housing is the issue most to the fore. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"47OEHGUT7BDQVJDSJBOD4ZNYEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790512424},"content":"For the first few months of first year, Horgan found himself functionally homeless and was forced to sleep in his car just to attend lectures while he searched for a place to call home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EBY2X6YJFHKPCI2RJJXU4DGKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945300},"content":"“Thank God I had my car, I had to sleep in it for the first month,” he said, having come to Waterford after unknowingly making agreements with unregistered landlords. “When I came down here to get into my accommodation, there was nothing for me there.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5FROOVTDVHBFH7AB3JATBQXII","additional_properties":{"_id":"3VZB67FMQFA2DNIEYUFRXWA6SY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AG6UNZIDUNCO7DZLXIAR3O4GWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945301},"content":"Every day, he reported himself as homeless to the welfare team at SETU Students’ Union for his first month before he eventually found accommodation, now he is looking to the next government to ensure the next generation of students do not have to struggle the way he did.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRKNPAMJ3REUTMTNLEGVPRB2MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945302},"content":"“There needs to be more focus on student accommodation and protection of students in the housing market,” he said, pointing to classmates of his who are struggling so severely with the cost of living that they are skipping meals or turning to the college for help.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFSBCA7UNBDXLCMWWVLN72PRM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945303},"content":"Horgan doesn’t believe the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> coalition government has delivered for young people. “They always wait until the last second before an election to make changes. When there’s a change in government, they bring out a budget which benefits the masses really quickly but doesn’t actually fix the problem.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTDHZRAGPFDARKJHKZ2XW3MANI","additional_properties":{"_id":"OB4AK3Q2EVADPADE7QAH4H2V4Y"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZHAL7TCOUJH2DME7DMXTMIW77E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945304},"content":"Cian Johnson (28), an alumni member of the kayaking club, feels the issue of mental health has not been addressed by the government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2CTL232W5ARXCRJ6BE6ICMJQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945305},"content":"“My biggest issue, bar of course housing, would be mental health. I’ve suffered in the past with my mental health and have tried to go through the system and it’s just, ‘Here’s a date in 6 months!’ Mental health is a serious issue, and it needs to be worked on.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QEYOVNPTSZHERIRCXYASU442WE","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPMR66NHANCUBIEIIU7JELUH2Q"},"content":"‘It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that’: Teaching sector facing challenges","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ESTC5OIZ7FE6HJOHG6MXBAC47U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945306},"content":"“Even a month [waiting for services] could be the difference between life and death. The system isn’t good enough and hopefully, whoever gets in, will see the problem there and fix it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EP32UZPZSVAR3ODIHDV2OKCJLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945307},"content":"He feels the government has not delivered for young people. “I think they’ve made a lot of promises ‘We’ll do this, we’ll do that’ and it all just fell flat,” he says. “In my opinion, they have just been in power too long, we need new blood. I want <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> in, but I don’t want them in by themselves. I want them to go into coalition with anyone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7645RO6WCZEONORQ73G3J5IHMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945309},"content":"“It has been 100 years of different combinations of Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael and now it’s time to break that mould.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DLHBGFFRJBKRGNAM5D7KCGLPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945310},"content":"Despite his reservations with the current Government, Johnson also expresses a preference for Fine Gael leader Simon Harris to get into Government due to the TD having secured help for his brother, who has autism, in response to a letter from the family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUXTHUVQ7RCNDM6AYQ2OORWBCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945311},"content":"“I’d just rather people weren’t homeless, but maybe that’s too much to ask for,” lamented one of the club’s committee members Evan O’Dowd. Originally from Donaghmede in Dublin, the 24-year-old made the move to Waterford to pursue a degree in engineering and move out from his family home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QO3KNKUGEZCSRNKJHWRM667APU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945312},"content":"In the beginning, he was nervous of how he would find life in a different county and moving out for the first time, he said, but the biggest issue he faced in his degree was the costs of living and renting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4ZGX754W5CRFGMDTBKVFRMH5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945313},"content":"“All of my money goes on food, transport. and rent; financially it can be tough to be a student,” O’Dowd says, adding that he would favour political parties who would increase the supports for college students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7DEIRLWIRHQHGHLJ6RQ3GL53Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZQ4KDVCQBBAEVAVBCQP2AS326U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WHZ5KNRBIBF3TPFZSXBT25WPXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945314},"content":"Later in the day, at the team’s water polo event, amid the screeches of the polo referee’s whistle, students spoke about the need for better transport links in the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G4YPAT5XHBDINAOU7RGBZUSBBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945315},"content":"Second-year exercise science student Jess Dozio (19) from Mayo said she is one of the “lucky” students to get university-provided accommodation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7QXCFPWUNAWNJMGJ4CCZA6OR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"TABGZ6BZPZEQRCDAR6XPBFPAWM"},"content":"‘It’s not just a cancer battle – it’s a financial battle’: Next government urged to cut costs for cancer patients","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BI4YFLE4AZDUBAPI6QZTP6P3AU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945316},"content":"She feels the west of Ireland has been left behind by the government and says that the trainlines linking her to Waterford are challenging, “The journey from door-to-door takes me about five hours,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UTMYCBERMFC2FJATWPI7EKW35I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945317},"content":"“I get the train down [to Waterford] usually and I have to get two trains to go down and three on the way back – I have to change trains at Kildare and again at Portarlington. Out in the west we are kind of forgotten about for trains and transport.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNM5HFJDDZEC5LTUHXUYAKB5YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945318},"content":"She hasn’t made up her mind on who she will vote for yet but said that she “would definitely” vote for a party that would improve rail services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Hugh Dooley"}]},"description":{"basic":"General Election: Students feel previous government did not deliver for young people"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T12:57:16.316Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Thank God I had my car, I had to sleep in it for the first month’: Housing and transport on minds of students","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE","auth":{"1":"8d54d1b77bd913ac0c4349f8b5d6d5e1f49736f94a19ba4c9fb9d0891b2e4a50"},"focal_point":{"x":717,"y":377},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-social-democrats-labour-green-party-people-before-profit-campaign-students-latest/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ABYOIAYZQBHXLFXMMH643NMZCM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":338,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f9243c97-7965-4078-ae5a-02d38bf38af7/versions/1732796031/media/c047e195e23e8f54bbbd21f0d69df77f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/its-an-emergency-we-need-to-treat-it-like-that-teaching-sector-facing-challenges/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OTZJOL2R3JCGVHOQC4N5Y2JMTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408219},"content":"“It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VEILIXOYRVBQDP3ELCF5OCMJXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408220},"content":"This is the view of Maynooth-based secondary schoolteacher Aidan Corkery (37) regarding the flight of newly qualified teachers to sunnier climes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4L3I3VNUCNAMVE7KGZMWTZ73QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408221},"content":"“I have four PME (Professional Master of Education) students doing geography, I think the public and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">Government do not realise</a> the mindset of young teachers. On Instagram you’ve all these people selling life abroad and I don’t blame them for biting at it,” says Corkery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RD3MG7ZLZJHSTNJTQJ4BVIFE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408222},"content":"This is just one of the challenges outlined by a group of teachers in Maynooth Community College (MCC), when they sat down with The Irish Times recently in the school principal’s spacious office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYRC4UQNTRCARPH6CRTEPGF3QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408223},"content":"MCC, located on the Maynooth Education Campus, was opened in September under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. It is a coeducational multi-denominational school, with just over 870 students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3NT4UAS45DSLL3IZMTCAUWWXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408224},"content":"To the rear of MCC there is another secondary, Maynooth Post Primary School, which actor Paul Mescal attended. Both schools, renowned for the quality of their musicals, were officially opened by Minister for Education Norma Foley in November 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ZFD5BQLFJHVVAVOSH4CUONLGA","additional_properties":{"_id":"NFZYJOD2EZCJXMW2OEHWAJWE24"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DDYFERRM5JBYJBY3UMWYJTJU4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408226},"content":"Niamh Whyte (39), who is an English and SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) teacher, explains the challenges she faced on returning to Ireland after teaching for 14 years in Australia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MT3NCHI2RZBYHEZ2Y6U5P5N64M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408227},"content":"“Firstly it took seven months to register with the Teaching Council, then I was informed that for my service in Australia to be recognised, it has to be in a state school. After I kicked and screamed I got seven years recognised, but I’m still not getting paid for all the years I have worked,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZ7IGU6D2JAZPNV3GRRIFBP7HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408228},"content":"Sitting beside her is Mikaela Mahon (37) who is also an English and SPHE teacher and for whom housing is a big issue. “I grew up in Maynooth but I can’t buy a house in Maynooth,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6I63IDF25ADHMWQ2C6HHQBHQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408229},"content":"The public perception of teachers is another standout issue for her. “When it suits political agendas, if something is going wrong, ‘what are teachers doing? It’s the teachers’ fault’. If you’re not in the profession you’re not aware of the preparation there is for class, it feels like you can’t win,” says Mahon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OPTJAMYQZAPRAC24UF7ZZKVUY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VQR3DXD3FNH6TATHNG2FA6ECLI"},"content":"‘I’m hearing there will be so many Independents and I’m worried’: Hairdresser clients undecided","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HDJLULM3QREXNAQ3AHRNSUCK5M","additional_properties":{"_id":"GAH437Q2NZFCLAHD67WNBGIFTE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FJBATPFQTFEJVKXKB72FLRBOFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408230},"content":"The economic crash in 2008 and the effects of the subsequent austerity measures are still being felt by many young teachers, including Elaine Campbell (37) who is a History and English teacher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55ZLO3ZETRC3DIXG6AI3GVBCSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408231},"content":"She says that during the austerity years she and thousands of other young teachers had no choice but to leave Ireland to secure work or undertake the PGDE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education). “This is categorised as a break in service, so I was financially penalised by Fine Gael and Labour because they didn’t give us employment opportunities back then,” says Campbell, who wants the 26 week break in service clause rescinded or amended.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RFUWCZ6V3ZFW7EE3HCXESYJGZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408232},"content":"As a result of her break in service, Campbell was put into the 2013 Single Public Service Pension Scheme. “My pension requires higher contributions and is based on average career earnings resulting in a smaller pension. This means I am roughly €277,900 worse off in retirement than the 2009 scheme which I paid into,” she says. Campbell is looking for partial restoration of pension parity to balance the older pension schemes with the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CX726YM4MFFO7MK7NEVGHS7NNU","additional_properties":{"_id":"7YMEM4XR2FFTJDYFJR6KTXFGD4"},"content":"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/its-100-tough-at-the-moment-how-will-tourism-businesses-vote-as-sector-struggles/","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VW7TELL3UJGHDAZNOBSEDNOTLM","additional_properties":{"_id":"DEBFSBMA35GHLGU26ZFQRXBHQU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VRR6GJXG4FF5HNOREOFKZITFHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408233},"content":"Another issue for her is the lack of a voluntary redeployment scheme for Kildare. This is despite it being available for 11 years under a regionalised ‘pilot’ scheme in Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Monaghan, and to teachers outside of Dublin who wish to be redeployed to a school in Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIKID4KO2NBGNGP52G35JFCWZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790825820},"content":"“I would love to move home to Cavan, but I’d have to give up my permanent job, which would have consequences for mortgage applications, and I would lose €5,000 from my salary if I gave up my post of responsibility,” says Campbell.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XK7WHBKYTBAPLBCPMCBZ6STNGE","additional_properties":{"_id":"7Z73MGNQDVGO5D6DN6LCPNN54Q"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NK3K4KPUEZBR5P4WK4AM6RYFSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408234},"content":"Sean McSharry (43), from Leitrim but living in Edenderry, teaches History and also works with students with special needs. He feels that the PME should be reduced from two years to its previous duration of one year. “All the unions want it to go back to one year, there’s no reason for it to be two years,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DT62UE23NVEHRNESPFQCR3I4DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408235},"content":"“It’s a money racket,” interjects Corkery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICLMVOCCOVD47GIQBB4UL6YXGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408236},"content":"McSharry continues: “Going to college costs a fortune, I was lucky, I had savings. You can’t afford to rent in Dublin while going to college and working, it costs €50,000 going to college for two years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z3VRKVBIPVFCHFEY7ASVZVUXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FDGJO6OY3BE7FKRES7PDKBDAYI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7RJUZ3A7BVEMDDG7EVYUGMFKCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408237},"content":"Further bones of contention are the lack of availability and affordability of special education needs assessments, the reform of the Leaving Certificate and the lack of IT resources.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWQYNETB5JGLJMJ6C6DAYQ6UCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408238},"content":"While there are many issues facing these teachers and their colleagues, the wellbeing of their students remains their paramount consideration. “The majority of teachers have student welfare at heart,” says McSharry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Farrell"}]},"description":{"basic":"Teachers in Maynooth outline the difficulties in their sector ahead of general election"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T12:07:48.02Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that’: Teaching sector facing challenges ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24","auth":{"1":"b588f38ca00de000b59d491a32a81551a22812d424af8a981342f5e3cc692173"},"focal_point":{"x":4150,"y":1470},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24.JPG"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/its-an-emergency-we-need-to-treat-it-like-that-teaching-sector-facing-challenges/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ANQCX7WFFZGZNJJJZNNONUMQ6E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":186,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8fa61464-18b5-4f16-912b-c6f00734aa34/versions/1730981711/media/54de3a71f49f01ed6607c271e14fc34c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7PADGEEREJHURF3J3B2HKKPV34","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250326},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX7YHEUAR5HSHGDSCLKRUS5JIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932986},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4TK5PI4FRGCPIEZPQL4ZSUNNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250327},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-butler/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Butler</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/david-cullinane\" target=\"_blank\">David Cullinane</a> (SF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marc-o-cathasaigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Marc Ó Cathasaigh</a> (GP), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/matt-shanahan/\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Shanahan</a> (Ind)","type":"text"},{"_id":"2QH2DO2PCRAUZIQ7CDHKS4M5YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250328},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford-constituency\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Waterford</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPGHJWEJ4NGF3OJ5HDQUEMIBXQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"OUSMYTBMLFCTDBOHXE24T2NVJU","additional_properties":{"_id":"FHB5X3IWLVHYFDHSH3JICXSUPU"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"FLAHM3D5R5EXBD6NY4QEQCCQ5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250330},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> will be gunning to retake a seat in the constituency where a Deasy was a representative from 1977 to 2020, and off the back of local elections where it claimed the most seats of any party. It looks likely to do so through John Cummins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GOL5AJT75DGPORZUVRBUZ4TUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932991},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> has a chance of a second seat here that would have been nailed on a year ago. The constituency is home to one of its highest vote-getters in Cullinane, and it has a good geographic split along east/west lines, with Conor McGuinness having almost a clear run at west Waterford votes. Sinn Féin bucked the national trend in the local elections here, polling at 21 per cent – 10 points higher than its national figure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHCNV75DVJF5NBYLNHFEP46RZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932992},"content":"But McGuinness will have to find transfers from somewhere, even if he gets a good first-preference vote. Butler should improve on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>’s middling performance in the locals, where it polled below the national figure, and if she does, she will likely be safe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KS7SORFDL5HXVPFZHECBUDDOQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730820618325},"content":"The massive Cullinane surplus that elected Marc Ó Cathasaigh won’t be repeated. The Green is as strong a candidate in a non-Dublin constituency as the party has, but this is just one of several factors working against him, alongside the party’s lower polling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4ACPAY7XJBETBIBKIDSJI65HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730820618326},"content":"Watch the centre-left transfers as those candidates are eliminated, as the beneficiary there will most likely be ensconced in the third seat – and at the moment, it looks like a dogfight between Sinn Féin’s McGuinness and Independent Matt Shanahan for the last seat, with Shanahan positioned to shade it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYEIFN7E7RCFDNVE3TFIOB3INA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250331},"content":"Left unchanged by the constituency review, Waterford is a traditional mix of rural areas and big towns, with around half the vote coming from Waterford city. The big local issue is no longer the second cath lab for Waterford hospital, replaced by the campaign for a runway extension at Waterford Airport. Mary Butler will not have thanked party colleague James Lawless for his recent “pig in a poke” contribution on this topic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJVXGCXVF5ARZG4EUYBP4DAI7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250333},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Sinn Féin (1), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Sinn Féin has chance at second seat in home of one of its highest vote-getters David Cullinane"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:34:10.705Z","headlines":{"basic":"Waterford constituency candidates list: Fine Gael will be gunning to retake a seat here ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM","auth":{"1":"6b0acf81c4ddb8853cbba66b318136b0965a19c21eeb5def26f57e5da0b4ddf2"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"TI2ZQK6JCFC4ZBA44CS6FPVBUA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":184,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/c9033799-d619-461b-8fb0-28f66546269d/versions/1730981972/media/1db6a32d75b2b962ac949e7a12769de5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-south-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZCM26U7M5NCPXPI7GC6QTTNWGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542884},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7BEAHFMKVFWDF5A7X46TRJ3HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741237},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VSDR5HZNKNAPRKRTXJWLQWWIKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542885},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs</b>: New constituency. Outgoing TDs for five-seat Tipperary constituency are <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-lowry/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Lowry</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alan-kelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Alan Kelly</a> (Lab), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jackie-cahill/\" target=\"_blank\">Jackie Cahill</a> (FF – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mattie-mcgrath/3/\" target=\"_blank\">Mattie McGrath</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-browne/\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Browne</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"LH2JQUS2NJCE3F7ND4MTP5E6GA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741239},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary-south/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Tipperary South</b></a><b> constituency?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I47NR3YQRZAIPNF4LLAR4KU7YA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"2NE3F4QAZJHNFLRJTK25ZZVRBM","additional_properties":{"_id":"SZLT627IFNH6NOETYRQZP6UKG4"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"PGZHVPTZ35C4ZAR5MLWO3PV7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542887},"content":"If North Tipp has a dominant independent in Michael Lowry, South Tipp has its own in Mattie McGrath, the former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fáil</a> TD who has been an independent – re-elected every time – since the financial crash a decade and a half ago. He is favourite to return here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMTNARQ5RNF5JGXT7F2XVAPO6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741242},"content":"After that it’s a lot more uncertain. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> messed up its strategy here for the last two elections but this time has settled on Micheal Murphy, long-time councillor and current mayor of Clonmel, the constituency’s largest population centre. It would be a surprise if Murphy didn’t take a seat. If he does – and assuming McGrath is re-elected – the final seat is likely to come down to a battle between the Fianna Fáil candidate Imelda Goldsboro and the sitting <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> TD Martin Browne.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UERYCJBCQBFIDHUMEWZQQ42FUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542888},"content":"Even Browne’s biggest supporters would say that his election last time was a surprise – after a disastrous local election results and internal party divisions, Browne stepped into the breach at a late stage, only to be the beneficiary of the great Mary Lou surge of 2020. Repeating that trick will be difficult.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YWRYIIMA5EVVA527R3INTJCV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542889},"content":"But just like Lowry hoovered up traditional Fine Gael votes in Tipp North, McGrath gets lots of previously Fianna Fáil votes in the South. Goldsboro topped the poll in the Carrick-on-Suir area in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/08/local-elections-2024-tipperary-county-council-results/\" target=\"_blank\">the local elections</a> but to get ahead of Browne she will need to pull votes out of Clonmel too, where former independent TD Seamus Healy is also running again. Healy used to take much of the old <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Party</a> vote in the town, but Labour is in better shape in the constituency than it was before with Killenaule councillor Michael “Chicken” Brennan running for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIGOYYDI75B63C5VPU64OMVUVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741245},"content":"Ultimately the last seat is likely to be a shoot-out between these four, with Goldsboro and Browne in the strongest positions to challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZ6ITX4UTRF5DKI54T3KX2R3KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542890},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Independent (1), Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Fianna Fáiler-turned-independent Mattie McGrath is favourite to return"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:50.772Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tipperary South constituency candidates list: Final seat likely to be battle between Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU","auth":{"1":"f08466ac8ac05155d27285cd16c088e383fce774390b3e138cd4c5bba7947dab"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-south-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"WZ4DKZVLX5FCXFYZRIRW2OLQUM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":177,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9ceff83f-97b3-4c58-b378-8f5e934559f8/versions/1730982326/media/c0ccc9b21116b333b47f9ae4c870185d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-north-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AXOTFCEGIBGZFPYFG5YTNGP3WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316582},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFAQZHVZYBC3RIDQS2Z5V7L2NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739350722},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYTPI3HAOBBWROIPSNPW75JBIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316583},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b>New constituency. Outgoing TDs for five-seat Tipperary constituency are <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-lowry/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Lowry</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alan-kelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Alan Kelly</a> (Lab), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jackie-cahill/\" target=\"_blank\">Jackie Cahill</a> (FF – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mattie-mcgrath/\" target=\"_blank\">Mattie McGrath</a> (Ind) and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-browne/\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Browne</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QMYJND2F5DNNNTCEXCVIIH2L4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739350724},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary-north-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Tipperary North constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTA5N35HWZC53HSIYSPLDFSK7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"QEJNWRQI6RGNZG5PMQNDJWPLQY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ARR56BZOLNBJVATGVLYVJQM4LQ"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"SHPCGUVBNBH5TH2OMDCTFDWBKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316584},"content":"The county of Tipperary has been split once again into two three-seaters, after several years as a single five-seat constituency. The move provides an extra seat for the county but squeezes candidates in each of the new constituencies, who now must win a much bigger percentage of the votes (a quota is 25 per cent in a three seater, just 16.6 per cent in a five seater) to get elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUTNSYTEB5HP5MPOQ4HR7EAT74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316585},"content":"In North Tipp, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> was rocked by the sudden recent announcement by sitting TD Jackie Cahill that he would not stand again. But it has – albeit at the far end of the constituency from Cahill’s base – a willing replacement in the shape of Roscrea councillor Michael Smith, a son of the long-time FF TD and minister of the same name. Cahill’s parliamentary assistant, Cllr Ryan O’Meara, was also selected to stand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6IXHEWIHRCOTEAKY6QQAZG2JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316586},"content":"Elsewhere, Michael Lowry will hold his seat – probably topping the poll for the seventh election in a row, an incredible achievement in anyone’s books. The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Party</a>’s Alan Kelly – deposed as leader by his own party before he ever fought a general election – has surprised many by sticking with Irish politics and running for the Dáil again. Local elections results suggest that Labour is in reasonably good health here and Kelly is a big beast; he is in a strong position to retain his seat. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> is absent as a serious player in this constituency, a legacy of past internal difficulties. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a>’s Phyll Bugler faces a tough task to take either the Fianna Fáil seat or to unseat Kelly. Lowry has eaten much of the Fine Gael vote here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFPBPSEDCFHO7I4QIDDQTUMLGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316587},"content":"<b>Possible outcome</b>: Independent (1), Labour (1), Fianna Fáil (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Local elections results suggest Labour is in reasonably good health here and Alan Kelly is a big beast"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:35.857Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tipperary North constituency candidates list: Michael Lowry will probably top the poll for the seventh election in a row","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I","auth":{"1":"c2f5dd02a069f1925109d2784cbee4e41c38ecac1ca713ece03fbdc2d8e85f16"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-north-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"W6C6AR6BZFHFFOCULPCSYURPB4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":195,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/73c93afd-1d2a-4e4d-9495-ba37545f5d82/versions/1730981601/media/3293add11f67b261f26032bc07119b32_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-sligo-leitrim-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IF7HDPABMJDBHBHU5SM5YKVOMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985182},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2SORIKMDVNB2VFP47F4JW74CYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587125},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NUOMO3HCFGR5JJEA2SU2GWEEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985183},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs:</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marian-harkin\" target=\"_blank\">Marian Harkin</a> (Ind); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-kenny\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Kenny</a> (SF); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marc-macsharry\" target=\"_blank\">Marc MacSharry</a> (Ind – retiring); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/frank-feighan\" target=\"_blank\">Frank Feighan</a> (FG)","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAQHS74ZPBCJXEJ2MW6I2JA37M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985184},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sligo-leitrim-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Sligo-Leitrim constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UZ3NGME5RAE5NQ5FZMMZQXRZI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"UPGBQL2WDVH6ZIEUKP32OK24DU","additional_properties":{"_id":"OK7LVCR5NREJTIIIC2XOMOOES4"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"ZJ63ODL4XFGDDBWFMB7VIK5FKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985185},"content":"Another constituency that is largely unchanged despite the radical surgery done elsewhere. The retirement of former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> TD (now independent) Marc MacSharry provides the only possibility for significant change. The three incumbents – Marian Harkin, Leitrim-based Martin Kenny and Frank Feighan – are all very solid and, barring some surprise, should be in a strong position to retain their seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWWT7KYRYFEYBAJ37SOUWSNLUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587130},"content":"Harkin surprised some people by announcing she would stand again as, during 2023, the expectation was that this popular Independent (formerly an MEP too) would be standing down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7SADLQQFVGFFC3OT3HXJMEB5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587131},"content":"Former MEP <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/chris-macmanus/\" target=\"_blank\">Chris McManus</a> from Sligo town won through at convention to become <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-f%C3%A9in\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s second candidate, but it’s hard to see a second seat for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5TQA37CUUBG4TNPWCDGHAG4IQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730902971455},"content":"Fianna Fáil is expected to retain a seat despite the exit of Marc MacSharry. Its new candidate, Cllr Edel MacSharry, is a cousin of Marc. She and former TD Eamon Scanlon, from Ballymote, comprise the ticket and between them will have more than enough votes to win a seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BA3YW3NUMZG55DCVMED2LYTMBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730822155381},"content":"It’s a good weathervane here of how impactful Independent Ireland will be in these elections. Cllr Michael Clarke is expected to poll respectfully but the presence of Harkin in the race will hamper his chances of election. Another interesting candidate is Independent Marie Casserly from Grange. A councillor since 2014, she is a former mayor but, again, will find it a challenge, given that Harkin is running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKCTGOKQGVDXPOZ3L5GUFFCJ2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985186},"content":"This is another constituency with minimal changes, despite radical surgery elsewhere. Not quite big enough to be a four seater between two counties, the constituency still contains a sliver of south Donegal around Ballyshannon, much to the unhappiness of Donegal people (it is another province after all).","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUUI2RZI2BE2NMFHPAYEEGI46A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730822155383},"content":"Sligo town has been developing in recent years, as a hub for tourism and industry. The technological university has grown in size and the hospital has also expanded. There are issues with transport, health and housing and the constituency’s reliance on tourism is always a big factor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L3I2ZDEYCRE7DNXHFOZ7BYZZWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730894130747},"content":"Prediction: Fianna Fáil (1), Sinn Féin (1), Fine Gael (1), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Edel MacSharry, cousin of Marc, should take a seat in this largely unchanged constituency"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:21.004Z","headlines":{"basic":"Sligo-Leitrim constituency candidates list: A good weathervane of how impactful Independent Ireland will be in 2024 election","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"US2R7VWL4JF6ZHOE6DY2DKIGBU","auth":{"1":"217ac9cabda5062222fb8122db70c8bef6afae8171050addc0cdf3451e0fc74e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/US2R7VWL4JF6ZHOE6DY2DKIGBU.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-sligo-leitrim-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"3FC4VZCUDFEZJIEQNKJE44DUU4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":189,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/19de7e07-e0ec-498d-ad2e-aa0102e38f12/versions/1730982225/media/c9281899fb35e5bcdcd6a6b89902eb91_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-roscommon-galway-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FCZP3GYV45BQ3KZNJTDHFDOBG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383029768},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMRWS7JSTNCUDCMYCHWOIZ2PAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810289975},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQPHF3KORFENBDZX473MTUED4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810289976},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-fitzmaurice\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Fitzmaurice</a> (Ind): <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/denis-naughten\" target=\"_blank\">Denis Naughten</a> (Ind - retiring); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/claire-kerrane\" target=\"_blank\">Claire Kerrane</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"X25ISLKRLRGUDGULN3FTMNBJDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383029769},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roscommon-galway-constituency\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Roscommon-Galway constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"HMWOQSZA5NHCDLDOCJDF2P7YEQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"DR7GUVPMWRFTDK5IJK33OBU7E4","additional_properties":{"_id":"QP6LE6Z7DBGENMKMEJVNJPSZYQ"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"JBPCHXKEARBA3JBPO37ZG6YGXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383029770},"content":"The death of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> candidate John Naughten in early October has cast a shadow over this contest. He was a brother of Independent TD Denis Naughten, formerly of Fine Gael, who is standing down as a TD.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DKUVKIHTJADPLUL3DMEMPPIGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810289980},"content":"John Naughten was expected to take the seat being vacated by his brother, and re-establish a Fine Gael presence here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWWF2SUUMVDM5GN3O2X2POA7B4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383029771},"content":"Michael Fitzmaurice has been a TD here since 2014 despite coming from Glinsk in Co Galway. He toyed with the idea of shifting to Galway East but is staying put and his seat is considered safe. He will pull votes from all over Roscommon and his native Galway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U267OL5QUBHZTA2MY4XBTAADEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810289982},"content":"Claire Kerrane made a breakthrough for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> in 2020, taking a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> seat. Based in Ballaghaderreen in the north of the constituency, she will need a big campaign to retain her seat. The Ballinasloe Senator Aisling Dolan has been added to the Fine Gael ticket alongside Dympna Daly Finn, based in north Roscommon. It is hard to say which of the two will come out on top.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45555CXB35GZBOYBNV7YZR2PMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810289983},"content":"Fianna Fáil has adopted a one-candidate strategy. Former TD Eugene Murphy, a popular figure, lost out in the convention to another high-profile candidate, Martin Daly, a GP based in Ballygar. Murphy had been hoping to be added to the ticket but that did not happen. Now he has decided to contest the election as an Independent, a decision that will have an impact on Fianna Fáil’s chances of regaining a seat. Will it put Murphy into contention? Perhaps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZIL6EZ52BEGBOXRWZEVFQJXRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1731962794013},"content":"With Fitzmaurice a cert, the battle for the final two seats will be between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin, with perhaps Murphy as a contender.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KH57I2MMCFFDFFUQQR55WPSQMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383029772},"content":"Roscommon has had almost as many partners over the years as Henry VIII. It’s an idiosyncratic constituency because the overall population of Roscommon is not big enough to sustain three seats. It’s been yoked with Leitrim and Longford in the past and since 2020 with a big tranche of east Galway, more recently reduced to Ballinasloe, east Galway and northeast Galway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPCM2MDYAREWNFBVR2XXK3NHBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810289985},"content":"The south of the county is more prosperous, with Roscommon town a base for commuters to Athlone, and also working-from-home people who have good road connections to Dublin for meetings. Housing and transport are big issues for some parts of the county. The political heat over Roscommon hospital seems to have abated for some years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E44OKOAU2FF3LLTCTJI47MG6VE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810289986},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Fine Gael (1), 1 Independent (1), Fianna Fáil (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Death of Fine Gael candidate John Naughten casts shadow over contest"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:05.314Z","headlines":{"basic":"Roscommon-Galway constituency candidates list: Battle for the final two seats between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZI3G63N3OJEQJO75XZVJNJWINY","auth":{"1":"e2039397afb8fee881d69e3255e82333155a545787b25e887d862dfa9c34d7e7"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZI3G63N3OJEQJO75XZVJNJWINY.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-roscommon-galway-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"HJLZ3MNJ3RDA3LEK7OGYRQB4W4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":244,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3396dbb0-bc46-4461-8752-3ea1db305e90/versions/1730981497/media/74c29a1a65ad8f6b14ab8482370768d8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-offaly-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TBEOSTFMO5HZPBV3BQGUB3COTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729057881895},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/charlie-flanagan\" target=\"_blank\">Charlie Flanagan</a> (FG – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carol-nolan\" target=\"_blank\">Carol Nolan</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sean-fleming\" target=\"_blank\">Sean Fleming</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/brian-stanley\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Stanley</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/barry-cowen\" target=\"_blank\">Barry Cowen</a> (FF – now MEP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVLIH7ONJBBADPFEDNXLNLWWNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729057881896},"content":"<b>Who are the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/offaly-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Offaly constituency</b></a><b> candidates?:</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7A2VHHKAVH75HRLKFOVAN5HMI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"GABDGRRARJESPCLNOWUPKANZFM","additional_properties":{"_id":"SNJ7CFEYAZCTRJUPLDIR42O2B4"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"5YNWANJCOVFMFPN6M3EPGKWRFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729057881898},"content":"It is the first time since the 1960s that a Cowen will not be on the<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\"> Fianna Fáil</a> ticket in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/offaly-constituency\" target=\"_blank\">Offaly</a>, with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/barry-cowen\" target=\"_blank\">Barry Cowen</a>’s election to the European Parliament in June. It has not been plain sailing for the party in Offaly since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNFGBCFMUVGA3G33GI2O5EHMV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729519693034},"content":"Tullamore businessman and councillor Tony McCormack and Edenderry-based nurse Cllr Claire Murray are Fianna Fáil’s candidates. Eddie Fitzpatrick – who was elected as a Fianna Fáil councillor with almost 2,000 votes in June – lost out at the party’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> selection convention. He quit the party in October after Murray was added to the ticket. Fitzpatrick is now running as an Independent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNCNEJWFCFGO3CLWX7BF7NKBO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729519693035},"content":"Carol Nolan, an Independent TD – formerly of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> – is the only incumbent in the race. Located smack bang in the Midlands, the constituency is now a three-seater, having previously been part of the five-seat Laois-Offaly before 2023′s boundary review. All the other outgoing TDs are Laois-based. Nolan has said the new constituency is a “crowded field” and insisted in a social media post “no seat is a safe seat and certainly the rumour circulating that my seat is a safe seat or that it’s certain I’ll be re-elected is not true at all”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TS25NS2QFAERDMMOZJWMLGG7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1729519693036},"content":"Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Masterson, who put in a decent showing in the local elections, will hope she can chip away at her former party colleague’s support.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FRQHWTUBREOFNPXUMJ7LFXRTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729519693037},"content":"Publican and glamping site operator Cllr John Clendennen is running for<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael\" target=\"_blank\"> Fine Gael</a>. The party has not had an Offaly-based TD since former junior minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy lost her seat in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZJWXVFZZ5FLXO627MWHIXLCFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1729519693038},"content":"Minister of State <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pippa-hackett\" target=\"_blank\">Pippa Hackett</a> is running for the<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party\" target=\"_blank\"> Green Party</a> but has a mountain to climb if she is to take a seat. Her party mustered just over 800 votes in the local elections between three candidates, including Ms Hackett’s husband Mark, who lost his council seat. Independent Ireland is running Cllr Fergus McDonnell, who won a council seat in June with 1,320 first-preference votes. Aontú's candidate is Travellers’ rights activist Maureen Ward.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEVH2OZWVVGUDLSD7HIEI5LXE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729519693039},"content":"Tullamore is the big population centre, while towns such as Edenderry and Birr are at opposite ends of the county. Affordable housing, the cost of living and supports for farmers are concerns for voters. So-called “just transition” efforts as part of the State’s climate action plans are a live issue with the phasing-out of peat-burning in power plants in recent years. A significant number of householders still use turf to heat their homes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MXJZNOOIFD7TPJZO2RY4EEKKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729519693040},"content":"Nolan has a decent chance of holding her seat and it would be a major upset if Fianna Fáil did not take at least one seat due to the Cowen legacy. Fine Gael might be best placed to take the third seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJFNXHRVSFERPK7GTNUCMF7MXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1729264184723},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Independent (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Fine Gael (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Former Sinn Féin member Carol Nolan says there are no safe seats in newly recast three-seater"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:32:11.143Z","headlines":{"basic":"Offaly constituency candidates list: Even without a Cowen in the race, it would be big upset if Fianna Fáil lost out","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"JQPPVAZASVCX5H5TEGPDWSPKTY","auth":{"1":"788f6e73a58b59f97712d4b689bf35ac17050f401a279edd65d112e620986169"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/JQPPVAZASVCX5H5TEGPDWSPKTY.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-offaly-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ZGTOL7FNBZGO3EYZDEWIZL3AAY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":225,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6951d5f5-f090-403e-b463-a3f5e722b308/versions/1730981518/media/8bbe9d85fdea628ef25e291aac82fbc9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-meath-west-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZVFXZDUV3REINPCBKN4LCQZCXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803366877},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFWCJEBIWZG6DBZYX5XVHM5GM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809259244},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"6DOYI6ESWZHANPJU4QIYZNQTRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803366878},"content":"<b>Outgoing TD: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peadar-toibin/\" target=\"_blank\">Peadar Tóibín</a> (Aon), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/damien-english/\" target=\"_blank\">Damien English</a> (FG-retired), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/johnny-guirke/\" target=\"_blank\">Johnny Guirke</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"52X3YOGT7FHBFB2LJCGMCNV6ZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803366879},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meath-west-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Meath West</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSNTE73NGZAATLWT72OJEPS26Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"Y7UZ34WGBNG5LCGQQ374GWBZW4","additional_properties":{"_id":"7ROWN6VTFBHT5NWDNJEQROXIJE"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"IZM4JX55QBCCPHTMCLEQ3IWNMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803366880},"content":"On the eve of the election, only one seat is really callable in this hotly contested three-seater, that of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a> leader Peadar Tóibín, who has the track record and national profile to hold – it will be some surprise if he doesn’t make it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HT4JNQVJFCT5LMU4BMHBAJH4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809259249},"content":"The loss of some districts to Westmeath in the redraw will take votes from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s Johnny Guirke, but it won’t inflict a mortal blow. In truth, Guirke has a lot in common with several other Sinn Féin 2020 poll toppers who haven’t been appointed to front-bench positions or built much of a national profile – a lot will come down to the national performance on the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GK3SNSEORRG7BK7P43EKNNWKSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809259250},"content":"However, at the outset, he looks like he will have enough of a buffer to hold, and Sinn Féin had a decent local election in Meath – albeit with gains concentrated in the other constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7BPNP73FNGLVPKXMMOZXT3JYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809259251},"content":"If the first two seats pan out along these lines, it will be a fight between <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a>’s Linda Nelson Murray, based in Navan, and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>’s Aisling Dempsey – daughter of former cabinet minister Noel – for the final seat. A key factor here will be the distribution of Noel French’s preferences – presuming both can stay ahead of him, which shouldn’t be taken as a given, as he is the only strong independent candidate running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NVOELIEPXBHSTLFGJOCZW6A2A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809259252},"content":"The Trim man polled one of the highest first preferences in the country in the local elections, but will have to broaden his appeal beyond his base to come into the reckoning. If he can’t do that, the question will be whether his votes favour his former party’s candidate (he left Fine Gael earlier this year), or stay in Trim and break for Dempsey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJEH7U5KDJGRZH4UR2LO4ODBJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809259253},"content":"The same is true to some extent for Ronan Moore of the Social Democrats, who is the only natural home for centre-left votes and should poll well, but probably not well enough to come into the reckoning. Where his preferences go will be key. For every argument that can be made for Fine Gael – the Harris hop helping Nelson Murray in her battle to hold Damien English’s old seat, for example – a counter argument can be made for Dempsey, who can also rely on the strength of the family name. It’s probably one candidate from three for the final seat, but if Sinn Féin have a bad day, that could extend to the second seat as well. This cannot be called with any degree of confidence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SZSF4KGH5FP5EIVU4FGHFUETA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803366882},"content":"Remaining a three seater with 19 electoral districts transferring back into Longford-Westmeath – meaning the entirety of the constituency comprises one county again. Two big local concerns – Navan hospital and Navan rail access – are not the red-button issues they once were. Crime and housing are the local issues to watch, with migration less of a sensitive topic in Meath West, according to sources on the ground.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4PLEXPUXJBXPESQ2I3MI64BII","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803366884},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Aontú (1), Sinn Féin (1), Fine Gael (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Sinn Féin’s fortunes will come down to the national performance on the day"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:31:49.164Z","headlines":{"basic":"Meath West constituency candidates list: Only one seat is really callable in this hotly contested three-seater","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6XIJPTQN5BA5TE4NUVVJB7RYD4","auth":{"1":"14f13718415b2a82a36bad77368a382ad11a476694a4c9f728de8740194c1ba7"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6XIJPTQN5BA5TE4NUVVJB7RYD4.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-meath-west-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"SVS5I4CF7NFXJE2QTUFLL3226Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":170,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/106535f6-f66a-4a00-8f6e-bc245ce76502/versions/1730982084/media/2b440e2b956b41d8911254ab7e43c7e8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-meath-east-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JS7CTASLLJBO7NKCDYB7GC4CEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383015322},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPJ55HE6INA4HEUBC4CQMVD5WA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809711757},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOEFEJM4FBHL3K5EG6H6HGUAVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383015323},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/thomas-byrne/\" target=\"_blank\">Thomas Byrne</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/helen-mcentee/\" target=\"_blank\">Helen McEntee</a> (FG), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/darren-orourke/\" target=\"_blank\">Darren O’Rourke</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXSG7KVQSVARHJL7B3D32HPURU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383015324},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meath-east-constituency\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Meath East constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LS2RQMTMOJBMDDY2MGV2BIEITQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"DOKIRDBCZFFWLBAZMWOOVJBQWA","additional_properties":{"_id":"H74FFZYVUJBV5O4YCWL5ZFRAOQ"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"4AUS2X5HCRBJFP4OEWN7XRVYSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383015326},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s Darren O’Rourke was a poll-topper in 2020, and has a running mate this time. The party had a reasonable local election in Meath, but there’s not a compelling case to see a seat for its second candidate, Laytown-based Maria White. The party will be satisfied with retaining O’Rourke’s seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PWTN23UFD5BRBN3U7VY6K4EJ74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809711762},"content":"Helen McEntee is safe, while <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a>’s second candidate, Sharon Tolan, is firmly coastal. If the extra seat is filled from the southern end of the constituency, that could leave the party short of votes around Ratoath, Ashbourne and Dunboyne. Much will come down to how Fine Gael performs nationally on the day, and the commuter belt will have to come out strongly for Tolan to claim a second seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33YV7I5PSZC5HDQOXABILKPUGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809711763},"content":"There was surprise that Senator Sharon Keogan isn’t running, and her surrogate candidate, Gillian Toole (formerly of Fine Gael), got one of the highest votes in the county in the local elections and could sneak the final seat if Keogan can mobilise a vote for her.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EEGKVXZRRZEPBOG6UBZV3CBIUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809711764},"content":"Caroline O’Reilly is less likely to come into the reckoning for the final seat, while her <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> colleague Thomas Byrne should hold. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a> candidate Emer Tóibín, sister of party leader Peadar, who is running in the neighbouring Meath West constituency, may struggle as large parts of her base are in that constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3TYRAHCFRAQVJSRINOGY7JPDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383015328},"content":"Adding the extra seat has been engineered by attaching seven electoral districts to the northern part of the constituency, taking 4,200 people back from Cavan-Monaghan, while a further 11,500 have been added from Louth on the east.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WAYWJ4MTSBB23CJQYQWS2MXRMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730809711766},"content":"The major population centres are in the commuter belt towns, but there are swathes of farmland. The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/04/further-delays-to-plans-to-open-thornton-hall-as-accommodation-for-up-to-1000-male-asylum-seekers/\" target=\"_blank\">plan to house migrants in Thornton Hall</a>, while outside the constituency, may be a flashpoint issue, especially in Ashbourne.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZPY3U2NDNG3XF3SP5E7NLX4HE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383015329},"content":"<b>Possible outcome:</b> Sinn Féin (1), Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Thornton Hall, although outside the constituency, may be a flashpoint issue"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:31:20.127Z","headlines":{"basic":"Meath East constituency candidates list: Sharon Tolan faces a fight to claim second Fine Gael seat","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MCAUYATUJRFCZHLS7DSZR7SHWA","auth":{"1":"5d6d5842d145b12eb69897f7d049e94a81a1d2ba2c33525aa10ffa3638f307b6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MCAUYATUJRFCZHLS7DSZR7SHWA.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-meath-east-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"6GX5XSAIFBBNRB4EHDRIQOGDJI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":217,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f17b7e79-fefc-4d94-bf3b-af451c53b8e8/versions/1730982272/media/925bea005881366c70455f0aeed6edd0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-mayo-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FN5WHVY65ZBJBFZE3ZS6IPK3DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383023649},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"S5EOLYX43VDALMSFBOEZBCHC2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803971631},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HP6ZCT4RSVCQFFQCDYG5ET2FYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803971632},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-ring\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Ring</a> (FG – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alan-dillon\" target=\"_blank\">Alan Dillon</a> (FG), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dara-calleary\" target=\"_blank\">Dara Calleary</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rose-conway-walsh\" target=\"_blank\">Rose Conway-Walsh</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"NA4O6F3XXFEIPAQD2AV7SRZ2YY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803971633},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mayo-constituency\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Mayo constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7O5ZR5SF5DM5DUBOOFGQ6RMHM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4YIRWNGM35HNTN6UXQAJYPAZGM","additional_properties":{"_id":"35QVUGXGUNHONCFPBODXLP5FBU"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"VVUCSIHX7FC4ZNBAPQWSFUWUSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383023651},"content":"Mayo has gained a seat in the constituency review and is now a five-seater. In addition, the retirement of phenomenal poll-topper Michael Ring leaves at least two openings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXR7RCEO6ZFH3DYKTDYENU5RTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803971636},"content":"This is one of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>’s prime targets for a gain. Ballina-based Dara Calleary has comfortably retained his seat since first elected in 2007. Lisa Chambers lost her Dáil seat in 2020 to Rose Conway-Walsh of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>. Since then she has maintained a high profile as Fianna Fáil leader in the Seanad and also as a candidate in the European elections last summer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4I4GF5WOINES5MPOX2WV7KYXJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803971637},"content":"Conway-Walsh saw her vote share more than double in 2020 from about 10 per cent to 23 per cent, allowing her to be elected on the first count. With Sinn Féin’s downward slide in the polls, she may find it difficult to repeat that performance, and it could be harder for her to attract transfers. That said, the addition of a fifth seat will aid her chances of retaining.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P73IV546NBENCS6PFGBGYPLRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803971638},"content":"The loss of Michael Ring for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> is huge. The party has gambled on a four-candidate strategy with sitting TD Alan Dillion (based in Castlebar-Ballintubber) joined by Mark Duffy (a former Independent from North Mayo), Keira Keogh (seen as Michael Ring’s successor in west Mayo) and also the well-known CEO of the Mayo hospice Martina Jennings, who is from Garrymore in south Mayo. Her addition to the ticket may be part of a strategy to lessen the impact of former Fine Gael councillor Patsy O’Brien, now running as an Independent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4F3Y7BCFZEXBIGCBVJN2A4QNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730893798305},"content":"The last time Fine Gael ran four candidates in 2011, it won four out of five seats in the constituency. It says it is hoping for three but will probably end up with two, with Fianna Fáil on course for two and Sinn Féin holding its seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3NAIJMCFZEFLEKH7OWJAOUVEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730383023652},"content":"Mayo has gained a seat after taking back a large tranche of territory in south Mayo from Galway West, including Shrule, Cong, Kilmaine and The Neale. It is a large county with a number of sizeable towns. Housing is a big issue for different reasons: because of a sparsity in tourist haven Westport, and because of dereliction in vacancy in other towns including Castlebar. Remote areas of the county have higher rates of deprivation and unemployment than average.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJHKJUBLO5BD3GLU3COEMAR6WA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730803971640},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>FF (2), FG (2), SF (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Retirement of poll-topper Michael Ring leaves at least two openings"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:30:46.232Z","headlines":{"basic":"Mayo constituency candidates list: Addition of extra seat may help Rose Conway-Walsh retain Sinn Féin seat ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ELFKEHEEFNDP5D663BLBV2NDHI","auth":{"1":"9dafc62ff1eed3185ae76ee1594a3a982f08e12d94fb98e6fcf0be88d1a60858"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ELFKEHEEFNDP5D663BLBV2NDHI.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-mayo-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"H2KIIRH6KNANZLP3CK3AOMDU3Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":226,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/358925d0-06b0-42f0-9ddf-6168a17e2e25/versions/1730981406/media/577f59699cd3f96fc1c02d81364c5df3_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-louth-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"G2W3DPNGE5DXXHY7FAPFJG3KQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730381390043},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCUCOUV77VH7XC2H6CF4MHCXSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810366326},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWO4XTZ7RFHEJEF6LV7BXEXZSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730381390044},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs:</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fergus-odowd/\" target=\"_blank\">Fergus O’Dowd</a> (FG-retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ged-nash/\" target=\"_blank\">Ged Nash</a> (Lab), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/imelda-munster/\" target=\"_blank\">Imelda Munster</a> (SF-retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peter-fitzpatrick/\" target=\"_blank\">Peter Fitzpatrick</a> (Ind-retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ruairi-o-murchu/\" target=\"_blank\">Ruairí Ó Murchú</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3RA3WXAXRHBDEBQMQ4MWU36EU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730381390045},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/louth-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Louth constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRRLXMB75JDK7MCPUUULC3UNTM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4ZRDUWVTRFG5ZJNLGZVSJ6CIMU","additional_properties":{"_id":"QVT2X3WYUFG7PHZYCUNJ7G6B7M"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"ST6RG3SQONB5XOUYFOGE5CM2GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730381390047},"content":"A five-seater with only one Government TD and three retirees. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> will be eager to regain a seat that they had held since 1927 – but lost in 2020. The party is running two candidates – Erin McGreehan, based in the Cooley peninsula, and “celebrity candidate” journalist <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/08/26/broadcaster-alison-comyn-to-run-for-fianna-fail-in-general-election-in-co-louth/\" target=\"_blank\">Alison Comyn</a> out of Drogheda, where votes are fiercely loyal to people from the town.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVTANG7TXVC5DFLRUB7PNZEQ3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1730381390048},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael </a>will be seeking to move their front-runner seat from Fergus O’Dowd’s Drogheda base to McGahon’s in Dundalk. His cause obviously won’t be helped by the rolling controversy over his involvement in a fight which led to a €39,000 damages finding against him, which erupted again mid-campaign. But local sources in other parties do not believe he is out of the running by any manner or means. His running mate in the southern half of the county, Paula Butterly, may suffer from not being from Drogheda – which could benefit Comyn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VQPTQ33RURGPLIFKX4YCQKC2FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730810366332},"content":"With O’Dowd and Sinn Féin’s Imelda Munster not running, Ged Nash is the only incumbent running in Drogheda, bolstering his chances of a seat. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> will expect to defend Ruairí Ó Murchú's Dundalk base and see Joanna Byrne, who is chair of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/drogheda-united/\" target=\"_blank\">Drogheda United</a>, step into Munster’s old seat based in the town. The party has had a seat here since 2002 and two since 2016. If the party struggles to hold both seats, it will tell a tale of wider troubles. The addition of a third Sinn Féin candidate based in the Cooley peninsula will probably bring down Ó Murchu’s vote, but it should make its way back to him – but any McGreehan votes lost on Cooley to Watters may not return her way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KM36L7LQ2NCQTP3NRUWC3J5LHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730381390049},"content":"An independent candidate could benefit from Peter Fitzpatrick’s retirement – seven of 29 county council seats are filled by independents – with former Fine Gaeler Kevin Callan tipped. Maeve Yore has yet to declare but could be a rogue wave in Dundalk. Boundary changes and the loss of population in the south may make it more likely a third seat comes from the northern end of the county. Kelly, Nigel Farage’s former spindoctor, is running, but given four Irish Freedom Party candidates could muster only 1,800 first-preference votes in the local elections, it is hard to see him making the breakthrough – although he may improve on the local election outing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQA67OO24RDZBHHIJF5LRLL4TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730381390050},"content":"The smallest county in Ireland – but, outside of Dublin, one of the most densely populated – Louth is dominated by the two large commuter towns of Dundalk in the northern half of the county and Drogheda in the south.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RC36NDDX5AY5BLML5LKFS2YGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730381390052},"content":"<b>Possible outcome:</b> Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Sinn Féin (2), Labour (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Louth is the smallest county in Ireland but one of the most densely populated area outside Dublin"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:30:28.792Z","headlines":{"basic":"Louth constituency candidates list: Sinn Féin may get two seats in five-seater with only one Government TD and three retirees","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"GFXP6UUNPJAH7GLITG7N5OJCQE","auth":{"1":"ac3a4cd2c9c6484b1b271477aecd85a4986ab43603cefb26725fb3b1865c3ac0"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/GFXP6UUNPJAH7GLITG7N5OJCQE.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-louth-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"6LE3KABRMZBBNN52FBHCH75MCY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":267,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3fa29085-f5e4-43ee-9ab2-eb58665c6e7a/versions/1730982433/media/8dc059c3323f55c714e336cb9ac59eb8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-longford-westmeath-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KAXTUSRFRRD7FKTVCXNDCOH7JQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155948},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"XI7VTDWYW5HOLMIASNCTRRBCUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155949},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3IBTB6Y3DFADZHAJ2KJAMBQCXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155950},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs:</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peter-burke/\" target=\"_blank\">Peter Burke</a> (FG); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/joe-flaherty/\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Flaherty</a> (FF); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/robert-troy/\" target=\"_blank\">Robert Troy</a> (FF); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sorca-clarke/\" target=\"_blank\">Sorca Clarke</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPI5ZNXJLBEYTPKIRKZJ4TXM7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155951},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/longford-westmeath-constituency\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Longford-Westmeath constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5KFDSIPP5ED7IRMQWP56POAYM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"3ZTIKFDWZRGGNJY4ZGSA3LCVOA","additional_properties":{"_id":"O25DLLIZXBGHTBSWOPIOMJMTNU"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"MMLHT6UF4NFELIV3ZVZ4Y5UCHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155952},"content":"This constituency of two north midlands counties is now a five-seater. Even with all four incumbents running, there will be at least one new TD. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> came out well in 2020, winning two out of four seats with each candidate canvassing in a separate county: Robert Troy in Westmeath; Joe Flaherty in Longford. With an extra seat this time around, it’s hard to see either candidate losing their seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JCEDY5YW7ZHWHFWPUPTJS7CUDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155953},"content":"The same goes for the leading <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> candidate, Peter Burke. Having now served as a senior minister in Government, the Mullingar-based TD could top the poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7AYHC56YJG3HDJLHV5CEY26CY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155954},"content":"What about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>? Sorca Clarke got an impressive 21 per cent of the first preferences in 2020 and was elected on the first count. It’s unlikely she will repeat that performance but she will need to get into double digits in order to get near the quota. Sinn Féin did not have a great local election in Westmeath but neither did it in 2019. As such there might be a question mark over her seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWEZQ7VTVZAY5CZLIZCSXRSC34","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155955},"content":"At present, there is no TD from the western side of the constituency, namely Athlone. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kevin-boxer-moran/\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran</a> lost his seat in 2020 but earned a phenomenal local election result in Athlone last summer, where he hauled in 40 per cent of the vote. That has put him into contention, but Moran will have to pull votes from outside his hometown. “His votes fall over a cliff once he is past the Kilmartin Roundabout (the eastern boundary of Athlone town),” said one rival. “That would be the only concern.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOE5UW47DNAMFA6C76KRTD6SWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155956},"content":"That said, Moran will be favourite to take the new seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBHJ4ULVJZBERAHPCIQFPJZGFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155957},"content":"If Fine Gael’s Michael Carrigy in Longford can add several hundred votes to the 6,300 first-preference votes he got in 2016, he could be in a battle, perhaps, with Clarke for the last seat. Fine Gael has a third candidate, Athlone-based Tanya Cannon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJSAC5CCAFC7LBT5MLB3PXRSBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155958},"content":"Of the other candidates, Independent Ireland’s Paul Hogan is a former Sinn Féin councillor, and Louise Heavin is a former Green councillor. Gerry Warnock could take some votes off Joe Flaherty in Longford town but they will be transferred back. Fidelma Bennett of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> is unlikely to be in contention to win back the seat formerly held for the party by Willie Penrose.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AX74JW4QFZGW7PCHOMPKMT3NOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155959},"content":"Both counties are considered almost as commuting counties for Dublin and transport, fuel prices, public transport and rail are big issues. There has been a big increase in population, particularly in Westmeath towns, and education, health and childcare are big issues. With big rural areas, and former Bord na Móna bogs, CAP and Just Transition also feature.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LJ4J4X5INHJRODZOUKBASJRXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730797155960},"content":"A big swathe of Westmeath on the Meath border, including Killua, Riverdale and Hilltown, has come back into the constituency from Meath West, meaning that the constituency now aligns with the county boundaries. The main towns are Mullingar, Athlone and Longford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LQHITZ3JJC55AEWO67Y3SE5HA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730893976637},"content":"<b>Possible outcome</b>: Fianna Fáil (2), Fine Gael (2), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Question mark over Sinn Féin seat after large vote in 2020 but poor local election"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:30:02.79Z","headlines":{"basic":"Longford-Westmeath constituency candidates list: Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran in contention to retake seat after phenomenal vote in June","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZCAHRX6COFAM3OB47IVLFRGFT4","auth":{"1":"2365e485bd4bdd4899446169a1c01b1cc4d75410b7976acafbc286bb54850941"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZCAHRX6COFAM3OB47IVLFRGFT4.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-longford-westmeath-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"DJX7WAVTI5GFNDIEHOXR6NEDXA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":208,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/5b428348-82ce-4256-a3a9-9916d8dc76c0/versions/1730982450/media/aab950ca73445ad76a2c5e9dfd6ed405_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-limerick-county-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XARURMX2VNBHNMJIV7LCJAOWD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730380782736},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDSSF2VOP5FOTDKX4MNSET7MCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730734754047},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/patrick-odonovan/\" target=\"_blank\">Patrick O’Donovan</a> (FG) <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/niall-collins/\" target=\"_blank\">Niall Collins</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/richard-odonoghue/\" target=\"_blank\">Richard O’Donoghue</a> (II)","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYSAX5TUSBHGLA35EBPIJD5WRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730380782737},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/limerick-constituency\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Limerick County constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QAJWVXXNZHP7BX66R2YL2DY7A","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"JTWQY7LUWZDVRA4GYRAPKXF67U","additional_properties":{"_id":"SAA43AHOSZGZ7KYOXL27KHMJQY"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"XFNVJ3432BHHBC36LZJEERHYUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730380782738},"content":"The rural parts of Limerick are covered by this three-seater including the towns of Newcastle West, Kilmallock, Abbeyfeale, Rathkeale and Adare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQGEGEXILZDMJAIJXRHZ4J5BTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730734754051},"content":"As in the city, the pressure on services at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/university-hospital-limerick/\" target=\"_blank\">University Hospital Limerick</a> is a big concern in the county. With 4,500 farm families in the constituency that includes part of the Golden Vale, supports for farmers is a big topic. Connectivity, including the long-proposed upgrade of the main road to Cork to motorway status, is also an issue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DFKAGWLMNHFNHY6CYPDNLBTH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730734754052},"content":"It is difficult to see any result other than the return of the three incumbent TDs. They are: Patrick O’Donovan, a Fine Gael Cabinet Minister with the higher education brief who topped the poll in 2020; Niall Collins, a Fianna Fáil Minister of State at the same department; and Richard O’Donoghue, now of the recently formed Independent Ireland party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WCUTSTT6TFG3RFQVZ6ETSAZYXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730734754053},"content":"Both O’Donovan and Collins have councillor running mates – Noreen Stokes and Bridie Collins respectively. However, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> also ran two candidates each in 2020 and it is hard to see either party returning more than one TD this time around as well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JO665RUWRJHQ5OH3L2UHD3QNHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730734754054},"content":"The outspoken O’Donoghue – whose background is as a self-employed building contractor and Fianna Fáil councillor – ran as an independent in 2020. He is an incumbent contesting the election under the banner of the Independent Ireland party and he will not yield his Dáil seat easily.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B74WW3WLYJH3HMFMEUKFQ22KLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730734754055},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> fought hard for the third seat in Limerick County in the 2020 general election. Its candidate on that occasion, Séighin Ó Ceallaigh, was not too far behind O’Donoghue at the end of the count on what was a good day for his party nationally. This time around Joanne Collins, a special needs assistant, has been selected for Sinn Féin. She got 801 first preferences in the local election in June but did not get elected to the local authority. It will be a tall order for her to unseat one of the current TDs in the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PA72H5IIZJENRGA3PD77N6CQ54","additional_properties":{"_id":1730909758345},"content":"There is just one Limerick mayoral candidate in the race, Gerben Uunk of the Party for Animal Welfare. He came 13th out of the 15 candidates in that election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYBCESB2MZFGZHUKMZQPVEUKYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730380782739},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Independent Ireland (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Pressure on services at University Hospital Limerick a major concern in the county"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:29:44.022Z","headlines":{"basic":"Limerick County constituency candidates list: Difficult to see any result other than the return of three incumbents","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6BFZADN27BBQVKAUSOT2F5JHJI","auth":{"1":"e32ef1618e31dcc7d4e73bb0e617095f59ba6c64099d9797f120805651799c74"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6BFZADN27BBQVKAUSOT2F5JHJI.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-limerick-county-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"KME7BTBVEJE2DL2NDBUBM7BGTA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":247,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/569a0518-fda1-4706-982e-4650e52b7462/versions/1730982633/media/0c5d48a5068a826fa72681a7c503e6c5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-limerick-city-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"6FLMYORP3RHXLA5FNVFPA2HZRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729850686728},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTG3KMFZPFBAVE2KU4Y4OQBCAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733975750},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/maurice-quinlivan/\" target=\"_blank\">Maurice Quinlivan</a> (SF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/willie-odea/\" target=\"_blank\">Willie O’Dea</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kieran-odonnell/\" target=\"_blank\">Kieran O’Donnell</a> (FG), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/brian-leddin/\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Leddin</a> (GP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRFADZ3Y7JARDP3ZJ6MZGV2CXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729850686729},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/limerick-city-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Limerick City constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7ZOCQUJGJB2VJFYIDHC4SHBA4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"6UXFWQIVL5AIJBBMZPH3IVU4SE","additional_properties":{"_id":"YAZK6QUL5JHDHG5OB7QYYGUISQ"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"CLRHFCLYIZHX7IKQ4SJEYWV5VM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729850686730},"content":"To a certain extent the race to fill the Limerick city’s four Dáil seats is a re-run of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/limerick-mayor/\" target=\"_blank\">mayoral election</a> in June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4VTV6DXYNAWXFE2Y3WIUKCGFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733975754},"content":"About half the candidates that contested that race to become Ireland’s first directly elected mayor have also put their names forward on this occasion. They include incumbent <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> TD Maurice Quinlivan – who came fifth in the mayoral race – and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>’s Dee Ryan, who came third after a strong performance during the campaign. Quinlivan should do better in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>, though he may not top the poll as he did in 2020 given Sinn Féin’s recent slip in the polls.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEW6LMHEERG3JNCWP4PK4RNG7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733975755},"content":"Willie O’Dea of Fianna Fáil and junior minister Kieran O’Donnell of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> may be vying for that perch this time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZ5F4H4MRRALPJ3DI5QP43QR7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733975756},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> TD Brian Leddin will have a battle on his hands to keep his seat. He secured 2,303 first preferences in the mayoral election. This is lower than the vote he got in the 2020 general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQZ27OTQZNHGTFR4SRDNB6SJOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730910624804},"content":"His support levels in the mayoral contest are believed to have been dented by the presence in the race by the eventual winner, Independent John Moran. Some people who voted for Moran may well cast their ballots for Leddin in the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"INMIWAOQCVDRFJYEEFHJ7SVNGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730910624805},"content":"Snapping at Leddin’s heels will be Ryan and councillors Frankie Daly (Independent), Sarah Beasley (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a>), Conor Sheehan (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a>) and Elisa O’Donovan (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a>). They all got more first-preference votes than the Green Party TD in the mayoral race.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77HRDLOOZBDO7DV3QKKFAWC2WQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730910624806},"content":"Another mayoral election candidate, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit’s</a> Ruairí Fahy, is also contesting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SP6SD4TMDRAKXJDP64FJGPMDQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730910624807},"content":"The mayoral election was for a different job and included voters from rural parts of Limerick who will not be voting in this Dáil constituency, so not too many conclusions can be drawn from it in terms of the allocation of Dáil seats. The general election race will have its own dynamic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZTH6I4AXRF3RP53FA7CTC7RNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733975760},"content":"Perhaps the biggest issue in the constituency is concern over the services at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/university-hospital-limerick/\" target=\"_blank\">University Hospital Limerick</a> (UHL), particularly the overcrowded emergency department. One of the candidates, Melanie Cleary, of the Mid West Hospital Campaign, is the mother of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2024/01/24/hse-did-not-follow-up-free-counselling-offer-for-eve-clearys-family-high-court-told/#:~:text=Limerick%20woman%20(21)%20collapsed%20and,following%20treatment%20for%20leg%20injury&text=The%20head%20of%20the%20HSE,the%20High%20Court%20has%20heard\" target=\"_blank\">Eve Cleary</a> who died aged 21 in 2019 after being discharged from the hospital. Melanie Cleary previously told RTÉ she wants to put the issues at the hospital “at the top of the national agenda – we have been ignored for far too long”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SR55YHXLRBCKHH7FYMGTK34X74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733975761},"content":"As in many other urban constituencies, the need for social and affordable housing is high on the agenda. The cost of living is still a big issue being raised by the public. While Quinlivan, O’Dea and O’Donnell all seem set to return to the Dáil, it is going to be a dogfight for the last seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWP66BLBG5HF7J6KSK3CQFLJHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729850686731},"content":"<b>Possible outcome:</b> Fianna Fáil (1), Fine Gael (1), Sinn Féin (1), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Almost half the candidates also contested the race to become Ireland’s first directly elected mayor"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:28:59.516Z","headlines":{"basic":"Limerick City constituency candidates list: Biggest issue is concern over services at University Hospital Limerick","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PUJMJ4UYERHZPB5G42WHECFU6M","auth":{"1":"990bbabdc5012535ad32d5af6f2df5b551cea168448b68278f1e5ddce355a8d7"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PUJMJ4UYERHZPB5G42WHECFU6M.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-limerick-city-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"G5MOB7AAHFCD3GQNRAUDC4QASA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":313,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3915fb76-6df3-4d85-bfc9-0de9f3991fac/versions/1731069593/media/9bbb6fb5387c8158c86feb6722d4d6be_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-laois-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FMUZOB7E3ZGKDDECEFC2442LX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1729808542414},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6TWIV22FNHIXCQK52PYBKYZJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733652984},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs:</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/charlie-flanagan/\" target=\"_blank\">Charlie Flanagan</a> (FG – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sean-fleming/\" target=\"_blank\">Seán Fleming</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/brian-stanley/\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Stanley</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/barry-cowen/\" target=\"_blank\">Barry Cowen</a> (FF – now a MEP), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carol-nolan/\" target=\"_blank\">Carol Nolan</a> (Ind)","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWJ44MKBJRH7XLGOZUPKKZN5SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1729808542415},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/laois-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>running in Laois</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCXWXTSQNVGQLC65E5Z2YIM7IE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"DWWMCDYCV5E3BNIYCQOMOJKMVA","additional_properties":{"_id":"6RY42G5WE5GLNFQ3IBVP7J4MS4"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"C3J7N5AAZ5HHZFQ56RLQ2IWAUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1729808542416},"content":"Brian Stanley ran for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> in 2020 and topped the poll with about twice as many first preferences as anyone else. He went on to have a high-profile role as the chairman of the Dáil’s powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC). However, his shock resignation from Sinn Féin in October throws the constituency wide open.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEBPXG4XQJCFNBRIJHCHI57DPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671789},"content":"He quit the party over its handling of a complaint made by a woman against him over a meeting with Mr Stanley in Dublin on the night of October 11th, 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQ7Y54KLDZBBPBCWEKV2SXH7EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671790},"content":"An internal Sinn Féin inquiry concluded in a draft report that the TD’s conduct on the night constituted “sexual harassment”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FON6Q7XIZNF4XFQ4CE4OXLJIC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671791},"content":"Its internal inquiry into the complaint<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/10/26/sinn-fein-internal-inquiry-made-draft-finding-of-sexual-harassment-against-laois-td-brian-stanley/\"> was preparing to make a finding against Mr Stanley</a> of gross misconduct as a result when he resigned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGQ2QWY5WZFQJDTFGMADKOCWBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671792},"content":"Mr Stanley has previously strenuously denied any wrongdoing in a statement released by his solicitor. He has also contested what was described in his statement as the “provisional findings” of the Sinn Féin inquiry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZY3KIHDCW5HAXLVT2R52XMEZSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671793},"content":"Sinn Féin referred the allegations against Mr Stanley – and a counter allegation from him that the woman had demanded €60,000 to compensate her for what she claimed happened on the night – to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana/\">Garda</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VZC5OZPAANBF3OSJRJ7GKUVTDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671794},"content":"Mr Stanley has said Sinn Féin’s internal inquiry “resembled a type of kangaroo court”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOBRNRVU35DKXA7H4VSOEMHW4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671795},"content":"Sinn Féin has insisted his rights “were protected throughout this process”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6F74BJIEVHEPF5Q5XELSZZKPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671796},"content":"Mr Stanley has confirmed he is contesting the upcoming election as an “Independent Republican TD”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQXYB7RNXZDW3EQJDBIFRGEXAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671797},"content":"He has said locals have encouraged him to run, that it will be an “uphill battle” but he will “give it my best shot”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Q6YYLBR3BHJJAU2RHWYF2IAKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671798},"content":"Sinn Féin has selected Portlaoise-based community activist Maria McCormack as its candidate. She was unsuccessful in her bid to be elected to Laois County Council in June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGT3IH4PCRE7LGOL3OSY6W75ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671799},"content":"She got just 276 first preference votes in the Portlaoise local electoral area.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7X5DOILEFH5TKW3K4SZDH44M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671800},"content":"Sinn Féin will be hoping Ms McCormack can win many more votes across the county on this occasion but it will be a challenge to keep the party’s former seat in the constituency with Mr Stanley in the race.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4S6XLFQ3BDXFIYLMPRGJPWC24","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671801},"content":"Portlaoise and Portarlington are the big towns in the midlands constituency that is now a three-seater after it was hived off from the old five-seat Laois-Offally constituency in the 2023 boundary review. It is on the edge of Dublin’s commuter belt and, amid significant population growth, housing is a big issue as well as school places and access to special education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RO3GK43C4NBVXHAA7IIEHLLZHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733652991},"content":"The decision of former justice minister Charlie Flanagan not to contest the election has seen <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> select veteran councillor Willie Aird as its candidate. He was first elected to the then Portlaoise Town Commission in 1979 before going on to take a seat on Laois County Council.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G5XG3MCCHNCVZGSFM7TN2TMHOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733652992},"content":"Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Seán Fleming, formerly a PAC chairman himself, seeking re-election for Fianna Fáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7Y7I7ELFQ5CFBHYPRSC33G7RRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1731068688975},"content":"The party announced Austin Stack as a running mate on the day the election was called. Stack, a Portlaoise, native is a former assistant governor in the Irish Prison Service. His father, Portlaoise Chief Prison Officer Brian Stack, was shot by the IRA in 1983 and died in hospital the following year. A long-time staunch critic of Sinn Féin, Stack’s presence in the race will not help that party’s woes in the constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMVCWBQTO5FE5C76EZK6KAZV7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1731068688979},"content":"Councillor Aisling Moran – who quit Fine Gael last year – is contesting the election as an independent. She secured re-election to the local authority in June with a respectable 1,142 first-preference votes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEAUQD6IJ5FAHP6EEV7DNG5RRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730900671805},"content":"Portarlington businesswoman Elaine Mullaly – a founding member of Independent Ireland before she left the party during the summer – is also running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBT4K6K7WFHKXEWDJBFEQZVE6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730733652994},"content":"Rose Palmer, Offaly-based junior minister Pippa Hackett’s parliamentary assistant, is running for the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a>, but with just under 300 votes in June’s Local Election it is difficult to see her making an impact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YE5Y7V2J2ZHCNKNFHP63SZDNNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1729808542417},"content":"<b>Possible outcome:</b> Fianna Fáil (1), Fine Gael (1), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Former Fine Gael minister for justice Charlie Flanagan has decided not to contest the election"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:28:28.144Z","headlines":{"basic":"Laois constituency candidates list: All eyes on Sinn Féin and their former party colleague Brian Stanley ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IQIU2WRXBVHL5EUG4XPJL5TJBA","auth":{"1":"4b3f4f611300115dc54c57c8054b461deaf63e2229e4d52a063b7f82d7a169f9"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IQIU2WRXBVHL5EUG4XPJL5TJBA.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-laois-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}}],"count":588,"_id":"14ac7bb5384dae21c39aea373a574227d982ec29da10ad77a87bb4f86e7a0ca8"},"expires":1732952214411,"lastModified":1732951913681},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":40,\"tagSlug\":\"\\\"general-election\\\", -\\\"constituency-results\\\"\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"SXO27AF5VRA6JKSXYDQ7466ETA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":269,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/03e9f2c7-a6f1-4ae5-9197-c5788071680d/versions/1732906717/media/c48da5cd48a20934e0b44efda972e34c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/over-50-documented-incidents-of-violence-abuse-and-harassment-during-election-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7TCI2GIYQ5BAHM75YVH6K7X5TM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802277},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> campaign saw dozens of incidents of politically motivated violence, harassment and abuse, anti-extremism researchers found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGNHTA3SZNGZFMAYGEBYMLCM64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802278},"content":"Incidents included assaults on candidates, racist and misogynistic abuse, and vandalism of posters and constituency offices. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana\" target=\"_blank\">Gardaí</a> are investigating multiple incidents and at least one suspect has been charged.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3U4TM5RQ5BMXEKRIUOFUSWAX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802279},"content":"The incidents were documented as part of a joint investigation by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and the Hope and Courage Collective. In total they recorded 55 incidents in the five-week period leading up to Friday’s vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2W33IWGTNB47BTK6N7LWRKZKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802280},"content":"This compares with 36 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/08/election-campaign-marked-by-unprecedented-levels-of-vitriol-and-abuse/\" target=\"_blank\">incidents documented during the campaign for the local and European elections</a> in May and June which had about three times as many candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBR5BYULNBBTRF7V54ZTQ3NE6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802281},"content":"The research is based on social and news media reports. Researchers warned there may be other incidents which have been missed. The research did not record “general criticism or condemnation expressed against candidates or campaigns online”, the groups said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCL7ERJX2ZC5VFBPIZY326WTLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802282},"content":"Compared with the local and European election campaign, incidents during the general election campaign were more concentrated online. Ninety per cent of incidents featured social media in some way, “illustrating the central role that online platforms occupy in the hate, harassment and targeting of candidates”, the researchers’ report stated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VEXIK24ABH57GIASDO3QTTAR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802283},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJYZO6Z4BRGE7LJNLAK7AZ2HUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802284},"content":"While most abuse was confined to the internet, there were several serious incidents involving alleged real world violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIDQN7JH2JANZFWQDUE656U7GA","additional_properties":{"_id":"UQD6W2YBRVDXZMYHOYIGUEQ4BI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CCX3NTBSIJGZ7FKJ4P74XWPQKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802285},"content":"This includes an assault on Green Party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-ogorman\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> while he was canvassing. A man has since pleaded guilty to assault. Another man was arrested after coffee was thrown over Labour MEP <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aodhan-o-riordain\" target=\"_blank\">Aodhán Ó Ríordáin</a> while he was campaigning in Clontarf, Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWQWL24C5NA6FGA7EWO4K6FBVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802286},"content":"Most recently, gardaí launched an investigation into allegations that far-right independent candidate Philip Dwyer attacked the father of a rival candidate in Bray, Co Wicklow before brandishing an extendable baton. Mr Dwyer has claimed he was the one who was attacked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETPNUYX2AFDA7CLTV7HXJHIR24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802287},"content":"Researchers also documented reports that a person allegedly threatened Social Democrat canvassers with a brick in Co Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M2KGN2C4YJF2NNMN7NWQEAMPXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802288},"content":"There were 13 incidents of intimidation or verbal abuse directed against candidates or their canvassers, some of which were then shared online where there was further abuse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDR5N5TXDRFXLD67FE3DMDIGUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802289},"content":"In one incident a man filmed himself following <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pearse-doherty\" target=\"_blank\">Pearse Doherty</a> around Lifford, Co Donegal before “directing extreme slurs” against the Sinn Féin TD.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IDJ7L5E4QZB23H2BZMA76WIYMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802290},"content":"Fine Gael Senator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-mcgahon\" target=\"_blank\">John McGahon</a>, whose candidacy was embroiled in controversy relating to his assault of another man in 2018, was “verbally abused with various obscene terms” as he sat in his car in Co Louth while People Before Profit TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paul-murphy\" target=\"_blank\">Paul Murphy</a> was berated by a passerby in Dublin over the gender of his infant child.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GASRTVO7M5GJBPKQVJURAQ52SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802291},"content":"Posters belonging to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Paul Fitzsimons of the Irish Freedom Party were set alight in Dublin, and the constituency offices of Ms McDonald and Fianna Fáil TD Mary Butler were defaced with graffiti during the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUVQDKJYQNF5VLMZXWFAMZPCLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802292},"content":"Monica Peres Oikeh, a Green Party candidate in Co Cork, was targeted by “racist trolls” online and independent candidate Umar Al-Qadri was subject to anti-Muslim abuse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAJQSPLG6ZCDBJ2H3P25QRPTUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802293},"content":"Researchers also documented a trend of political candidates targeting their rivals with abuse, including calling them “traitors”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KRA6Y3SMTVDNBENF6HBJYULUOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802294},"content":"Twenty candidates running in the election directed the term “traitor” against Government politicians, members of the Opposition and President Michael D Higgins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QFW5U7XPWNEAHJJ4VNUMAKGOC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802295},"content":"In one post on X, a Dublin far-right candidate posted a photo of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, calling him “the most dangerous traitor politician of all” and claiming Mr Martin wished to create a “Gestapo”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WD6NRYM6MZGFXNWGBB6WKUDZVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802296},"content":"Use of the term traitor is common among far-right activists internationally to frame politicians “as enemies of the nation”, the researchers noted.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Gallagher"}},"name":"Conor Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"Gardaí are investigating multiple incidents and at least one suspect has been charged"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Over 50 documented incidents of violence, abuse and harassment during election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5PM6MRSUQFD2NPRNWHS3U7ICXQ","auth":{"1":"ecc320b174b5084e3959a1bffc331b2f5dc129d00714bf81b2bafc2a14953301"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5PM6MRSUQFD2NPRNWHS3U7ICXQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/over-50-documented-incidents-of-violence-abuse-and-harassment-during-election-campaign/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"5S7OQS44CBAZ3LOZCXXJL25A4I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":412,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/fa305ff4-25ef-4639-91b0-970d12e7ca69/versions/1732882881/media/b409a89c768d13f4d2eb5a49749a0d32_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/how-to-watch-the-election-count-the-key-races-to-follow-this-weekend/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NY5FL5HT5BAEJMWBR3LBGDXQMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922213},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6YFDTJN2JC7NARO5JTPFGL5UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922214},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SP5S43VBOJFHJAVURZ7P6BALMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922215},"content":"With all votes now cast, and ballot boxes spilling open across the country from 9am, here’s what to watch for in the days ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUA7K2HSNRDV7MLWWHS2PBJCAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922216},"content":"Saturday morning","type":"header"},{"_id":"PVSRNP62I5EGTJBRLI6E3KAB7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922217},"content":"The only early data we have on how the vote went is The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4 exit poll and there’s more in Saturday’s paper and online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQCQFDG725EJDIOB7NHUBKKGEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922218},"content":"The first hard count data will come from tallies run in the count centres by the political parties – often an operation that is pooled in the larger count centres. This is a visual tally of the first preference votes as they are sorted by staff, and can be very accurate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZPV5XCYC5CDVML5JRHHLFVOM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297693},"content":"However, these efforts can fall flat, or simply disintegrate as parties lose interest either because their candidate is likely to win out, or not feature. This data is not routinely published, but it finds its way to journalists and will end up being published online or on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONZHM5VRYFALVIJWBB7ZJQQVW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922219},"content":"Kevin Humphreys, the former Labour TD, famously has a clutch of three boxes mixing gentrifying areas, areas popular with renters and affluent areas, giving him near-mythical forecasting power in his south Dublin area. He warns against extrapolating too much from these boxes in a general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PU4CB3TNNJHCBAZE5CMYHI2WHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922220},"content":"Later Saturday","type":"header"},{"_id":"QSSCVBAOSNG4FA2VAJL3FAY5EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922221},"content":"The first counts of three-seat constituencies with shorter ballot papers will come in, and it’s from here that people will start to be elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73REPKLPTVAL5P57IMRL2LFWWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297697},"content":"Things could tie up fast in the likes of Limerick County, where sitting TDs Patrick O’Donovan (Fine Gael), Niall Collins (Fianna Fáil) and Richard O’Donoghue (Independent Ireland) are expected to be re-elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O36MZXLKJ5EBXCOTYOT3RSNN3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297698},"content":"But they won’t all be straightforward – in Meath West, for example, there is only one strongly favoured seat, that of Peadar Tóibín of Aontú – Johnny Guirke (Sinn Féin) is favoured, but watch out for a battle royale between Aisling Dempsey (FF) and Linda Nelson Murray (FG). Independent Noel French and Ronan Moore of the Social Democrats may come into the reckoning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6FHIYBC2NBGFOBF32VRCJQHLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297699},"content":"Cork South West will be fascinating, where party leaders Holly Cairns (Soc Dems) and Michael Collins (Ind) are bidding to hold seats alongside Christopher O’Sullivan (FF), with Fine Gael gunning for a seat here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QW4M27VOBARBHGPXFZENPJRS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297700},"content":"The new Wicklow-Wexford constituency, with just 10 candidates on the ballot, may be a very quick count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGMQBHYO5FAXDAX24PUFIBNJOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922222},"content":"Poll toppers with healthy surpluses can have a big impact on the race to fill seats behind them, but legendary surplus hogs such as Michael Ring have gone (Fine Gael is now running four candidates in Mayo), while even Fianna Fáil’s Willie O’Dea in Limerick City has a running mate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3JDONUUZ5BXLBJKXVBNMOLNXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297702},"content":"The Sinn Féin wave in 2020, with few second candidates in place to catch it, elected a lot of left-of-centre TDs, but that won’t be repeated, so that’s perhaps less of a factor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ5FL2F2VFBR5LWTMAKOCBWBPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297703},"content":"Nonetheless, keep an eye out for places where a surplus might come into contention; Wicklow, for example, where the direction of Simon Harris’s surplus will come into the reckoning as the day goes on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIETL457CZDWTLMVSSH4KZUUCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922223},"content":"Saturday night and into Sunday","type":"header"},{"_id":"FDFGL2UPCZC5TGAO5H3WUODBEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922224},"content":"It’s not one election, but 43 small elections. So, watch for local factors and internal battles among and within parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUJO7NNUDBFEBCQOP4VD2H3IXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297706},"content":"Fianna Fáil want to add to Cathal Crowe’s seat in Clare, where there is no love lost with party stablemate Timmy Dooley.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSWL7H4LGZDMNLNIQKBLDS5LZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297707},"content":"In Wexford, there is acrimony between Fine Gael’s two geographically bunched candidates vying to keep Paul Kehoe’s seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGINOSTVANBBBMCRG2O6BZDZKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297708},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are facing off in tight races everywhere; keep an eye on Dublin South Central and Dublin North West for who comes out on top, or if both are squeezed out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DPDXC55DORHTDEABYIEPRQOJWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297709},"content":"Gene pool Independents will be a headache for parties; Sinn Féin are up against it to keep seats in Laois and Kildare North, where the party’s former TDs Brian Stanley and Patricia Ryan are on the ballot, while former Fine Gaeler Gillian Toole, now an Independent, is battling for a seat against Fine Gael’s Sharon Tolan and others in Meath East.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LEKHMRUUGRAHJJYRZJ2NQOU6EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922225},"content":"Most party leaders should be safe – but not all. As mentioned, Cairns is not a safe seat in Cork South West. As the day wears on into the night and the early hours of Sunday, watch Roderic O’Gorman’s fortunes in the five-seat Dublin West. The Green Party leader will probably hold on – but if he, or his colleague Ossian Smyth in Dún Laoghaire, are in a battle, it presages a really tough day for the Greens.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U344NNWFW5E2XEYSH3Y6VJZKP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922226},"content":"The “Harris Hop” was supposed to cancel out Fine Gael’s swathe of retirements at this election, and they should hold in places, such as Leo Varadkar’s old seat in Dublin West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCA2FOXJJNF43KHROEZDDDSFUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297712},"content":"But watch Louth, where the party’s troubles with John McGahon are well publicised. Keep an eye on Cork North West, where Harris’s disastrous campaign trail encounter with care worker Charlotte in a Kanturk supermarket went down. It is likely to be a ding-dong between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for two of three seats. Watch Kerry too: this is where all Fine Gael’s chips in the constituency are on Billy O’Shea.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6UCXQMZO5CGFP7DDOMSLQ3NEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922227},"content":"Another one to watch is Sinn Féin’s 2020 poll toppers who have not built a national profile. Expect the vote to be down for Johnny Mythen (Wexford), Réada Cronin (Kildare North) and Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North), but will they be in a scrap, or will the late Sinn Féin rally secure their seats? Ditto for constituencies where Sinn Féin holds two seats: Donegal, Cavan-Monaghan, Louth and Dublin Mid West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSYYTJB6LZBPPD7TY3D7PFF4HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922228},"content":"Sunday evening and into following days","type":"header"},{"_id":"LBMCOJTJVZAUTCQ2VAGGGNAISA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922229},"content":"As time wears on, the broad shape of the next Dáil will become clear. But with the electorate predicted to give an ambiguous answer about exactly what sort of government it wants, final seats will be massively important to clear – or obstruct – a path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVIZCHRZ6ZBLHKKSVEWPX5K7VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297716},"content":"The number of Independents will also be one to watch: see if they can break up party dominance in places such as Wicklow, or even return two in the likes of Wexford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDGEBHGOT5HH3MPX76SBJUS2LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297717},"content":"Smaller parties will also be key. The Greens will have to hold their marginal seats in the likes of Dublin South Central, while Labour are targeting seats including Dublin South West, Fingal West and Cork South Central. The Soc Dems, similarly, have designs on Dublin Rathdown and Cork East, while Aontú want to win seats in the likes of Wexford and Cavan-Monaghan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"The first counts of three-seat constituencies with shorter ballot papers will come in later on Saturday, and it’s from here that people will start to be elected. But don’t expect it to be all straightforward"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How to watch the election count: The key races to follow this weekend","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RC36I5ZLXZCAFFLX35PYB5MCOU","auth":{"1":"aa1f43238a2dae0333e029da36715803ad60fcb14c6be1c3aea6d3d377a043d1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RC36I5ZLXZCAFFLX35PYB5MCOU.JPG"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/how-to-watch-the-election-count-the-key-races-to-follow-this-weekend/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"MPOFMPO2RRHRDLWPDDCKFH65YY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":785,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/15ba9b29-b1a9-439d-b92e-98ededf0e992/versions/1732895177/media/63eb6ab040e41694dcb3d746f02d8f28_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/political-reporters-on-their-moments-of-the-election-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3QSRQB7ZIZBTRBWSUFKI5OS4KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432202},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZM6AJN5FQZB3PFCNQ7U4XZ4IOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432203},"content":"It has to be the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">encounter in Kanturk</a> between <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> and care worker Charlotte Fallon. I am in a very small minority (possibly of one) who thinks Harris wasn’t really that nasty to her. She was, after all, the one telling him he was a bad person. But the importance of these encounters gets inflated in the white heat of a campaign. Other moments – the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary comments on teachers</a> and the last <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/dubliners-and-farmers-an-unlikely-pair-in-resisting-radical-change/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Times/Ipsos B & A opinion poll</a> – were all disastrous for Fine Gael, which says something about the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5CNMDHWRBE23AVL6XS3Q26IOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431714},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCDNT5ITVZCFLBOA2NOYNPOL7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432205},"content":"That <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/immigration/\" target=\"_blank\">immigration</a> played such a marginal role. In surveys throughout the year, it ranked at the top or nearly the top of the list of voters’ concerns. Yet it didn’t feature at the centre of the election debate at all. Perhaps that’s because the positions of the big parties have all migrated (so to speak) to a similar place; they are all promising to toughen up the existing rules but not change them fundamentally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ7R4M43O5EHHC6PGXDAV3ZCXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431716},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SLDF7PE2UBDQHK37YMJLKOUJTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432207},"content":"Can I say two? Dún Laoghaire, because it will tell us whether Fine Gael can make gains across the middle-class heartlands and if the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Greens</a> can survive to be a substantial player in the next Dáil, and perhaps, in the next government. Fine Gael are out for a second seat here through Barry Ward, while the Greens are struggling to hold Ossian Smyth’s seat. In Tipperary South the contest between Imelda Goldsboro of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and Martin Browne of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> will tell us about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a>’s chances of making gains – and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a>’s chances of holding those seats she won in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UUFF5BCQ5BOBA7KN2G3SHEERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431718},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SK2MY346KZGW5BLXRHERRBGIBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432209},"content":"The polls suggest the numbers are not there, or even nearly there, for a Sinn Féin-led coalition of the left, without either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. If the two parties combined are about twice the size of Sinn Féin, then they will form the basis of the next government, whether with one or two partners, and/or the support of Independents. Where things get a bit unpredictable is if Fine Gael has a very bad day and is substantially smaller than Fianna Fáil; does that make government formation harder, and could there be a push in Fine Gael to go into opposition? I don’t think that’s likely, though. Micheál Martin will not want to push Fine Gael into a position where government with Fianna Fáil is unpalatable, because he doesn’t want to have to contemplate a coalition with Sinn Féin. So at this stage, I think the most likely outcome is Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael form the basis of another coalition, but not alone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2VJ4PFAMRCOTBPPISMQNDQEBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432210},"content":"<b>– Pat Leahy</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XWVUTQ7DHFE6FBW636TUBEXYXM","additional_properties":{"_id":"743QOZJ72FGXRCHPAFTPA6ZTIU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3QSRQB7ZIZBTRBWSUFKI5OS4KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432211},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3HP5ZD75VDHVBXSXDIQCYDKFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431713},"content":"It was obviously Harris’s botched exchange with disabilities worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk. Others include the kerfuffle on the opening weekend over Michael O’Leary’s remarks about teachers at a campaign launch for Fine Gael’s Peter Burke; and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gerry-hutch/\" target=\"_blank\">Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch</a> rocking up to the city returning officer’s premises on a motorbike to lodge his paperwork to become a candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5CNMDHWRBE23AVL6XS3Q26IOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431714},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VNZ3S4N6ENEPLNLIWR7STRHPZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431715},"content":"Like Pat’s answer, it has to be how immigration was such an apparent non-issue. That’s in contrast with the local and European elections when an handful of anti-immigration activists won council seats and the issue appeared to be front and centre of the political discourse much of the time. The heat has, at least temporarily, been taken out of the issue. In Monday’s Irish Times/Ipsos B & A opinion poll just 7 per cent of voters said it would influence their ballot box decision. I would be flabbergasted if any far-right candidates get over line once the counting is done.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ7R4M43O5EHHC6PGXDAV3ZCXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431716},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5W3JSO3MNFQRE4ZMQ5DQBM5EU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431717},"content":"Limerick City. Three of the four seats are highly likely to go to incumbents – veteran voter-winner Willie O’Dea of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael junior minister Kieran O’Donnell and Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Féin. But it is set to be scrap to the death for the last seat. Outgoing Green Party TD Brian Leddin’s seat is vulnerable to a series of competitors who did better than him in June’s mayoral election: Fianna Fáil’s Dee Ryan, Independent Frankie Daly, Sarah Beasley of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a>, Conor Sheehan of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> and Elisa O’Donovan of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a>. Ryan and Sheehan in particular are ones to watch. If either get over the line, it could indicate a good day for their respective parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UUFF5BCQ5BOBA7KN2G3SHEERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431718},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHUQENT2G5CEBBBOE7LNRBAXPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431719},"content":"It is difficult to see anything other than a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition going by the polls and their insistence they will not do a deal with Sinn Féin. Labour’s proposal for a post-election alliance of centre-left parties might be more likely to bear fruit if Fine Gael has a bad day and the Civil War parties need considerable reinforcements to form a coalition. If I had to call it, a more likely outcome is Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and a perhaps a handful of reliable Independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXRXYFHJDFBKDLOPADHHKJZY54","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431720},"content":"<b>– Cormac McQuinn</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSOW623JSPHN2WQOGXHQWSEJVM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CMEGVSRSG5HM7DG5IDG4SXVJSE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NTMBV5EDSBAD5FA6DHMYSOWRLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431721},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6B2NZYL7REYJJ2TYXHCYGOOBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431722},"content":"The last Irish Times/Ipsos poll of the campaign itself, which landed days after that disastrous interaction involving Harris and Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, was a huge moment. It showed a total evaporation of Fine Gael’s lead, which the party had been privately celebrating. Although politicians are blue in the face saying that they don’t pay attention to polls, it fundamentally shifted the dynamic of the campaign. It rallied Sinn Féin, emboldened Fianna Fáil and gave the smaller parties more to fight for, as they sensed their role would be ever more important in government formation negotiations if there was to be a deadlock.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWLFLHIKCNEIFPTT5FW5TCK3OU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431723},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"34ZUJ4P2TBEZXICKEOP5VIBFBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431724},"content":"It was the fact that politicians from all parties had so long to prepare for this election (given that they have been talking about it since January) and yet many of them struggled to really understand the mood of the electorate and what voters wanted. When it came to the big issue – housing – Government parties were basically promising more of the same, and majored instead on offering lots of goodies in the manifestos.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKONYZ5PUBCEVBTJ5WFGBWMV24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431725},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLBFIHZNKVH6NN3WMQ4DJCRAQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431726},"content":"Dublin Central, but the battle between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in Wicklow, Mayo and Dublin North West will be fascinating. I will be intrigued to see how Sinn Féin do in constituencies such as Carlow-Kilkenny, after their big hitter Kathleen Funchion became an MEP. Dublin Bay South has a fascinating mix of candidates, while Dublin Bay North could be a bellwether.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH5CWN7T5REP5J2HZKFDA22S7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431727},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOQLCQ24HBEA3N6GP4B6XKK3WQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431728},"content":"At this stage – and there is always space for a final shock – the most likely government is a mix of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and one or more smaller parties. The route for Sinn Féin is trickier on current polling. It’s clear Fine Gael is eyeing up the Labour Party. The Social Democrats say they would drive a hard bargain too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3YZCFTZUVCNBH3KAQP45FU7N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431729},"content":"<b>– Jennifer Bray</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6JFOYLAYFWWO6AYNSRHHNLQ3U","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPN356M4QRGM5J6ZD4ZCJFUMEM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"R4JHNCORFNBNTPTCLVFG4LOCWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431730},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GGGTLRU4ZGKRLF6MWZELHLD3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431731},"content":"It was undoubtedly the interaction between Simon Harris and Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk. It’s not an original answer, but it’s one of the campaign moments not only of the 2024 general election campaign, but of recent elections across the board. It didn’t cause the Fine Gael slump, but it captured it in a way that was immediately clippable and shareable, while Simon Harris’s more tightly manicured and slick (not to mention expensive) social media output fell by the wayside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMUIIUZJCNDL3J2CRHMAHIXLRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431732},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"FX2OW3NQBFHUHCNGPLBLWL53JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431733},"content":"It was Fine Gael still not learning how to land a campaign effectively. It seems chronic at this stage – and again, they were fighting the last war. The party convinced itself that in 2020 it lost out by seeming ungenerous. In this election, despite a clear focus from voters on cost of living, a giveaway budget followed by a muddled campaign laden with promises seemed to fundamentally misjudge where the electorate was at.<b> </b>A late play for economic credibility in choppy waters further confused things. They ended up somewhere between overpromising and Keep the Recovery Going 2.0, which all hinged on the shine not coming off Harris.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESB5OEZS4RFSDG3ZSVR2NVYOXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431734},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUU57YZMZBCHTIXWLGVZUB6PD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431735},"content":"Dublin South Central. It has no Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael seat currently, with both those parties plus the Social Democrats and Labour targeting it. This is a left-leaning constituency that has lost more affluent areas in the redrawing of the constituencies. That suggests there could be a seat for Right to Change Joan Collins, a sitting TD, or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-alliance/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a>’s Hazel de Nortún, but Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh has a running mate too. The Greens have a chance of holding Patrick Costello’s seat, while it’s a Petri dish for the immigration politics vote too with anti-immigrant activist Phil Sutcliffe in the field, although his support of mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor might hurt him following the recent civil rape case ruling against McGregor. What makes this constituency so fascinating is it’s just so hard to call.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANS54Q4TZBGXPOZ2IGUMMCZQJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431736},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"26C2J6L4LJDB7PJXEJROXOZJVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431737},"content":"The most likely outcome is a government based on a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition, but that’s a lot less likely than it was even a week ago. If they each 80 seats combined (short of the 88 seats needed for a majority in the next Dáil), the further north of that they go (aided if they transfer to each other), the easier that task gets. But if that gap gets too big for a rotating taoiseach arrangement, that brings its own problems. If this route isn’t available, there are a whole host of outcomes strewn with obstacles, but a Fianna Fáil-Sinn Féin government, a minority government, confidence and supply or – whisper it quietly – even another election will then have to be assessed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOTOEOPWCZCOHKW6R4FF34JL7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431739},"content":"<b>– Jack Horgan-Jones</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UU6VAMIIYN63YKBJ2AOMXFKV3U","additional_properties":{"_id":"XNZRTVZRDVFSPPRTOVFKY32IIY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LVFSINWHJNGKLA4MVZOXIQWTKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957134},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQUB4LS52BESLO6AEE4T2OU7HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957135},"content":"This campaign did not really have a big moment. The Kanturk kerfuffle did stand out and it did put Fine Gael on the back foot. But was it a momentum shifter? The decline in Fine Gael support was well under way before that and it might have accelerated it, or emphasised it, a little.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2XF6IQHRG5FRXLGXDFRF2PE5UI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957136},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RU565P2OZFTBNCB47VEWOXGNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957137},"content":"It is how fickle everything can be, even in a short period of time. Five months ago immigration dominated the local and European elections but it has been hardly more than a background issue this time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCT6TRETLFC65EKXR3SQYNJA2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957138},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTREY2EZ7JDHRIIRBQK2JHOLA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957139},"content":"Galway East. It will tell a lot about how the three big parties are performing outside Dublin. The constituency has gained a seat and is now a four-seater. All three parties have targeted that extra seat. Sinn Féin’s Louis O’Hara almost won here in 2020 and might sneak the seat this time. Fine Gael is running three strong candidates this time and expects to win two. Expectation is running too in Fianna Fáil where minister of State Anne Rabbitte has a strong running mate, Albert Dolan, the 25-year old chair of Galway County Council. It’s a bellwether constituency for sure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OI565KY6RH5FAVWLZMGZLXONU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957140},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"J3DRP4NVUFFO3FG2SN4JTRAIRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957141},"content":"A trickle of sweat appears on my brow when I am asked this question. For Sinn Féin to have a very good day it needs to put clear water between itself and, on the other side, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. It is now abundantly clear they will transfer heavily to each other and that will give them an advantage when it comes to determining the last seats in some constituencies. Sinn Féin’s call on supporters to transfer to People Before Profit and the Social Democrats is the party taking a two-way bet that those two parties will, in turn, return the favour and transfer to Sinn Féin, especially in Dublin. My sense is that Fianna Fáil could end up with about 50 seats, Sinn Féin with about 40, and Fine Gael a few seats shy of the 40-seat mark but my margin of error is plus or minus 10 seats! Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael look the most likely government partners out of this election, but relying on the support of others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3LBWST6YFATNB3V56E3U4DG7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957142},"content":"<b>– Harry McGee</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jennifer Bray"}},"name":"Jennifer Bray"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Simon Harris’s encounter with care worker Charlotte Fallon stood out as a pivotal moment in a campaign for which the political parties seemed oddly unprepared"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Political reporters on their moments of the election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"JAJFPQA4PFBDNA3GJEOGZ36KQA","auth":{"1":"92a47f189e2c7d9720677ec8b40a90a2b5dc8f742d43475895b1750c74ff7ffb"},"focal_point":{"x":934,"y":528},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/JAJFPQA4PFBDNA3GJEOGZ36KQA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/political-reporters-on-their-moments-of-the-election-campaign/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"4K52ZMIYAVFB3M4ZFK7EBFVZRU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":873,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9cda900c-0d2f-45a0-8b78-8019172c2522/versions/1732913617/media/40bd15dcb2e509a6cf222d57d3e344b1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/the-general-election-campaign-the-highs-the-lows-and-the-outright-clangers/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OGIJWSJ5WJASBN5JHVHU7FY2ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406103},"content":"Filth","type":"header"},{"_id":"JPMSPCDKT5HGRAHIDHLFVOSXQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406104},"content":"Eh, any interesting pictures from the election trail to spice up de collume?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNQM5ZFEZRFALMDDHRGKJHMONE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406105},"content":"It’s been a dull enough <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">campaign</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DFVMAZBJZBDBBX5GK6SXQN4R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406106},"content":"We have a good one of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-healy-rae\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Healy-Rae</a> hammering his nuts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7J6GP55XQBBZJIEM6EHJM6BAFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406107},"content":"I beg your pardon?","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUOTY5IGAZHY5I2GI7NRLNM4ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406108},"content":"Yeah, the photographer caught him at it – standing out in the open on an old stone bridge in Kerry. Cars passing and everything, hammering away at his nuts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GORUIRIKSZGGXG6RUDZSJ6VTVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406109},"content":"Excuse me. This is The Irish Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQ6N7Q2GX5EANGYZQMDD5AD6UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406110},"content":"He just needed something quick for his lunch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHXPTMYRTJGW5HNIJUAR2DSDBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406111},"content":"Moving on. Anything else?","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6BEZR2DTZEIVH3PBTW254D7RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406112},"content":"We have <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> ridin’ a buffalo. Pictures and video.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEH6FM5Y5BC7TGDR2FEQ3ZEDN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406113},"content":"Pass.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRP33W2CMZCIZIQDGZZKDQ3NDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406114},"content":"What about a nice shot of Michael Collins of Independent Ireland flaunting his chest hair during the 10- way leaders’ debate free for all?","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOGBCAC5OJFH3CFWCETDSRE2YY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406115},"content":"Better not. Sure it’ll drive the laydeez wild.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3QPQJDJIFBQJFUF7LODEOBBQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406116},"content":"Well, could we imagine the picture <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> painted at her final election press conference outside Government Buildings?","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOIA7IZ6FNEFXNETQ3ATQVZGI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406117},"content":"She was asked what parties Sinn Féin might consider as possible partners. Is she making “cow eyes” at any in particular?","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGOCUWCNDBBNZKCT64Y5DZBV6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406118},"content":"“No, I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she giggled. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause. We’re not at the flirtatious stage quite yet. We have to, we have to get to first base before we pass it, if that’s okay.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"27JPFGXY3BHENNZWMKWRZIKHJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406119},"content":"If Sinn Féin win enough seats, government formation talks should be interesting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSILW3IGENBUPAYTJ5Q5AOBUNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406120},"content":"What’s in a name?","type":"header"},{"_id":"4IU6WAEHGFHF7PWXJWZ6BAGNBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406121},"content":"We’ll soon find out. True to form, parties played the political offspring card to exploit that all-important name recognition advantage in constituencies, selecting new blood with old names to run for the family firm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IY5XARJTYJEO7K7HW6YWPHPJGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406122},"content":"Here’s one from Louth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSDUPNF2BNEXRKOMGYDWPHB72M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406123},"content":"“The name’s McGahon. Something McGahon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFLY5F27MBHOVIDQHZQDITVY4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406124},"content":"James, John, Jack, Jim?","type":"text"},{"_id":"KP6Z6W7CTZCVXMUDSFE3PLEAB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406125},"content":"“The name’s McGahon. Just McGahon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTPFAZG6H5FKFID5APVFUW3S7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406126},"content":"It’s actually John, but the big political name in the ether around Dundalk is that of his late uncle Brendan who was a Fine Gael TD in the area and nationally known for his trenchant views on law and order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ES6YQ6DR2ZDSTOMTHEW6AYBTU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406127},"content":"The party was happy to have the McGahon name on the ballot paper; it would give the outgoing Senator a head start in the race.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B44KWOY2DNAJ7LUAWTIKFI3DHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406128},"content":"Then details of a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2024/07/02/high-court-jury-awards-man-39000-against-senator-john-mcgahon-for-assault-and-battery/\" target=\"_blank\">violent incident from his recent past resurfaced</a> when the Sunday Times published photographs showing the extent of facial injuries suffered by Monaghan farmer Breen White who was involved in a fracas with McGahon outside a pub in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6SKZRO2DZA4DEAPGT7NTRFW3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406129},"content":"The Senator was cleared of assault following a four-day trial at Dundalk Circuit Court but a jury in a civil action earlier this year found him 65 per cent liable, ordering him to pay €39,000 damages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFOQ2RBDAFAHZKVLGZ3XKW5NMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406130},"content":"The graphic photographs appeared on the morning of Fine Gael’s manifesto launch in Tipperary, seriously denting McGahon’s election chances and adding further to the woes of Simon Harris’s stuttering campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDRZMU56DNDBVDAYA6ZCARJYJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406131},"content":"The Taoiseach doggedly defended his candidate’s presence on the ticket but as the days went on he began distancing himself from John’s campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDTDLZWGX5GGJDYHOV3NRPV7UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406132},"content":"Best entrance (timing is everything)","type":"header"},{"_id":"XMO6YO6U75HCFMD4ZZLUFWNVEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406134},"content":"The Social Democrats want nothing to do with the Labour Party in the post-election mating dance. Despite constant questions about the possibility of some sort of arrangement – or even a merger – between the two, candidates staunchly rejected even the merest suggestion of such an abomination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTPSICJTVBB6LESASSX25SPOFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406135},"content":"And then, early on election day no less, what did party leader Holly Cairns do?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLRSPWSUVZG2JH6OPMH5G3REDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406136},"content":"She went into labour.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIDTDF6QTZDBZOLCQD22TMWAPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406137},"content":"It was the happiest event of the campaign – signalling as it did the end of one of the dreariest elections in recent memory and the birth of Holly’s first child, a baby girl.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RC7ZPWNQP5F5ZKCLWMDWI22UQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406138},"content":"Deputy Cairns and her partner Barry posted a lovely picture of Holly and her new arrival on Instagram writing: “She’s here. We’re completely in love with her.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GYZDK6IHJEEZETAX46SMPXKRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406139},"content":"Congratulations to all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDOFQ2O3PZABNOFQYKJQQIUOAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406140},"content":"Location, location, location","type":"header"},{"_id":"GQI77TCX3ZER7EAF4UOZYOWNHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406142},"content":"Posters, and where to put them, is a perennial topic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62IS5OWBJNA6RMVYDSLH75MEYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406143},"content":"Up on lamposts everywhere or everything pinned on to centralised notice boards?","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFN6ZF4YQJF6XPAMEJFXO52OSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406144},"content":"An admobile provides a versatile answer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDMD6FKXFJCHDKFR4WJBTXKKAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406145},"content":"Gerard The Monk Hutch – rival criminal gang bosses are reputed to have a price on his head – adopted a moving target approach with his van tootling around the less-leafier areas of Dublin Central to the general bemusement of onlookers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AK23YELWTVHYTDA2YAM66HONB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406146},"content":"He occasionally parked it in high visibility areas for maximum exposure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYN6H5WYYVEEPIFEJ6ZZF3JXG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406147},"content":"One such spot was outside the former Regency Hotel on the busy Drumcondra Road. This was the place where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kinahan-cartel\" target=\"_blank\">Kinahan</a> gangster David Byrne was shot dead during a boxing tournament weigh-in, sparking a deadly escalation in the violent feud between the Hutch and Kinahan criminal gangs and the candidate’s flight to a Spanish bolt-hole.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RBSZ4KMFVDM5JTO4GXLWPEIRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406148},"content":"Hutch, who divides his time between his Spanish bolt-holes and luxury Clontarf home in the Dublin Bay North constituency, wants to see more gardaí on the streets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y35VM3B4WZCZ7NRENZ7WZWDNLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406149},"content":"He arrived back in Ireland from Lanzarote on the morning of the Fianna Fáil manifesto launch, out on bail of €100,000 after he was arrested as part of a Spanish money-laundering investigation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSTCTGPOKNCIFGDPYZTDNXPYGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406150},"content":"Hutch’s slogan steals from Sinn Féin’s main selling point: “We need a change and I’m your man.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3VBC6VOOJARNITZ4LRZTZYSRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406151},"content":"Apparently young fellas in Dublin Central have been robbing his posters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D62ABNFHAREOPDU7KP7NDU2NIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406152},"content":"There’s never a guard around when you need one. Thank God.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZITL7R7OYRCEHKXOEDS3HIQJMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406153},"content":"Cllr Kevin Daly, an Independent candidate in Dublin Rathdown, had a much more arresting slogan on his posters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B465HKINI5H5JENG2V7334LKPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406154},"content":"But then, Kevin knows how to get a message across. A few years ago he got into hot water over a “sleigh car” which was being driven around Stepaside with a big boxy contraption and a real Christmas tree on the roof, along with tidings for a very happy Christmas from “Cllr Kevin Daly, working with Shane Ross TD. Like Santa we deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WRP7XELZCVGNTMXSXHVU6UJ4NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406155},"content":"The Road Safety Authority took a dim view and then minister for transport Shane Ross, who has endorsed Daly’s campaign this year, retired the sleigh from active service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAMD7BZWDFH6HL6S7H5GRNBORY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406156},"content":"Cllr Daly had an election message specially tailored for his South County Dublin voter base: “Homes for our middle class children in our area.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUNJCKU7RNC4DJFQB4R3LONVTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406157},"content":"Clanger Central","type":"header"},{"_id":"6TIKXMXBGRFNLBMXKCUU3763SM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406159},"content":"In 2007 Fianna Fáil went into the election as the governing party but with big trouble brewing on the economy front and then taoiseach Bertie Ahern up to his neck in tribunal woes. The campaign got off to an awful shambles of a start.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAT2CEO4U5CPRI6SRVFNYQOUCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406160},"content":"Election headquarters was quickly dubbed Meltdown Manor. But with a strong leaders’ debate performance from Bertie Ahern and a decisive steadying role from Brian Cowen, the party pulled off a famous victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTES7GBC7NCEXORKSNQ6DLQLEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406161},"content":"This year, Fine Gael started its campaign in great shape, with a new, hugely popular young leader at the helm and the party outstripping its main rivals in the opinion polls.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNB4TWKTWJGSJJMA5ZMTVWFSG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406162},"content":"Steady as she goes and no surprises and Simon Harris looked set to deliver a famous victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFXQ2LMRVBB4JKQJZHDPIZWSVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406163},"content":"When all of a sudden, after an election build-up which went on for months, Fine Gael veered off the path of certainty and straight into Clanger Central.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZ2QQW7Y45ADPH466BQF2L3WUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406164},"content":"While Simon Harris was showcasing a “new energy” by haring around the country in an effort to shake every voter’s hand before polling day, the wheels were slowly coming off the wagon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5BGKUMXNVDH5NS2D6ZYPHMRJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406165},"content":"This was Meltdown Manor in reverse. Fianna Fáil had time to reverse the rot and activate Cowen. Fine Gael’s unforced errors hit hard in the final stage of the campaign when prudent Paschal Donohoe was finally activated, but was it too late?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ATGTG7OBR5AHPPJFW5QNLNRVUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406166},"content":"Sinn Féin, meanwhile, after a disappointing showing in the local elections and internal party scandals causing turmoil, powered back up the opinion polls overtaking Fine Gael by a small margin and neck and neck with Fianna Fáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZRWC4VMOZF7LMNNXWOJNYEJI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406167},"content":"Tweedledee and Tweedledum and TweedleLou in the reckoning now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAW7YPIJKRCARK4VDVTQAAMSNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406168},"content":"Paschal The Rock Donohoe","type":"header"},{"_id":"U2AWSHS7X5GYTF3PMFW4P4QICU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406169},"content":"Speaking of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe was the only senior Fine Gael politician who was true to his word when he repeatedly insisted he was not going to jump ship and quit politics before the election. A host of his colleagues were blue in the face saying the same thing before they upped and left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UY6NFKB7IZCMLN7G6NX7PL6SFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406170},"content":"He went out to bat for former TD Noel Rock, who returned to contest Dublin South West when Róisín Shortall’s departure from national politics offered a possible way back to the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR6OAXDHQBEZ7OQM6QQLFZVJ6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406171},"content":"In a toe-curling video which even topped the one where Tánaiste Micheál Martin showed off his election shoes, Paschal looked earnestly into the camera and said: “So when I was a younger man The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, was a real hero of mine. Whether it was Summer Slam, WrestleMania, Jumanji, Fast and the Furious – I had to give Baywatch a miss – he was always somebody I really admired. But now, there is only one Rock in my life, the man I want to support, and that is Noel Rock, the man here beside me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJFW37QOCJGOVM2OF2HIE2UCEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406172},"content":"Barftastic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDRG575D3RAMNG5XZMJLMSJRQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406173},"content":"A reader got in touch about Paschal reminiscing about loving The Rock in Jumanji when he “was a younger man”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJIDK4ONCZGINOPLCUGXMX65SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406174},"content":"Johnny told us “after a quick bit of research I found that Jumanji was released seven years ago, which would have made Paschal 43 years at the time. Talk about complicated gyrations to force the word ‘Rock’ into a promo video, he must have been awake all night trying to make that one fit.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBPHJ7CGAFD6LCAWG5FTTAJNKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406175},"content":"The Sh*t Stirrer Supreme","type":"header"},{"_id":"RUI2LLJNXRGYTCMJG64NFOPVZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406176},"content":"Government Minister Peter Burke thought it was a great wheeze to have Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary launch his campaign in Longford-Westmeath. In the course of the usual O’Leary knockabout, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/10/fine-gael-td-distances-himself-from-ryanair-boss-derisory-remarks-about-teachers-at-campaign-event/\" target=\"_blank\">budget airline’s Chief Exhibitionist Officer slagged off teachers</a> while his audience, clearly there for the laughs, guffawed along.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3PT4RWB35G57OHB5LB766HIAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406177},"content":"“I wouldn’t generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done,” said O’Leary, prompting a major fit of the vapours among teachers and delighted political opponents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMN6BPTFEVE2JHFR4YQQYJIPQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406178},"content":"With Fine Gael in pole position, the main objective was to get through the campaign without committing any major gaffes or taking unnecessary risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIKKQ7DGGVGHBF3O53KIOSQ2AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406179},"content":"And then Peter invites sh*t stirrer supreme to be the star-turn at his big launch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYJXN66UVVGZXFOD3RU7SDFVV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406180},"content":"Did nobody think to say “I wouldn’t generally employ Michael O’Leary to go out and not insult anyone.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZIPYKEDAVCI5FVIV727GLITRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406181},"content":"They aren’t laughing now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HMRW5OGXJAYXGPL6FKQEIGEZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406182},"content":"Handbags at dawn","type":"header"},{"_id":"TGZZLZPJCNFX7D4XG2M6OMNHKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406183},"content":"This was a difficult election for the big two. Joined at the hip since 2016 when Fianna Fáil agreed to shore up a Fine Gael government in a ground-breaking confidence and supply agreement and then sharing power in the 33rd Dáil, marketing themselves as very different political packages was always going to be a tricky task.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQXXQKOJXRFRHCEBNCG5J64CWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406184},"content":"They were sniping at each other well before the campaign began, with Fianna Fáil accusing its Government partner of dissing their leader Micheál Martin to the political correspondents behind his back. Describing him as cranky and a bit too long in the tooth for the young man’s game of top-rank politics, apparently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGFHHPQMO5EBJPIQUIAJM3WISQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406185},"content":"Voters aren’t stupid and they began asking how the two groups went from saying they were working wonderfully well together in Government to tearing lumps out of each other’s track records and policies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7N6NJVNTPJD7NFB4AY73UNUGMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406186},"content":"The carry-on was dismissed as nothing more than “handbags” between candidates jockeying for seats. As proper confrontations go, these handbags were more cheap knock-off than designer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFD3ITFYOVF2BBZMJKJC5OHGTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406187},"content":"Except, perhaps, for the epic roaring match between Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton on Virgin Media’s Tonight Show. Chambers of Commerce deserves the lion’s share of the blame for losing his cool early doors and bellowing over his Cabinet colleague when she tried to take issue with tax figures in the FF manifesto.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUSR5VZDORCR5H5KJHHT5JLG5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406188},"content":"The delicious highlight of this unedifying display was the sight of Sinn Féin’s finance spokesman – the usually very shouty but now very smiley Pearse Doherty – sitting between the warring pair with a big happy head on him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6ZVQKXRCRDNPKDJPOY5WWPE74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406189},"content":"Jump starts and sneaky starts","type":"header"},{"_id":"OTB7P3IUAREHRKTADKP6K6VL2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406191},"content":"Roderic O’Gorman discommoded his Coalition betters in October when he jumped the gun on the election date by saying the public needed clarity on its timing. He said he would be telling fellow leaders Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin “my preference is for a November election, for November 29th. I think that gives us the opportunity to get those final pieces of legislation through.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZOMZSJR5BAHRG7OULQIPEXQU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406192},"content":"They were disgusted with him, even though everyone knew that was going to be the date and the other two were just milking the situation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD3D4KTVWRFYVFWEJNZF6BUXAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406193},"content":"Then Micheál stole a march on Simon by doing an interview in early November and naming the date. TV3 rushed out an advance clip from its 5.30pm news bulletin for social media. Whereupon Simon belted out to RTÉ to reannounce the date on the Six One news.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDIDHMCXNBBAFDQVB2IMP3B6TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406194},"content":"Who needs banana skins?","type":"header"},{"_id":"4JBF7HQRUJFFNOAUGU2LZX76DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406196},"content":"Labour’s Ged Nash slipped on a post-Halloween pumpkin skin when canvassing in Drogheda. Didn’t see that one coming.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7VLQDHBYREQHJTWBJGEZBARNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406197},"content":"The Kanturk Disaster","type":"header"},{"_id":"C2LAU3JL4BAYPB5AU7AZXHX2YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406198},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris went down the more traditional route, coming a cropper on a few banana skins as the finishing line approached.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2CZKJRNVZAQFFTTNOT3K3OHDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406199},"content":"But it was an incident, forever to be known as The Kanturk Disaster, which halted the already slowing Harris juggernaut in its tracks. His testy and uncharacteristically dismissive reaction to care worker Charlotte Fallon and her question about equal pay for colleagues outside the HSE was filmed and posted on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6EFO2D5QBDJHABL6MO2MLRYIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406200},"content":"The footage did no credit to a clearly tired Taoiseach and it was viewed over a million times. Simon Harris, who looked haunted after this misstep, spent the rest of his campaign apologising – never a good look.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTIJQ5HXQJC6BDVYVATBZ6BCP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406201},"content":"Will the electorate forgive him?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Miriam Lord"}},"name":"Miriam Lord"}]},"description":{"basic":"Miriam Lord: From the grand entrance of a baby girl for Holly Cairns to slagging off teachers and annoying the RSA, the 2024 campaign had its share of highlights"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"From handbags at dawn to the Kanturk Disaster: the campaign’s highs, lows, and outright clangers ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"S27YO5DKHEZIEHJDVUY6CSM5SY","auth":{"1":"9f12450da2489a2a30b68d0a361c1401095afdbccbd6ee1055d5697888366a40"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/S27YO5DKHEZIEHJDVUY6CSM5SY.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/the-general-election-campaign-the-highs-the-lows-and-the-outright-clangers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"LJCL777CLBH3RNACWEGDOUBMR4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":345,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/caf53af4-3a9d-428f-8835-8a75cb666d62/versions/1732796899/media/89ab29582fce897e4169fb0c1ca08d81_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/local-politicians-are-overworked-underpaid-and-unrepresentative/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UNHINM6OMFDRBOSYOZY5GDC7MQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314164},"content":"The question of where Irish government happens matters in its delivery to an electorate demanding greater public services and infrastructure to service an expanding society, economy and population. Yet Ireland is one of the most centralised states in Europe and its local government one of the weakest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHT66OOZ2VH47C5YVSB27YTTZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314165},"content":"This is paradoxical because <a href=\"https://www.forsa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MorePowerReport.pdf\">comparisons</a> with similar states show many of the electorates big issues, such as housing, taxation, health, social welfare, childcare and transport, could be more effectively – and democratically – delivered at local level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS25B3ZDSJD4NO6JONH25NMCCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314166},"content":"A 2016 measure of local autonomy ranked Ireland last of 39 countries in Europe, indicating a severe governance and democratic deficit. We spend a <a href=\"https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41400727.html\">comparatively tiny amount</a> at local level and raise even less in revenue. Eight per cent of State revenue is spent locally compared to an EU average of 23 per cent, while Ireland ranks last in EU local revenue raising.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRFGP3Z4GJENXBAQMF4MWVGLN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314167},"content":"Ireland has 31 local authority areas with about 165,000 citizens per authority. Compare this to Denmark’s 98 with 60,000 citizens each and Portugal’s 308 with 34,000. Put another way, Ireland’s councillors represent 5,196 citizens per councillor, compared to 600 in Belgium, 620 in Spain and 412 in Finland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4V65QVHBFFUZC74XLTRZMUZXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314168},"content":"As a result, Ireland’s councillors are overworked and underpaid. They are also mostly white, male and better off. That makes them increasingly <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/04/13/overworked-older-and-mostly-male-ireland-has-europes-weakest-local-government/\">unrepresentative</a> of a younger, more diverse population in which most women work outside the home and require childcare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76ZMTA3BIZFIHGGPZEWJISOOFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"KI4HQWHCMVBWZI24KEKAW5FOO4"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"PVA2Y6FHGNAKDOJXFBVNLZZMBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314169},"content":"Figures like these emerge from substantial comparative <a href=\"https://citizensassembly.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/report_dublincitizensassembly_final_lowres.pdf\">research </a>on the State’s local government. It is now associated with considerable activism by council organisations and trade unions representing people who work there. Their case was supported in a cross-party Seanad <a href=\"https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/33/seanad_public_consultation_committee/reports/2024/2024-10-10_report-on-the-future-of-local-democracy_en.pdf\">report </a>on the future of local democracy last month. After hearing from local representatives, executives, citizens and experts, the report calls for a reimagined local democracy in Ireland. It wants a local democratic taskforce appointed within three months of the new government taking office. It should tackle the reform and strengthening of local government to prevent the relentless process by which it is transformed into a mere local administration of central government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGHQSJB23ZDEXF237P7LMZ5HPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314170},"content":"A valuable accompanying report on local government functions from the Oireachtas library and research service tracks how many of them were removed from 1993 to 2024 in housing, roads, planning, health, fire services, waste management and education. This came on top of an already tightly circumscribed system controlled since the 1930s by executive managers appointed by and responsible to ministers. Councils have legally defined reserved powers, unlike many continental ones with a general responsibility for their area. As the report says: “While it is the norm in many countries for local government to be responsible for education, social welfare, health, economic development, and policing in Ireland many of these services are provided by central government departments or by public or state agencies.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWPVDZK6KZGT7HXACIAS7CG6JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314171},"content":"This further <a href=\"https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-handbook-of-irish-politics-9780198823834?cc=no&lang=en&#\">hollowing out</a> of an already weak local democracy was part of the austerity response to the 2008-2012 financial crisis. That its powers should be restored and even transformed was argued in a manifesto by the <a href=\"https://ailg.ie/ailg-launches-general-election-manifesto-to-strengthen-local-government-in-ireland/\">Association of Irish Local Government</a> during the campaign. They secured support from most political parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AOGTNJTU6BAZDIVPMG4WZXC5DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314172},"content":"Yet the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/promises-promises-what-do-the-election-2024-parties-stand-for-use-this-tool-to-compare-their-manifestos/\">party manifestos</a> vary widely on the priority afforded to local government. The Labour Party is most detailed and specific, while Sinn Féin, the Green Party and the Social Democrats make issue and function specific commitments to it. So does Fianna Fáil in a more generalised way, whereas Fine Gael stands over the centralisation it led since 2011.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2GQZHIC25CFDNBUQCHCYAMO5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314173},"content":"Irish government and bureaucratic mindsets are so centralised they cannot see how blind they are to the advantages of multilevel governance in planning for an expanding society demanding greater public services. More local democracy and local government better shared with the centre is not a silver bullet; but it would release greater citizen engagement, access and transparency with housing, health and care services. It would provide a legitimate basis for enlarging the tax base. But that would require a cultural revolution in such mindsets and practices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWFJAGZ3NRC23DBBA56SSQDDYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314174},"content":"This blindness is akin to government unwillingness to accept Ireland is a tax haven for multinational companies; to the preference for market driven solutions to public problems; to the failure to initiate large infrastructure planning in an expanding economy and society; and a reluctance to include a shared or united Ireland in such plans. Comparable experience from Europe is often obscured by an instinctive reliance on practices in Britain and Northern Ireland, which suffer from similar weaknesses. That new Ireland should be decentred.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N62D5JDVHJE7FOAI273UDDCHJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314175},"content":"In the bargaining around the formation of the next government there should be room for such a strategic shift in governance. It would be welcome to see stronger local government and democracy become a red line for coalition formation by those who take it most seriously. It is an issue that badly needs political leverage.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Paul Gillespie"}},"name":"Paul Gillespie"}]},"description":{"basic":"Worldview: Improving local democracy should be a priority in talks on the formation of the next government"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Local politicians are overworked, underpaid and unrepresentative","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YMH7EH4KN5H37KERDDX4KUI7GY","auth":{"1":"1637b7172f2b66c8621524e9442fb2434c84d6c8ff8b0c394afd6464e72c9b3e"},"focal_point":{"x":1514,"y":946},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YMH7EH4KN5H37KERDDX4KUI7GY.JPG"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/local-politicians-are-overworked-underpaid-and-unrepresentative/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"QLK66NJI45ARPGE2IB5W5DGUBY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":238,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/4e7b3583-cb5d-4c06-a303-65ded0a464d5/versions/1732861417/media/570d472c1f0fe940e4bda1b61cac1496_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732789358483},"content":"The Irish Times has you well covered with full coverage of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024</a> results across the weekend and beyond, as the makeup of the 34th Dáil is revealed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXLB4UUTFNGBXNU47BSEOZTENU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316278},"content":"We are likely in for a long weekend before we have a clear idea the 174 TDs who will make up the next Dáil but there are some key times when matters should become clearer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJLR3OSFBRHUDERRBIPQ354F3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316280},"content":"<b>Friday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"T6CKJNGNZZHZ7FHCHQNPG3U3CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316281},"content":"<b>10pm:</b> Polls in Election 2024 closed at 10pm and The Irish Times exit poll was published, indicating that the three largest parties - <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>- are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QX44WEKP5EG7OXECNTLX6XS5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732928073140},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A today for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD are as follows: <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>21.1 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> 19.5 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a><b> </b>21 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party </a>4 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour </a>5 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>5.8<b> </b>per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">Solidarity-People Before Profit</a><b> </b>3.1 per cent,<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\"> Aontú</a> 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6<b> </b>per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SO33UVSB3NFMRCPRYRIZMYMQSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732928073141},"content":"Read full details of the exit poll <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMNY4HZ4MFAOPIMTZFSAAVD4VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316283},"content":"<b>10.30/11pm:</b> Our political team discusses the exit poll findings in a special edition of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/\" target=\"_blank\">Inside Politics podcast</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2I4AZS64JASZNLFWT3QC5BEZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316284},"content":"<b>Saturday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"WUQVFJXVZNEBZGE7VEJVQISCTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424753},"content":"<b>8am Saturday: </b>Subscribers to our <b>Inside Politics newsletter</b> (you can <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\" target=\"_blank\">sign-up here</a>) will receive an election special edition newsletter with extra details from The Irish Times <b>exit poll.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZBDQFIWBZFWHK43HDB33HLSTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732809757810},"content":"<b>9am: </b>Counting begins in all 43 constituencies. Our rolling live coverage will feature up-to-the-minute news, analysis and reaction from when the first tallies emerge, to when counts are completed and seats filled. We will publish every count from every constituency in our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/results-hub/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024 Results Hub</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7MPGDGMYNF4HDN43FJLQG6I4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424755},"content":"Our politics team will provide analysis of the emerging results online, on our podcasts and via video while our columnists, including Justine McCarthy and Diarmaid Ferriter, will share their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2W6EAW4AVDOVG7PJYO7RR767I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424743},"content":"<b>Late afternoon/evening: </b>Details of first counts should start emerging on Saturday afternoon with first seats filled later on that afternoon and into the evening. Depending on the individual returning officers, counts in some constituencies may run into early on Sunday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XMEKZWIQRRHYNAXRRD3UPCDQFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424744},"content":"<b>Sunday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"C5KSFMIPTFCAFNKMA5SJGUCX24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424745},"content":"Counting will resume on Sunday morning and continue for most for the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7OXRAQ2PFDFLKLYKCXRVG3J3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424757},"content":"Our rolling live coverage will continue to cover the remaining counts and more analysis and opinion as the results become clear. In 2020, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cavan-monaghan/\" target=\"_blank\">Cavan-Monaghan</a> was the last constituency to complete counting with the final two seats filled shortly before midnight on the second day of counting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3L4PRI5NRF77JKFZJPKOZOUXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424758},"content":"We will publish profiles of each TD as they are elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKTGXHCDKNEERIFGAFD5LBQVD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316296},"content":"<b>Monday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"URI72BCNSVAYJILLFMZF5RNSCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316297},"content":"In print, we will have a 12-page special general election supplement with news, analysis and charts showing all declared results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PAPUZMHXFFC7NKSODEO7V5LZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316298},"content":"<b>Follow the election count on social media</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"J4ISJLVSSJDSZMQQPPHVMI3PFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424762},"content":"We will be posting rolling updates on our main social media accounts througout the weekend. Follow us on your preferred social platform to make sure you don’t miss a thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AQ4AIVCVBC5DI4V3YWXDRCATY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316299},"content":"Follow the election results on:","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Our political team will offer news, insight, analysis and opinion as the count unfolds"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T01:01:01.135Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election 2024: How The Irish Times will cover the results and key times to watch out for ","native":"How The Irish Times will cover the results and key times to watch out for"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU","auth":{"1":"32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"63QDIXFJ3NDYVBKSK6HHBALV6A","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/","content_elements":[{"_id":"364BIOFKLJA4ZF2LMM2EHXKRII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232180},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/\">results of the general election 2024 exit poll </a>suggest <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> will be in the driving seat to re-establish their coalition – though which party, or parties, or Independents, that might accompany them is likely to remain unclear for some time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"642VW623DVERZLIG2UW6HYUQDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232181},"content":"If the results are borne out when the actual votes are counted Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are likely to approach 75-80 seats between them, assuming a decent seat bonus, and a strong transfer between the two parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4XBXXRBBVCQPEEKVHOHAKMVQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232182},"content":"Those transfers will assume a high degree of importance as the counts unfold in coming days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB3C2OUU35BHDGZCK24733MVAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232183},"content":"Naturally, supporters of both parties transferred at higher rates to running mates from the same party. For Fine Gael voters it was at a rate of 37 per cent to other Fine Gael candidates. Fianna Fáil candidates were the second preference choice of 39 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EALAZKKOOFG4HA44DDIFH3EGMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232184},"content":"But once they have voted for their own party, they are transferring to their government partners in large numbers. The poll – conducted by Ipsos/B&A on Friday for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, finds that among Fine Gael voters 32 per cent said their second preference votes went to Fianna Fáil, while 30 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters said they transferred to Fine Gael.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LM43DUEAWZCCVGNZQS76SRSDAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232185},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> voters transferred at a rate of 48 per cent to second candidates from the same party. The next highest second preference votes from Sinn Féin supporters was to Independents. But the party is having a harder job attracting transfers from other parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBZUEXWXPVEITCSDF4M6M3HZF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232186},"content":"The highest second preference transfer rates between arch-rivals Labour and the Social Democrats were to each other. According to the exit poll some 22 per cent of second preferences from Labour voters went to the Social Democrats. Second preferences from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>supporters went to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour</a> at a rate of 23 per cent. Perhaps their voters are not as hostile to each other as the parties’ elected representatives sometimes<b> </b>seem to be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RLQJPFKFCBDWFHGP7MJZ5BEPQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232187},"content":"The results of the exit poll suggest Fine Gael’s campaign – which stuttered for much of the last three weeks – may have recovered in the final days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LEWO3VP7XJDBNKCTDMMWXXV3EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232188},"content":"While 21 per cent would represent the evaporation of the so-called ‘Harris Hop’ that saw the party reach as high as 27 per cent support levels in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/19/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-september-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A</a> poll in September, it is likely to be greeted with relief by the party leadership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUDVX4LMSRCBFJQ3QJIVLY5TAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232189},"content":"There were fears in the party during the past week that a collapse in the party’s vote might be under way – so while it is not the result that it anticipated or hoped for at the beginning of the campaign, the party will know it could have been worse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNRHZ6CYVBATRFDMZ2EAF5YDGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232190},"content":"Frankly, Fine Gael had a poor election campaign. It was on the defensive from the first weekend after Ryanair boss<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\"> Michael O’Leary’s controversial remarks </a>about teachers at a campaign launch for Fine Gael minister Peter Burke. For reasons best known to itself it persisted with John McGahon as a candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBPJQZTRRBCR7BWUMAVYKEGXKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232191},"content":"Then there was the Taoiseach Simon Harris’ blunder where he appeared dismissive in a campaign trail exchange with disabilities worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork. An apology from Mr Harris followed but the moment was seized upon by his political opponents and Fine Gael was on damage limitation for days. It was probably the standout moment of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"637V6WF57JE7ZOWR7KOLH4YYRU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4WMHHDRUUNBL7HA4HBUE6BBRLY"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-45369","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"RBFS5R3T2FCKDCCW62F6JNPWDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232192},"content":"But perhaps more damaging was a sort of strategic incoherence in Fine Gael’s message. The party embarked on a series of costly promises in the first half of the campaign, including the abolition of the means test for the carers’ allowance (which civil servants estimate could escalate to some €2 billion a year), the abolition of university fees, a €1,000 grant for every baby, double child benefit every August, etc.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WILVFIDGINHT7B6HPQC73DQQHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232193},"content":"These were an understandable reaction to public concern on the cost of living. But they sat awkwardly with the fears of the possible impact of the new Trump administration on corporation tax revenues here – and the claims that only Fine Gael had the instincts of prudence necessary for the potentially difficult times ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTE356R7ORDAVKE4A5KS6C33UU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232194},"content":"In the end, the tactic of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/fine-gael-turns-to-prudent-paschal-as-polling-day-looms/\" target=\"_blank\">putting Paschal Donohoe out front </a>for every day of the last week may have helped turn things around.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J4VHXOKTDVFT7HNZPASYLX4GRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232195},"content":"Fianna Fáil took a narrow lead in opinion polls published over the last week, so will be disappointed to come in third – if that is borne out by the results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIBVRMJPTJG75A6B2WFPQVU22A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232196},"content":"Party leader Micheál Martin – who had a solid, if unspectacular, campaign – consistently argues that Fianna Fáil outperforms opinion polls. The party will hope its greater number of incumbent candidates than Fine Gael and the possibility of getting transfers from its Coalition partner will push it over 20 per cent and ahead of its rivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJNPH56Y7FBOREKRQBAFHSV6X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232197},"content":"For Sinn Féin there will be relief that the string of controversies it faced in the build up to the election campaign appear not to have overly damaged the party’s current support levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IR32OFOD5G4NC5JKH5LC3BNZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"G6BO37SLCBCBNKKWCCEJE4T5CE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"M4LTF2IXYBH3JBIYYW4O5LSQTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232198},"content":"The exit poll result is a far cry from the 36 per cent the party had in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2022/07/14/coalition-support-slumps-in-irish-times-poll-as-cost-of-living-bites/\" target=\"_blank\">The Irish Times poll from July 2022</a>, but it is considerably better than the just under 12 per cent of first preference share the party got in June’s local election. Mary Lou McDonald was a dynamo on the campaign trail. But in a series of difficult moments in interviews and debates, she also clearly conveyed the party’s shortcomings – the difficulty of outlining exactly what “change” would mean in real terms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PREG2MAVINGAPGSN2GS7PNMAAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232199},"content":"However, if the exit poll proves correct, it’s hard to see how the party has a route to government. It could well finish first in the popular vote for the second time in a row, but face another five years in opposition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQNW6OGAWFCFVP6D2KSVCLVWUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232200},"content":"The next Dáil is set to have more Independent TDs returned – but the tsunami of new independent TDs predicted by some is unlikely on the basis of these numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FO25KIZNJVCVLEWWA3ZSLAX73M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232201},"content":"There were 21 Independents elected in 2020 on just over 13 per cent of the vote so the 12.7 per cent, plus the 2.2 per cent for new party Independent Ireland in the exit poll would indicate that their numbers will grow. But the Independent Ireland showing – though surely many of its most prominent members will return to the next Dáil – will be a disappointment to the founders who believed they were set to become a new force in Irish politics. Not on the basis of these numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LT47DUSG4BE33IWQMS7H6OXF2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232202},"content":"The three centre left parties, the Green Party, Labour and the Social Democrats, are all bunched on between 4 and 5.8 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RY6O6S436VF2JKB6KEATXY2UXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232203},"content":"The Green Party is down substantially from the 7 per cent it got in the 2020 general election, but if the exit poll result is correct, it may hold more seats than might have been expected. Like all small parties though, it will be on a knife edge in many constituencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3LISB5LQORDM5LKBZVHQZ5BFJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232204},"content":"The Social Democrats are ahead of arch rivals Labour – which will delight them. But observers will doubtless point out that their combined support of nearly 11 per cent would make them the clear second party of opposition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQAUDFHR5RDCLHVGDOKF5S4GJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232205},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">People Before Profit</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">Solidarity</a> is close enough to the 2.6 per cent of the vote it got in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3V6B62FAGBCMPBIKYB6HFFKDJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232206},"content":"Peadar Tóibín’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\">Aontú</a> had an excellent campaign and looks on course to substantially improve on its 2020 vote share of just under 2 per cent, with 3.6 per cent in the exit poll. That gives it a real shot of increasing its Dáil numbers – but it’s impossible to predict the individual constituency fortunes of any of the small parties from these big national numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FI6RZIDUQJHRBJ2YEQWHFP6PWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232207},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sinn Féin could well finish first in the popular vote for the second time in a row, but face another five years in opposition"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T00:04:58.73Z","headlines":{"basic":"Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI","auth":{"1":"1d9c930c8a67396404719766bccb9f7d237191befa0a1c0b6b8d63deb0a04e07"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"XRRD5YWUF5F2PKK7FYZCURMVEM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-live-updates-voting-begins-at-polling-stations-around-the-country/","content_elements":[{"_id":"G757OC2DQVHXZHWM32PH3NYU5I","additional_properties":{"_id":"5YYXQKGXRRCSFNOU5VQ3NEY3DU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732902949827},"id":"timestamp-73418","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DQBFHPUTTZHUVISIXDYUZO2JV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732903618094},"content":"Collective Action for Palestine will be at the count centre at the RDS on Saturday and other groups will be at count centres around Ireland this weekend, <b>Ronan McGreevy reports</b>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7HOB3HONJAJ3HWUTINN3DXF5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732903618095},"content":"They claim to represent large parts of Irish society and will be telling elected politicians that they must impose sanctions on Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYQRXTLGZVCXPJG656CFHYH64I","additional_properties":{"_id":"OQ7HWQMZ7JBTTNTZL2TVSPH2TM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732904699764},"id":"timestamp-31126","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EMAXTO6ZOJHQXOMHJOPS4FYY2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070536},"content":"Across Dublin city constituencies, the average turnout was 30.8 per cent at 4.30pm, <b>Jade Wilson reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UEOALXG4RCEXO2LNGSJN7R3XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070537},"content":"The average turnout in Kildare North at 3.30pm was 28 per cent. In Kildare South, it was 26.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG6KNVQDZNFYJLZESTRIN22LXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070538},"content":"Turnout across urban Mayo by 4pm was as high as 34 per cent in some polling stations, with a low of 26 per cent at others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LFSMH27XRNAWHFNBYLSSLVP3RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070539},"content":"In rural Mayo, turnout was highest at 39 per cent in one polling station, though most were between 26 per cent to 30 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIHY5ABHDFD45MQDS6Q7EZC2XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070540},"content":"Returning officers did not have comparison information for the last general election to report at this point in the day. It’s understood they may have this data to share after the 8pm percentage count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2IX63HW2FDWVNKFH653UTHJUY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VB34TAWVQRDYRBNOR2BH4VB3VE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732906080193},"id":"timestamp-27582","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MTHYXCKVHBAVPJIVLZFK3K73AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615441},"content":"Turnout in Dublin County’s local authority areas (Fingal, South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown) was at an average of 34 per cent by 5pm, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDR24QXEQNAHPGTT37HYULN3XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615443},"content":"Shortly after 5pm, turnout across Cork City, was between 33 per cent to a high of 48 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WIVOTH64QVHGTEFHHN2MSFUHUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615444},"content":"In Cork County, it was between 32.9 per cent and 38 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHHAQQAUT5HV7DVOU7NNWC7JKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615445},"content":"Limerick City and Limerick County had a turnout just over 30 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYFQRVO2KVA3LFM6DNZT5S6BJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615446},"content":"In Dundalk, turnout after 5pm was between 29 to 39 per cent rurally, whilst in urban Dundalk it was between 23 to 38 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KT73HBX36BHXNNYDFMHHJ6ALMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615447},"content":"Turnout in Cavan after 6pm was above 30 per cent in some polling stations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHAOP2CDIJDXJAN7F2WV3RTPNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615448},"content":"Many polling stations say their next data will be ready at 8pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UVYMLGOQFE75PA4MKEZ25KLNA","additional_properties":{"_id":"YUY7APWTU5GTDKXTSBCTHLHMV4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732909457893},"id":"timestamp-49577","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"J45H4QDYTBCKDMJGPSJFGCPWPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909554999},"content":"Some ballot papers in the Limerick City constituency accidentally featured candidates’ names in reverse alphabetical order, according to reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAIUE5MPSZC4NNTSJJLHUHTMCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555000},"content":"The error could possibly render the result in the constituency void as electoral law states that candidates’ names should be listed in alphabetical order, <a href=\"https://www.limerickpost.ie/2024/11/29/ballot-faux-pas-could-scupper-election-result-in-limerick-city-constituency/#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\">according to the Limerick Post</a>. On some ballot papers today, Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Féin featured first rather than last.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z3MTT5NPTRF23EDFUPUVLW7ENI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555001},"content":"In the past, some candidates have changed their names or used their Irish names to push themselves to the top of the ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3SB2F22NVFMZIGYWDJUIGRDMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555002},"content":"Éamon Ó Cuív previously dropped the Ó in his surname for electoral purposes. Research published by UCD following the 2011 general election found being first on the ballot paper is worth 544 first preference votes in an average constituency, or 1.27 per cent of the vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFZE7XTYJZENRIPG4TNVQSDYJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"3KW5FBRVQ5HHJI5OQ4X3G2V234"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732909566200},"id":"timestamp-57185","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A5HNLOYFIBGFXCURNFQZT5AV2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732910922719},"content":"In Mayo turnout at 7pm ranged from 60 per cent in rural Murrisk to 36.7 per cent in Castlebar primary school, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"U67ASEOIVVDB7P7QVMKLA2USSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732910922720},"content":"We are expecting more turnout figures shortly after 8pm. The Irish Times will publish the exit poll at 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGNWFOIKOBGBHFD3OVJUPXOZPM","additional_properties":{"_id":"2L5XTBADANHJVBNXUVN4JPCDQE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732911729937},"id":"timestamp-95974","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5IXMP7PSYNHSXBGZJMUSTDA3NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912797198},"content":"Remember if you’re voting tonight to park safely. Even on election day, the clampers are still on duty.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7IRPK5I6RE4BMYZUWHB2IBYNQ","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TRZ3ZTBXYZB7VMFFDYTFNCHUYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"YRT3CND3UVHR7PXUMN6NXTTE6Q"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732912953496},"id":"timestamp-99327","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EJ5QZVS2R5E3DCW6HTNZG5QHZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913089061},"content":"Anyone trapped in a count centre this weekend (or indeed next week) will enjoy writer Richy Craven’s novel idea for a Rom Com.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4BVR3ZY2NALHLZHSVWJ2UTGYM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"OWCJCECMF5BGJODI2HIXXI3M6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"EI2CXRB4F5CZXLUZTL2EIVKWDA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732913685396},"id":"timestamp-55998","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"HMMX4FMNK5CKRMSQCA6PBDQWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913898957},"content":"Turnout figures as of 8pm are coming in from Dublin, Galway and Cavan, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZLWWGAMNVHKJEKLKZKJENH4IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914000524},"content":"In Dublin, voter turnout had reached 51 per cent at 8pm across seven constituencies: Dublin Fingal West, Dublin Fingal East, Dublin West, Dublin Mid West, Dublin South West, Dublin Rathdown and Dún Laoghaire, according to the returning officer there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RGVB7YB3ZBDJCIVMSJZHT7ZZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913898959},"content":"In Galway city, voter turnout was ranging from 42 per cent to 54 per cent just after 8pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVLGJ6PFIFFWVEE6I36DBTVTEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914000526},"content":"In Cavan county, turnout in Ballyjamesduff reached 54 per cent, while in Cootehill it rose from 27 per cent at 4pm to 40 per cent at 6.30pm. Cavan town stood at 41.3 per cent, Bailieborough was at 54 per cent and Virginia was at 51.12 per cent at 6.30pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOTW6XUKURHCRA2HFBOCIIHASA","additional_properties":{"_id":"TY4MLUV4UBHCFERSMWJPX6PUNU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732914015707},"id":"timestamp-266","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"Y33DC547URDLFITGRZMGPHDYJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914274530},"content":"We will be publishing an exit poll at 10pm on the button which will give the first real indication as to how the country has voted today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HYDEPWC3RCFHDFKXZET2AISUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914274531},"content":"The poll is a joint project of The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and the Department of Political Science at Trinity College Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYSEMVLBCZDUBJQCIZELJPLOZA","additional_properties":{"_id":"CR7LXC56HJBELBD22EJFMH2FTI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732914284850},"id":"timestamp-64000","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"H7CAWZAY4NAQLPJ32ZT3FXGU4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732915392174},"content":"In Cork South West the turnout figures at 8pm stood at 55.4 per cent, while it was at 50.3 per cent in Cork East and 57.4 per cent in Cork North West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGXMV3GBBRHXJDVKYW4X7W5PQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732915392175},"content":"In Monaghan town at 8.30pm the turnout was 52.8 per cent; in Clones it rose to 53 per cent; and in Castleblayney it stood at 38 per cent at 7pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZJE25UKJVCUFK7U7SU2BTZHLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"26YHLVV23RHCNDCXYIDQHTFN7A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732915401553},"id":"timestamp-46521","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ROMHY3KMUNBHBGIKJQWGO2I4VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139672},"content":"How accurate are exit polls? Well the exit poll at the last general election got Fianna Fáil’s 22.2 per cent first preference vote exactly right.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2IXIQIAH5FQ5DOWX5IL4EMRTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139673},"content":"Of the other two biggest parties, it slightly overestimated Fine Gael’s vote, giving the party 22.4 per cent (after the votes were counted it had 20.9 per cent) and it slightly underestimated Sinn Féin, giving the party 22.3 per cent, 2.2 per cent less than its 24.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZAFJ3SAZRCLXKVJOTUYHW7TSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139674},"content":"This year’s exit poll will be published here at 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILQC23OJSCAK7JMM6S6XYIXK5U","additional_properties":{"_id":"6AXZYCVGAFEWTL4OESIEDDFBG4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ENUDP4LZGFET5GW4ICQTTHSVOY","additional_properties":{"_id":"4JERWL2IZVEADEJB6IF66AYEIM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732919809303},"id":"timestamp-57592","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"XKDJMEHEIZBOJFWY46SLWNZGIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889778},"content":"Limerick ballot box update","type":"header"},{"_id":"OEGA55QRWRHKFDTGX3QPQCDK7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889779},"content":"More from <b>David Raleigh</b> on the ballots in Limerick city on which candidates’ names appeared in reverse alphabetical order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HQLZ3EOYVCZDEK7PTQMH4P5EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889780},"content":"Sinn Féin TD candidate Maurice Quinlivan said: “The fact ‘they’ can’t get basic things right, like the alphabetical order of the candidates is an absolute scandal, and it is simply not good enough - this is a ridiculous situation to be in.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABGJZQ6YANBUJHGKC4MDF666SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889781},"content":"Speaking to The Irish Times, Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea said he did not believe the error would influence the outcome as “most voters look for the photographs” of those standing. “I think it should be ok,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXRVLK3IDRDYXHVQRM4JU7EXJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889782},"content":"“I did notice that I had to look way down the paper to see my own name and it was only when it was pointed to me that I realised what had happened.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QDMMLES6VBVDDX7TPXTR42TWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889783},"content":"“But if the outcome is very close [for some candidates] then the outcome could be challenged in court,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BK6CX5DWCNHKNEDSHNZWUWCU4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889784},"content":"A spokesperson for the Limerick city returning officer said that they were “aware of the issue” and that it would be addressed at the count centre on Saturday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZKBJD7SANC4VIFCRN54KPHVPU","additional_properties":{"_id":"XQNL5LYKUBFYRJFZUDAET44HCA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921034129},"id":"timestamp-81208","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"L7OTNEZXIFFQRKNN6SH4ZJMM2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889786},"content":"UCD Professor of Political Economy Aidan Regan points out the exit poll is more evidence of a decline in the strength of the traditional Civil War parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXL63RN3QNCLZCWAPYL2UQNHD4","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"WCZXLKUIJVDX3FIQ4D22KQ2XRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"7IHVRH6OD5GWVMBIT7J57CNCAA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921899310},"id":"timestamp-95077","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"3OTI4I2QHVD2PG7JFCCXL6OB4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732922925493},"content":"Listen: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation?","type":"header"},{"_id":"5JGQFFMPPNBXHLQ7GSHGAZUORE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732922925494},"content":"Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to share the results of The Irish Times exit poll for the 2024 general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YN7F5UYIRHAZOXMABTHE54RYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"C76AYGQF7FC3DGC6MFIEKNEU4E"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-8562","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NBWIRBVZABBYLNULS4ANFUMBAU","additional_properties":{"_id":"XAG63RW4URG25N6L72ONODB4ME"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863650833},"id":"timestamp-13289","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5X72FZTDPBEQ5G3V5PBOQ4OTQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382755},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">Polling stations</a> have opened across the 43 constituencies in the State and voting will continue until 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULVSNVD55BAQZH5PBIQVPABQYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382756},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people will be eligible to vote. That is up 423,000 voters since the 2020 election with over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TQMVOGHZ5EWVKNNH4RVF33AOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382757},"content":"If the turnout is decent we could see more people casting their vote than at any point in the history of the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMGBUB5ELJCZZGVCR4ET6QEUY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382758},"content":"Once the clock strikes 10pm, the ballot boxes will be sealed and securely transported to the 32 count centres where they will say until 9am tomorrow when the magic – and the madness – of an Irish election count will get under way in earnest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYP2XRVSG5CALPJCNVJMVZSNQY","additional_properties":{"_id":"RCXLSAOD7ZGNPNQCI6JTXG3KJ4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863739840},"id":"timestamp-10013","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2Y5IIZY7IJEWPBYG7JDEHCHT74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382760},"content":"Today will be a long enough day with not a huge amount happening – at least in terms of canvassing – but we will be with you to cover it all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SUH46Q64ZJD4FLXUYG7LTLLY7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382761},"content":"While we might be in the calm before the political storm right now, things will change at 10pm when the first results of an Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD exit poll conducted by Ipsos B&A will be released. That might give us an early and very tentative sign as to what will happen next and who will form the next Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAWRKRUYFJCLRLPVFBRLU7RSII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382762},"content":"It won’t be definitive mind you. As the counts go on – and on and on and on – throughout tomorrow transfers and second, third and fourth preferences will come into play in a big way and until the last seat is filled we probably won’t be sure who are next Taoiseach will be and what party they will be from.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F7DCK477KRCZFN4PPWGKGFZ4XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382763},"content":"It is a long process for sure but isn’t that what makes it all exciting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2L66JD5KJEUPGTMB5AUKXGASE","additional_properties":{"_id":"G7KPUJYUYFA6TNWZZ3U6MOTTRU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732864782143},"id":"timestamp-32819","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UZECM6XOBZCTFDLIPXRA2TO6OY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732865077487},"content":"How do you vote? What do you need? Where should you go? We have all – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/\" target=\"_blank\">or at least some</a> – of your election questions answered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RAE65K5OJBFXHETO2XT7VKKGIE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UDJPDDAGCJD4HOOV3DUG75KWIQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732865085207},"id":"timestamp-64234","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UYSVXEU5UBEQRCIF3OQ6U42LNU","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4I44JQDQJZHDJINUHOEEW2IP3I","additional_properties":{"_id":"B2ZFVJZMZJERTNQ56UXGC7JUH4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732866065602},"id":"timestamp-27231","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"RN2XP5EWBFEUVFGIVRPAFCE6VE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831482},"content":"“Identifying target seats in Irish general election is an art more than a science. Unless there is a huge surge for one or two parties – as happened in 1992, 2011 and again in 2020 – gains and losses happen at the margins.” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/\" target=\"_blank\">This piece </a>from <b>Harry McGee</b> is well worth a few minutes of your day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVLKHLVD4BGG7CY6D7KQR4C6AY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GDWJWY2GDVBBTHZHHGZ7YZJPTY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732866764993},"id":"timestamp-31603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UBSUO3YD2NDUDOP4JSOPH2BJVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831484},"content":"“The people of Ireland will vote for freedom.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKB6OFMJFVDQHJ3MO33ZAXHUD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831485},"content":"That is Elon Musk’s view anyways, for what it’s worth. He took to the platform formerly known as Twitter overnight to share it. He also shared a video of a lot of people walking around flying the tricolour to a soundtrack of stirring music and chants of “Get them out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBRPHREVY5FWTG6KTEHOED5IPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831486},"content":"Now you know.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MHSV5B3HJCYRF57ERZW6XL3LU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4UEIK4RCPVE4THD67NRVBXEI6M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732867840212},"id":"timestamp-12880","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BR3IQCNLDBALVPNT7JKRKSXRWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732868908504},"content":"Still undecided? That’s okay, we have you covered on that score too. We’re not going to tell you who to vote for, like, but t<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/election-2024-how-do-your-views-match-with-election-candidates-in-your-area-use-this-tool-to-find-out/\" target=\"_blank\">he WhichCandidate voting aid tool </a>might help you to find out who you agree with on a range of policies","type":"text"},{"_id":"99b36e44-04d2-4a86-b384-cd5c4fbf90d0","additional_properties":{"_id":"YTEDZSBNQRBC7HYR75Y6WSJCY4"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"OA543LYQSZE4RLFZ3E2GRUXADY","additional_properties":{"_id":"CB4BWXVIXRALLDFI5HU7DVHB2A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732869027748},"id":"timestamp-59739","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BEA7OYI2KBEGLDIUFUAEZ3ADIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895305},"content":"Our voting system is many things but uncomplicated is not one of them. How does it work?<b> Sarah Burns </b>has some answers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEPGHREF6JBJXOJSYI7UBIGAUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"HH56JDV3CFDN5LBLZITIUHN7P4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732869208013},"id":"timestamp-60077","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PIPMOATDYFDKDBSIYCU4YDK23I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895307},"content":"Simon Harris has aid he was “feeling really good today” as he arrived with his family at Delgany National School in Co Wicklow to vote just before 7.30am.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G5D67DNALNAIFAFFDWRCD2ALAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895308},"content":"“I’m feeling really hopeful, hopeful in terms of the election, but hopeful for the future of our country,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7Y5VM5XUBDY3MYRUXZ2SEMQ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895309},"content":"“I wanted to vote early because I now want to head across our country today, continuing to encourage everyone to get out and have their say in this election.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAUIDW2FK5E7LIYUFHXRFKCPBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895310},"content":"Asked whether he was glad the campaign was over, the Taoiseach said he had enjoyed the campaign and making a pitch for his vision for the country’s future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LMWQZ3G4RAGBAR22WK4CVQPB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895311},"content":"He said he would be working until polls close at 10pm and is expected to travel to counties Carlow, Laois, Monaghan and Tipperary, as well as Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3SPVZUY3VBW7LLCHMVTFY6ABM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NVK6W75X6BDH5JF7CXFYVFJW2Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732871757350},"id":"timestamp-32217","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CXDCANP7WFAPVMLB6SKQSIQF6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895313},"content":"And in case you miss it, this is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/\" target=\"_blank\">how we will be covering the count.</a> It’s an all hands on deck kind of affair.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GFN3VR3YRBBFHNHOLRMHVENUM","additional_properties":{"_id":"6PAGZ25AR5DJVG2VQR2H62RKHM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732871904535},"id":"timestamp-3090","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"P7NPHJWNSK6HXO3UPGSU4FIXHE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UV4MF3WGTRBV5P5Q672R376LZ4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BFG6TXIJUVEU7MRYXTUTAR4SUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"YD5J7TYSABCDNLAVCTXSWZUZGQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732872207628},"id":"timestamp-51225","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G7KCASHRWZHWFANMKRQS5WFSWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607566},"content":"Don’t write up Louth, up the Dubs, up Mayo","type":"header"},{"_id":"PNBJTSYE3BGVXB2LPRM6MADHKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607567},"content":"An Coimisiún Toghcháin’s head of electoral operations Tim Carey has warned voters not to write anything but numbers on their ballot papers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJHRAFZAFJBEZFRV3MKF7NEJ2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607568},"content":"Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland he reminded voters to “start with the number one and then work your way down the ballot with as much or as few candidates as you want. Don’t write up Louth, up the Dubs, up Mayo, don’t comment on one of the politicians or anything like that because if you do your vote may not be counted.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTH4VRBY7FFA7BA33QL2VH74DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607569},"content":"He also warned people against taking selfies in the booth. “Take a selfie outside the polling station by the sign, but not inside the polling station.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNBJTSYE3BGVXB2LPRM6MADHKA_1","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607570},"content":"Care said people should also make sure their ballot is properly stamped at the polling stations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OO2H64THSFEYNFFPAMEQ67EYLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607571},"content":"“If that is not done, and in a very small percentage of cases it is not because they are busy or they just forget, your vote won’t count – it is actually an invalid vote,” he said. “So, make sure it is stamped.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T47TDMD7DIS6ZDY2OKHGNVQHJM","additional_properties":{"_id":"AHGUYNMBQRHGJGCGKPPX4U2CQ4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DK3XB64VCNCBNLALK54RIT23XE","additional_properties":{"_id":"EFUSQR6QNVGNBLZVEHLZFJKWF4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732876532241},"id":"timestamp-28553","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CGYPK7MMYRBPVN7UZSGPBJLQ7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794373},"content":"The Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said he is “cautiously hopeful” of the outcome of what he called a “close fought” election battle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYEUUXHP2VATNHRLWCR2RW3NQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794374},"content":"He said his Fianna Fáil party had a “stronger team” than they had in the 2020 election, when they came back with 38 seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MO7JFF54IRGNJM22PDXR7XHDFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794375},"content":"Asked will he sleep on Friday night and before count day, he said “oh I will yeah”. Asked if he has any rituals on count day, Mr Martin said “I take it easy”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KF5BS44KMBEK5HO6TWCNVS2VXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794376},"content":"“I’ll have a very good breakfast tomorrow morning, and I tell everyone not to come near me until about midday,” he said in Cork. I don’t want to hear a tally from the 44th box, no point. I can go over all that later.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCO2PMTZ25FQ5IR5OXELIHRJQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794377},"content":"“Actually, I’m very relaxed on count day and the only challenge is to make sure that I can keep the noise out. I will probably go into town and do a few things, go to Douglas market maybe. Then in around midday, 1pm maybe, depending when the tally will be finished, head to the count centre, and it’s very familiar ground for me, Nemo Rangers, and I’ll enjoy that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3V6OLSGYVBRDMEHPZSUEOUY2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794378},"content":"“Maybe that’ll be a good omen,” he said, referring to the fact that his son Micheal Aodh plays football for Nemo Rangers GAA club.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JG3BGLQIWVAPJL3WDU2HB45EP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"4J3BZM4XVVFTPEV3QGUAEY2LEQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732876861448},"id":"timestamp-10510","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AX7DTGEMVM5TWME5E5DYYYU5XI","additional_properties":{"_id":"UTEF4PHNXBBGLFRU44ZFDQMLGI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TW2WU4NUFFBLZOVZDKMQMY4Z3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"4KEBAN4MEBARPOL5QKKUAEOUSA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732877280096},"id":"timestamp-62193","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"22G6VQ3D3NGRXGMNAUFJSSUWRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794382},"content":"There is some talk of turnout coming in. It is very early in the day and across the country between 3 and 5 per cent of the electorate have already cast their ballots. According to some reports, Dublin has been slightly busier that it was at this point in the 2020 election. Still very early days mind you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"562I7ZIJ5RCPFI3BYY2PXPUIKA","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZPBJHDJ6FRCXFJJLKXECUR6OLE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732879624229},"id":"timestamp-56898","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UPGMPEHV75GUDDPHKYI37Y4FYM","additional_properties":{"_id":"EC3JOPPXJRCYZNQDWPKFADEWWM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XY3SFO6VNRCC5KN54QJLLZ2SKA","additional_properties":{"_id":"75T2S4PV5ZCZXMQ3WBGBHHQG5M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880136040},"id":"timestamp-88339","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5W6HFHYK25FF5CGT3F5JROIDMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394480},"content":"The Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said today is not the day to talk about the exact make-up of any future Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOB5O4DVMFHOTOUJ2WY4HSXT6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394481},"content":"<b>Barry Roche </b>reports that when he was asked if he would be happy to be a rotating Taoiseach after the election he said “we’re not getting into that today. The people are voting today. Let’s have respect for the people.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IO7IR27HEFDMZCXBLVY6R7ARB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394482},"content":"He said he was “fighting to be Taoiseach, I’m campaigning to be Taoiseach after the next election, but nothing is certain until every vote is counted. And then there is the aftermath of election in terms of what happens within Dáil Éireann itself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"REEP63WDAZD4DBEK24FCN5T4PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394483},"content":"So there is a lot of hard work ahead, but certainly I did have a good feeling in the last two to three days in terms of the response that I was getting after the debates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTXNUGMRQRH6VBXX43SMMBUBLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394484},"content":"He said the decision is “now in the hands of the people. We can’t be predicting anything now, at this stage, other than that, we fought a positive campaign. We’ve got a good response.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZILRB7GBVAOFHHEL7CVODDBBI","additional_properties":{"_id":"D64GIVLWJBEQ3OTDW7A2HAZBZU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880405081},"id":"timestamp-44220","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6MD54PS4MFBFHBH74UYERHQ6JI","additional_properties":{"_id":"5HFHMDOLENFIRHQTZKHPIXMTS4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880415758},"id":"timestamp-29966","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"KQ7E5B4BMBBAXC5KDUJ4IN3HIM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"KHEKXSV7KNFP5D7M6VSRLAWKGI","additional_properties":{"_id":"BVFMJX62W5AIHADVVUPV4DFONU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880977983},"id":"timestamp-41921","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BXS2D7FRAFBZ7P2PFPRLCVEIFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197459},"content":"<b>Jade Wilson </b>has a fresh update on turnout in Dublin and Kildare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43Z5YSRK2NAMDOTIFX4DG62HCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197460},"content":"As of 9.30am this morning, voting constituencies across Dublin city had an average turnout of 3.68 per cent, with the exact turnouts for each constituency in the area below.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5TQ6A5KH5CYLEQBIQ7MVEB7YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197461},"content":"Dublin North West: 3.8 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWN7RW5T5VA4LEVJA5NWYLTLN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197462},"content":"Dublin Bay North: 2.4 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NTG5ZAR7JCXXMKS7WRRD6QQRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197463},"content":"Dublin Central: 4.5 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"MNXXF6K6VBAKJGCUZKLS4I6ND4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197464},"content":"Dublin Bay South: 5.15 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIWZNUX2R5CATMFFYVFM4A7CN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197465},"content":"Dublin South Central: 2.55 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"2IHVOGX435BMNPGFXKBKMUXJNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197466},"content":"Across Kildare North and South at the same time, there was an average turnout between 5 per cent and 6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LM5ZDY2KX5CGVIG4VLCC2X7XTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197467},"content":"The next check with returning officers will be at around 12.30pm, we’re told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XNOYSPDOVABDHOBVBTRPX6VUE","additional_properties":{"_id":"6QG4UFQBGVCPNNB4TOJYM4VCQE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732881237818},"id":"timestamp-63195","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"FOHYYHSRZ5MIZXEWR7DJ5TCJ7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"DEH5NOV3NBFBPPK3VJ6GLTZOQI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VJO6XTM72JBNNCKMZKRDSTJJTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OBEMFFE6KBGONAMI6ZDLTPMOCY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732882092607},"id":"timestamp-87062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SKREDAEYHBGCBFN4OMEUHEXC7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197471},"content":"Have you ever wondering what overseas journalists make of our somewhat complicated voting system?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBIOQ73D3ZGRXFLJOGEPDJ63HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197472},"content":"And how are international media organisations covering the elections here? <b>Sarah Burns</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/im-sort-of-bracing-myself-for-the-days-of-counting-ahead-foreign-journalists-views-on-the-general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">has been finding out.</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"43L3EYNO5FAWDA5MEMBEOIQAFU","additional_properties":{"_id":"AWZ3HKDVM5D6XHJCTQ4PYE6UPE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732883208963},"id":"timestamp-79534","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PUJSNEY5DZE7DF5SQIFG2CKDV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541906},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has cast her vote in at the Deaf Village in Cabra.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B64UVOCPARCRLCQP7L22BXF4DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541907},"content":"“We’ve lost count of the number of conversations that we’ve had with people with disabilities, children waiting and waiting for services, and that is really hard and really unacceptable, but we need to mark today with a note of optimism and hope and confidence and ambition, because today is election day,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WA3T4KW25F6FLHRYE6BEZWJCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541908},"content":"“And the great beauty of this, and it’s a moment of almost, of actual unique equality for every citizen, because your vote holds exactly the same weight, whether you’re down on your luck and you’re struggling, or if you’re a multi millionaire, your vote carries equal weight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YD3JCKMVSFF6NFIAO55RWMRDU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541909},"content":"“So this is the moment where people can really shape the next Government, and we need a new Government, but really have your say on an equal basis. So I always think that that’s a really positive thing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VUBOPMFTZE7LC2H7DMXCZ2JOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"CFXUMT6U5FDSPEG2P24AK2RBEM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884459724},"id":"timestamp-54460","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GFXLVTS64JG65KNDW76C6WCZUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541911},"content":"Some more turnout news from<b> Jade Wilson</b>, this time from Cavan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6GLWBDZTVEV3PGWQ4X5LWIAWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541912},"content":"At Bailieborough count centre, the turnout at 10am was 6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMPKDV44ENFZXD544QEHIWBMWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541913},"content":"In Ballyjamesduff, it was 8 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JDSXI4S3VBPZD5WIDMIGFCKJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541914},"content":"By 11am, turnout at St Clare’s count centre in Cavan was 9.17 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5DTUFJJD5GT7LIIKEA363JQBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541915},"content":"And the turnout for Virginia in Co Cavan at 12pm is 14.14 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CESLIUJNRFHVPN5NGPWOGFJOO4","additional_properties":{"_id":"GOGBNB3FJ5CI5G7EQ5LWDTQK34"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884554229},"id":"timestamp-16062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"S6RQIKCZHBEVJIOSPBW2UEHAVY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FWIQPUMF2RC6LCNZZBTCTCIX3M"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZHF7GUML4NDNJBLUOSLRD7OOAI","additional_properties":{"_id":"BHK3YZTTMFGKZAPBI6AMNMWEHE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884681595},"id":"timestamp-94982","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"C6M7E5F2SFHA3CN3RL6DWI33MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543083},"content":"The President, Michael D Higgins cast his vote in the Phoenix Park this morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZJVBGFXBRE77OSJXOY2BQL5SE","subtype":"instagram","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4BC6C74PEZEENPRBOA62TW6BMA","additional_properties":{"_id":"JVIZNHDDDBEGRNGFULA6ITAJVY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884758842},"id":"timestamp-82544","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AVZ2SYXQTBHNLCAVSNB47TH7YU","additional_properties":{"_id":"TUNXU76JFNCCJKVDCV5ACOT66E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884842480},"id":"timestamp-43879","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"T4HULRO7PBHUZCODQPMANMPT3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543087},"content":"We have some very good news from the leader of one party which we really must share while stressing it should not be taken as an indication of any bias on our part.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPKRKCTZMJDCJDLYW2BU5CSAII","subtype":"instagram","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"7Z66KWBIEZH55PVFPQL462JMZY","additional_properties":{"_id":"C5RWUG6HLBEBVHACOGY36AKN5I"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732885546473},"id":"timestamp-83194","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"F7DGBL4DQNDCDIOHET6QBKBP6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543090},"content":"More news on turnouts around the country from <b>Jade Wilson.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3YLMZIQONGEJLRNI5TYT5LYSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543091},"content":"Turnout across polling stations in Galway West is currently 8 per cent to 14 per cent at, while Galway East count centres have turnouts of 11 per cent to 16 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMMZRU5ZENAQDDT5LAAMA3L5IU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543092},"content":"Turnout in rural Mayo polling stations is currently 9 to 18 per cent, and between 9 and 12.3 per cent in urban Mayo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCMRMMJJ3JFUXLCGQ7XHMFR6EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543093},"content":"In Dundalk, some of the rural polling stations are now seeing over 20 per cent turnout.","type":"text"},{"_id":"74WWWEHG45B3XCYEK5BZBHZR6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543094},"content":"Kilcurry polling station has a turnout of 28 per cent, and Sheelagh has 22 per cent so far.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZUDJ5VXCFEEFKJGPJLEPM6QBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543095},"content":"In urban Dundalk, turnout is currently between 12.5-15 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QULW4ZWV6BGW3NA75TV75N2LF4","additional_properties":{"_id":"WEBU2QF6TNAD3LOQPQE5UW2HME"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732886270993},"id":"timestamp-66382","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SWWQ6JT77BFKXLD44VRXI7RP2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543097},"content":"In the Sandymount area of Dublin Bay South constituency the turn out was at 20 per cent by 12.30pm. Officials say is “well above” the turnout rate at the same time for the local and European elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPA5S5MYQ5AYDLE65LMBODO5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"7DSFDZXKGVBNZAG4HIQVYWCNMY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732886556104},"id":"timestamp-3427","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MUV3FLU57RDZ3JSUA3N3GIA7IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861468},"content":"<b>Harry McGee </b>has done a breakdown of how the election might shake up for some parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAWX7BOASJFKRC52FJTLUP67YM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861469},"content":"<b>GREEN PARTY</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLFEAUVQVVEL3J2CZKIIDNR4RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861470},"content":"It’s a battle for survival for the Green Party. It has no strong targets and all its potential gains are long shots. Only two of its TDs, Catherine Martin and Roderic O’Gorman look safe. It is in real trouble in five constituencies and will be in battles in another five.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5GEFQLD4NECDDYFGAJM2FCEJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861471},"content":"POSSIBLE GAINS","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFEYFSLCEFG23FW7HBLZDCZFGM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"Z27G5EBGIZB6JHXEW2WFSODN2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861473},"content":"SERIOUS RISK OF LOSS","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUINJGLQY5HUDJKJRDAY54R6KA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"3KIBR46GGJFXJIZBT3N6OYA6ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861475},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"C25XVUC4SNANRNCSFC3BIOBXNE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"75BDHU5PB5CFRMOB4LVCCL66ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"6MPVICSIFNF5PLKA2KJZQ53HNQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732889671100},"id":"timestamp-30899","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UJBC6Q6M5ZHTLHHCL5WHQVWZSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745030},"content":"The number of people in homeless accommodation in the State has reached another record high and is now at almost 15,000 people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YD7FWG5YM5HJZKC4BYQOARLGZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745031},"content":"There were 14,966 people homeless in October, consisting of 10,321 adults and 4,645 children under the age of 18, from 2,161 families.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GC6NAGCXPRA5FMXQZK5DO5UT2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745032},"content":"It amounts to an increase of 1.4 per cent on the 14,760 people accessing emergency accommodation in September.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKMF4BTE6VE3PBOAPZ2AXT7ZZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745033},"content":"The homelessness figures have increased year on year by 13.5 per cent. There were 13,179 people in homelessness in October last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KG4T3OAYRBGBFDRDXAXI4PNUUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745034},"content":"Opposition parties, especially Sinn Féin, had called for the figures to be published in advance of the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AXY6HEDWRJDMPOMTK7532NICME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745035},"content":"However, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said the publication of the figures were the sole responsibility of his department.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SIVC36OFZCPJE7SNPGPCYZPVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745036},"content":"The homelessness figures for the previous month are normally published by the Department of Housing on the last Friday of the following month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MEARX7YEJEE5EXCOHZRY45GL4","additional_properties":{"_id":"EIR43F2ZBFES5PPJC3X6SJCLVU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732889995581},"id":"timestamp-25399","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OQ7USWEASVAKDA52OWA6GHPWBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745038},"content":"Sinn Féin’s housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin has said that ‘the latest rise in homeless numbers confirms why a change of Government is needed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBYIIE3YBJBWPOVNXNZSPA2NO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745039},"content":"“Once again, the number of adults, children, single people, and families without a home has increased. And this just weeks after the Government announced its record giveaway budget. The latest rise in homeless numbers confirms why we need a change of Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXQIVN44WRBLPNUPZEEOYUBIZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745040},"content":"“As people go to the polls throughout today, they should ask themselves do they want another five years of rising homelessness. Because that is what they will get it Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael go back into Government,” he continued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMLFDLNZ5JET5NUOYFPENZ7CXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745041},"content":"We will report any other responses as they come in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLR4YL34QNAGHD6XCE56M3SAR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"55DDVGUECZF2HDPYNPZF6GBLU4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732891051632},"id":"timestamp-22692","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"INM3JKWPBFGYXEFQUXJOOUS25U","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TKDIZSK6NJCUHHW7PCQZEKNSYA","additional_properties":{"_id":"YAQ2WXVTPVDIDJNUDREDGOS3VQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732891924500},"id":"timestamp-97674","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"TWFKZRMZ6NGNNGOYT4X4GLJRQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745045},"content":"More from <b>Harry McGee</b> on how the smaller parties might do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IN2L5V573ZCWFN6MD4XFUGL2IY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745046},"content":"<b>SOCIAL DEMOCRATS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWQ6RXYXORFHJE7KC5LOCEE56Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745047},"content":"The party is polling very strongly and looks like it will make gains. It has three strong targets, and another seven constituencies where it might gain on a very good day. Could be the dark horse among the smaller parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SW7BJOYKKBDVXACHZ5BJ2YEMSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745048},"content":"MAIN TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"4D3ZTUUYCVHGRM5SFA3FLYO7OQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"NRWC2BM4IJF7TMRX5GRU3XFCMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745050},"content":"POSSIBLE TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"27XYCRY6JJF2VEQWN2DF6FMLMM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"VC3UTVS3UNC5XHVWGB4IZISVVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745052},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"CY3FS42ZGVFJLGZOIBZSHF5YQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745053},"content":"Dublin North West: Róisín Shortall’s retirement leaves a big gap and Rory Hearne has his work cut out to retain it. But he is high profile and with his party showing 12 per cent support levels in Dublin in The Irish Times poll, he will be in the mix.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NORXGP7DWFGWROW3BHAUPT4XWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745054},"content":"Dublin Central: Another high profile figure, Gary Gannon, faces stiff competition in an unpredictable constituency where transfers will be everything. He looks like he might just survive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCEWK5ARBRASDIL5MNFE57LKOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745055},"content":"<b>SOLIDARITY-PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BYQ5MH6ZBFRRJOLQ3J4BZDH34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745056},"content":"MAIN TARGET","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PBOODW4O5A7JLJA4APRACSRZQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"BWKCJ55ZPZEYNBHEVMY5FFXISE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745058},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRPB47NTLFFVTA6BNK5TSAT5PA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"BDY26GJPLFFQZDZXN3ATV324YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745060},"content":"<b>AONTÚ:</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I23GBSI77BDZZBKAUOV7AAE35E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745061},"content":"MAIN TARGETS:","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RBBJ4IF4BEW3EODCHPMKLDLTY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7KR24XVDIFDVTFDUUNYX32IJVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"UQUAF4VD4BDXRAKN77ZPKLMKJA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732893511743},"id":"timestamp-94450","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JPEBXE7FPBDBRHUJGW7IRPWELQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745064},"content":"The smaller parties are targeting specific constituencies for gains, and also to shore up support where their existing seats are under pressure, writes <b>Harry McGee.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XYOGQPKRFHNHM47SXQCYIHTDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745065},"content":"<b>LABOUR</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2M7AAV3JGJDLHHJM4BFD6VHOLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745066},"content":"MAIN TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"A45RMKAOANBNTPENOHZ3GQVZ2Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"27CZBYAMKJCP3AS65WGHUP5X2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745068},"content":"POSSIBLE GAINS","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSPRUSHIZFHVZCOAOLVWSJ644M","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"KC5P4CT6NZBXTGHY4JHGQ4TYWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745070},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"IIJCDK7SU5D4LM6X626RMXKRZE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7NAY6L26FFGXRFR2UGDNTGI6YA","additional_properties":{"_id":"TKKH7SJUIVBY3G3L4PNIGTCLGU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732893762243},"id":"timestamp-85049","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DPTUPIF7WVCQ3FU37XAUOBKA7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732895474764},"content":"A really interesting read from <b>Olivia O’Leary </b>a woman who knows a thing or two about Irish elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWIOW7NKMVBJJMS4X3QHIJSZHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732895474765},"content":"There’s a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/30/olivia-oleary-if-this-election-campaign-has-proven-anything-its-that-voters-are-not-eejits/\" target=\"_blank\">great deal to be said for keeping it simple. </a>The British journalist and excellent communicator, Andrew Marr, once advised journalists to put no more than four figures in an opinion piece. More than that and you lost the reader. And if this election campaign was dull, it was partly because it was weighed down with too many complex numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I5SHLC4XJGLPODJDJMKKVXC2M","additional_properties":{"_id":"5NQMWRDVBBEGLOCWTVRZW2G6UU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732897231234},"id":"timestamp-47196","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GXJVWSGZHRAQPFFSLH553JQFQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874085},"content":"The timing is coincidental but the latest Eurobarometer poll may auger well for the re-election of the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RR6Q5NK7HVAJHIFOHNJJIK4GXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874086},"content":"The European Commission undertakes surveys across the 27 member states on a regular basis to ascertain the mood of the Continent in general.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PG2BLLEO75DJHLJXS36JUL2HSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874087},"content":"The survey shows that Irish people are generally more contented with their lot than their European equivalents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVGU7GAPCBEZPCIKNXEMDKIORY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874088},"content":"Some 82 per cent rate their financial situation as being good in comparison with 73 per cent in Europe in general.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUTISE2Z5BHURCLQVDIOWOAIKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874089},"content":"Similarly, 79 per cent of Irish people are happy with their job situation compared to 68 per cent across Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECPEXTFXXRCVPEXOF6H3L277G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874090},"content":"Irish people are generally satisfied with the state of the economy with 71 per cent saying the economic situation is good and 28 per cent bad.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPAUMQZ4NRHYTGT3LCDLW3U7NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874091},"content":"The survey also reveals strong support for the EU’s actions against Russia with 90 per cent of Irish people agreeing on sanctions against the country because of its invasion of Ukraine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5LO6CAOXJE2DPIGJQJREQKG4E","additional_properties":{"_id":"OPMM46OVKNBVHLGKJNL4YTO5OQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732898915222},"id":"timestamp-53689","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"D3QD3GRFGBEB5DDJFLHEYVRFAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874093},"content":"Holly Cairns, who was first elected to Cork County Council in 2019 by a single vote, will be hoping that things aren’t quite as tight this time around as she won’t be able to vote for herself after giving birth to a little girl this morning at Cork University Maternity Hospital, <b>writes Barry Roche.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUPQI4P6PRAMRH6UGB2LNTPSQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874094},"content":"“Holly went into the hospital for a check up on Thursday evening and stayed in and her baby girl was born early this morning – she is registered to vote in her home polling station outside Skibbereen so she won’t be able to vote today,” said a Social Democrats source.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY6CJI3ACBDOZG3LCAJ32BOQ6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874095},"content":"“It would be a two-hour journey and just not feasible with a newly born baby and unfortunately there is no facility for voting in hospitals like there is in nursing homes, so she won’t be able to cast her vote this time around.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTFDL6MG5JEK3MCG6DLJA4SCPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874096},"content":"Holly was on the campaign trail right until to the time she went into CUMH, filming a campaign video for Social Democrats Cork South Central candidate Padraig Rice from the grounds of the maternity hospital in Wilton in the heart of the five seat constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"742NMCE7W5BP5MVQBFZSH5OW6M","additional_properties":{"_id":"LTFLZHYCSVGMVKADZ5N5JKPK4E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732898982833},"id":"timestamp-18929","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"QCN5I6622BDMDDF6BJOX6RNTCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874098},"content":"Various different names have been put forward on X as to what Holly Cairns might call her baby girl given the auspicious day she was born.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DT2QK3VCWZBZ7JGUK63VVY5IQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874099},"content":"Electra was one, Victoria another, Candace and maybe even Poll-y.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYOXCU5SDRC77BTJ46EBE4CAEE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ZJACMITQ7NHCFGNTUQEQZ2FOZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NEGGDM3235HVVLAXIITOVABUCM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732900121928},"id":"timestamp-98110","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"Z7UZ5EPN6JGATLV355A3RWWTVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874118},"content":"The Tonight Show presenters Claire Brock and Ciara Doherty have both announced their departure from the station.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKNZPEOAEFA25EWYEDKNBJCVZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902681467},"content":"The Virgin Media show, which was a fixture for a lot of political junkies, was cut down to from four to two days a week just before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOYZ3CQLXBGZHKS47QRI2S4YDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874117},"content":"The station also pleaded poverty in its decision to not host a leaders’ debate. Station controller Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin blamed the failure of the Government to help","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TVCDHBBDZCJVMX27BMBO5FE2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874119},"content":"Ms Doherty, who has been with the broadcaster for 14 years, said she has decided “to move on from late nights and early mornings to begin a new adventure”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEC3Q3QPI5CBHN3S4UAM7AXOYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874120},"content":"Claire Brock said she had been “fortunate to have enjoyed incredible opportunities with the very best team of colleagues”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTX6JQD6R5FYNMNY3E45NJFF24","additional_properties":{"_id":"G57KLY2GDBGTTJ5FZ52IC7L4O4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732916258853},"id":"timestamp-60236","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JFKTSDS54JGOZNSPOMRB5TC2A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762077},"content":"Exit Poll will give strong indication of how the electorate has voted","type":"header"},{"_id":"XPMCWAHZHRC5RKX63FCD5Y2ENI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762078},"content":"We are nearing the time of when the exit poll results are published. We are going live with them at 10pm sharp. The poll was commissioned by The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and Trinity College and 5,000 people have been surveyed across all 43 constituencies during the course of the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWI7IDZDKJFJ7DPI3S35DW4BXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762079},"content":"Our last opinion poll published on Monday put the three parties within a hair’s breadth of one another with Fianna Fáil at 21 per cent, Sinn Féin at 20, and Fine Gael at 19, all within the margin of error.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4KQX4IBBZC6TLHFVKE2BF32DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762080},"content":"Has anything occurred in the past week to move the needle to or from any of the parties?","type":"text"},{"_id":"UR4LO4AEVFGLFADTW2DAN2NJLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762081},"content":"Was the leaders’ debate on RTÉ deliberative?","type":"text"},{"_id":"YX76JSYB45C2XPPIG27UFL5A4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762082},"content":"Did Simon Harris put what he described as the “bumps along the way” behind him?","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNK6SURPRNDKNL2YXG6ADK7OXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762083},"content":"If they are still locked together, it is going to be intriguing. It will mean that no two combinations can come close to a majority. The pathway to power for Sinn Féin will be tricky in that instance. The other interesting thing (but this will only become apparent when the count starts tomorrow) will be transfers. Will Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil transfer to each other in the numbers that their strategists are predicting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5TQNCQPSFRBT7M57ULJJY5VXG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762084},"content":"This poll has such a large sample that the margin of error is small. We have not finalised the number yet but it will be around 1.6 per cent. In 2020, a similar exercised gave a very close approximation of the final out-turn for each of the larger parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EACDQ2OZWLQTWSJZHFTHYGRTF4","additional_properties":{"_id":"YBK6ONTQBZAEZJE2YOJ5PMNEYU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CVSBCHUWR5BVFKYULTVCFYU4HE","additional_properties":{"_id":"AQETCAAS4ZFGRGN6HLKAPXPPW4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6RXL46KHZZD3FLJIDSY4FGTSOE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UINBV5SFKNACVOHQUHDTZQTERI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917250714},"id":"timestamp-24691","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BQL4V7UWURFZ7COJJWICUIJP4E","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"25UTZQWK3VHJLMABLMPJBCROAY","additional_properties":{"_id":"4SLKDTZA4JBWLFHPLJY56HGJWM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917269418},"id":"timestamp-77421","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PS4TCXKY6JE23GQKTCWZXNCMQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136757},"content":"A very tense and close election with three lead parties within 1.6 per cent of each other","type":"header"},{"_id":"AIMIMXVXS5AE5PDS5GQEK3RRPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136758},"content":"The three lead parties are at a near deadlock according to the findings of the exit poll conducted by Ipsos/B&A on behalf of The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and Trinity College.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJSLHLL63JDENN2V7ZTUFDTCGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136759},"content":"For the second election in a row, Sinn Féin looks like it will be the most popular party with 21.1 per cent, a whisker above Fine Gael, which is at 21.0 per cent according to the findings. Fianna Fáil is a further 1.5 per cent back at 19.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLN3IV3LBJECFEAQHNEDNOPUWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136760},"content":"The number of voter who were sampled today across the 43 constituencies was 5,018. The margin of error is 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RFXG5663BBNJLKVT3RS4QLR6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136761},"content":"Of the other parties, the Social Democrats have come out best, marginally ahead of the Labour Party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GO5BWEOFRZG53DTIW5BZHX252A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136762},"content":"Their support levels are, according to the poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJ3GUNW2H5FR5MXFZIHS2BTXFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136763},"content":"Social Democrats: 5.8 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTYADHTHFVBA3CLH4PZPECLOGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136764},"content":"Labour 5 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WW5WXVYCBCVPFRRL2ZHBJANWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136765},"content":"Green Party 4 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKGLNYDQUNHVDG7BIPOA6QKQUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136766},"content":"Aontu 3.6 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"7T7UCD222ZBIBF65IUGBYYSKH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136767},"content":"People Before Profit 3.1 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEPVO46KGNGZJHR3FQLCMWRGBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136768},"content":"Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYGI6NEUVFEZPBPALF6JGCBPAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136769},"content":"Independents 12.7 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXAJISUH4RA6NFZVCSYEBOFM3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136770},"content":"Others 1.9 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"6HQNAS5NXBALZP4OZDBEMCSR4U","additional_properties":{"_id":"7KTFZKRXRRD5XMVI4TJY6UHGHQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917951734},"id":"timestamp-53776","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A7KGJPUNLVDF7CRFQUCLJJLVSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136772},"content":"Jennifer Bray gives her take on The Late Late Show","type":"header"},{"_id":"RMUHGBEJGFGWTBJMJ3FLQQCQBE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"GRDB3QIOCNGSZPY3YQJCA2T5KA","additional_properties":{"_id":"PL2SIMAYSNEA5LVJVMHKVKC7FI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918048089},"id":"timestamp-90356","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"J6H6PSJL6ZHDFCQ5COLX4IMNNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136775},"content":"So what does it mean?","type":"header"},{"_id":"5VM52IYVG5DH5ECUKUCTHQ72OY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136776},"content":"Well the people have spoken but I think it’s going to take a while for us to figure out what they have said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I56NBHF7WRELVMKKLJREHY42S4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136777},"content":"The three larger parties are still more or less prised together. Just a word of caution, in the exit poll in 2020, the actual outturn did differ a little, so one or more of the three big parties may have its support levels overstated or understated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YI62LUCT2ZFLJBIFV5WPHR5S4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136778},"content":"If the results are borne out, Fianna Fáil will be the most disappointed. It seemed to have been the only party that had stayed above the fray but it clearly did not have momentum. Micheál Martin was said to have had a good campaign but it has not translated into a greater level of support.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWI5FHLAPBBT3FGHJYUTG5YA4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136779},"content":"In context, it’s a good result for Sinn Féin. Not compared to a year ago. But definitely compared to five months ago when it tanked in the local and European elections. It has managed to put those - and the series of scandals involving senior figures in the party - behind it and recovered to compete with the other two.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3QFBILSSBFMZP7BY3B5VM5ROQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136780},"content":"Fine Gael will be disappointed compared to a month ago. But happy compared to three days ago when Simon Harris, after swatting away all foes for months, seemed to have impaled himself on his sword.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XQBYVYTZ7ZAJ7GK7OO2B6DJKXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136781},"content":"Is there a path to government on these figures. Not for Sinn Féin as a lead party of a left alliance. Not for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil as a coalition setting off to do the second difficult album. There will be a lot of talking and a lot of creativity needed, if these results are borne out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDSA3FMJRFEPNGORROVWNXH5TU","additional_properties":{"_id":"5DDTFCSBAFFE7J2GHBJNMFLHAI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918737049},"id":"timestamp-41916","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EDTQQIAZ6BFNTMN2E73SS457ZY","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"JVRL6HJVNBFXXBTKCD3R6URJUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"7BEHID3MKNH7NDWRMEN5OBAGAA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918842978},"id":"timestamp-29462","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NJFSTT7RDZAA3MSQYLVDNVAXKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136785},"content":"What does it mean for the smaller parties and Independents?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RKNIMEKZ5RBDXGNC2ZI4DUMBT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136786},"content":"There is a clear winner among the smaller parties and that is the Social Democrats with a 5.8 per cent showing. Depending on how it attracts transfers (and it is transfer friendly) the party could see its seat numbers creep into double figures. Likewise, Labour will be content enough with its showing of 5 per cent. It’s an increase on its 2020 election result of 4.4 per cent, if borne out, and could deliver extra seats for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6V5ZRPLLRE6FMR522ULSWZP6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136787},"content":"Another smaller party which will be thrilled is Aontú which has 3.6 per cent, according to the poll. People Before Profit has also marginally increased its support levels from 2.6 per cent to 3.1 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXKYQWMNZFHNLJG7DA4PZ4EK7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136788},"content":"And the Greens? It is at 4 per cent, down 3 per cent from 2020. That means it could lose half its seats or more. But it’s not as calamitous for the party as 2011, when its support levels dipped below 2 per cent and it lost all its seats as well as the right to receive State financing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS2WCJHJKNHM7NNQDU3YRTXSSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136789},"content":"The Independent Alliance has 2.2 which suggests it did not attract the kind of support it set out to do. The figure for Independents is 12.7 which is close to the 2020 figures. It suggests there might not be a big increase in their number.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGPLC33JWBCMHEYMIKXNAFWWVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"IVKZBDPNJZEX3F4SYFS6BCSEVM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732919666612},"id":"timestamp-35173","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ELEHSMMRGJHXPK2ABZJH56TOWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136791},"content":"Where are the Second Preferences Going?","type":"header"},{"_id":"SFFEGE4FKBBQBLLZG66LFJ44MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136792},"content":"There is a slight bias toward the two Government parties over Sinn Féin. Again Fianna Fáil will be disappointed as it looked from other polls this week that it might be more popular than the other two parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FB5UYZDWSZHJDBEA2E3SV6FD5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136793},"content":"How will that translate into seats? It’s hard to say. If there is a disciplined transfer between the two Coalition parties they could get a seat bonus. But Sinn Féin’s clever endorsement of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit could allow it to close that obvious gap a lot, especially in the capital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QN7BZ6ZYGJHUVKWX7WDK6FDNCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136794},"content":"Second preferences","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4J3FFQXIRE6ZOA3BDASQGWLAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136795},"content":"Fianna Fáil 20","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBENUUFD6JAMPJ4VYYHHXMDNKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136796},"content":"Fine Gael 20","type":"text"},{"_id":"VDRI32FDURHZDIC5THXA4PL37U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136797},"content":"Sinn Féin 17","type":"text"},{"_id":"2I3QAYFXJ5AUTEZT644NHGZO4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136798},"content":"Social Democrats 5","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLHESEOU3BERHA2R42WKMVMERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136799},"content":"Labour 5","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFK6QZGN3RHLLKC6QGTUBJ2ZYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136800},"content":"PBP-Solidarity 4","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZWLLOF6MBEI7DCNRBFS7E6YAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136801},"content":"Greens 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VL3FIMEOBCT3EC4ONWAM3BTTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136802},"content":"Aontú 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKVBBKHSENFXJGJIPDYXZGJHLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136803},"content":"Ind Ireland 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQ6VOHCPC5FB5GQTXBNWTIWLKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136804},"content":"Independent 14","type":"text"},{"_id":"AILY4H5GGBE55KEWD4RU32O3O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136805},"content":"Other parties 2","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5J5Q676FRHMBHPCAOOFU5RZQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136806},"content":"Here are two tweets from Cormac McQuinn where he looks at the transfer patterns between parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5V4F2HYTMZBD3PIUL4ASIVTPMI","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"6TQHYFLOARBXRPP7SYYQSK4YIM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"CVQMTJRLVVAVDBM7IDDUCUG45A","additional_properties":{"_id":"JAAOOHCARJB3HKIB725SJ72QUY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921514861},"id":"timestamp-2038","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A7NIXYS4QBELVGY7VJJP5OEO74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136810},"content":"Reaction from the larger parties","type":"header"},{"_id":"GEWLSTRPSZE7HGJPTQUDKAHNI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136811},"content":"Senior figures from the three largest parties have been giving their reaction to the exit poll on RTÉ.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMHXHI2MJJHHZLLHNFJGVLQBYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136812},"content":"Jack Chambers of Fianna Fáil said the three parties were all within the margin of error or each other.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZL7Q6TNJBFFXFYTUPYPTYLGAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136813},"content":"“I think there’s a three way race now to see who become the largest party, and we have to see how that manifests tomorrow morning when the ballot boxes are opened.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWWE5N7WM5H5VKBEZMMWM4P5WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136814},"content":"He also cited geographical and constituency issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPKK2XW5XNH3HOB7SHWDGRKIXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136815},"content":"Chambers said that the wider context was a further fragmentation of Irish politics with the vote split across many small parties and independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYO5EVDIYBALTAD5M3MJCTMLUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136816},"content":"Damien English of Fine Gael said his party had put in a “very solid performance” and that seemed to be borne out by the findings of the exit poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBAZ2ZYFJRB7LGOAMNRDK2TJ6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136817},"content":"“Bearing in mind that we set out with 17 sitting TDs it’s a very positive solid result.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB3KU5GXIJEYRASHDLEL7RWZ6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136818},"content":"Sinn Féin director of elections Matt Carthy said the truth was the the combined support of the two main Government parties had fallen 6 per cent on their 2020 performance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"53QPGIAWRFCW3F53QC6QLRJIZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136819},"content":"“I think any anybody looking at the trajectory of the political discourse, particularly since last June’s local elections - when Sinn Fein’s obituary had been written - will have to acknowledge that quite an amount of people came out to vote against the outgoing government. They came out to vote for change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7L4PFFMLVFW3PQ6N5FILV5GWE","additional_properties":{"_id":"DRCWZSGGFNAJROBF6Q55CCSDA4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732922034759},"id":"timestamp-6858","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PPVDEXDW3JE23KOTHOHDFAHJKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136821},"content":"Reaction on Social Media","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUJKHS742FG73JW6HW5WWHMUQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136822},"content":"Here is a selection of the reaction to the exit poll that has featured on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHEEISSWVVDVRAQ4E7Y6TJVEQM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"2DUH53XE45HGBN4S2KJB27D3LY","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"AIOHVG6ZK5DIFNLCLYUR7ABVOE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"E5VXRFKW5NELNJB64YXYQMJGZM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ACFK5ZKY2JHTPH3PD5CMJ5TQZU","additional_properties":{"_id":"S7HTMIXCLBB4JNGWWK5N5EG6IU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732923404971},"id":"timestamp-6738","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NLK3KBHMWNAELLIDJ5FGV5QCTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462975},"content":"Exit Poll: None of three larger parties have gained: two have made lossses","type":"header"},{"_id":"64EF2CTKSVAGLA3HANHS5CYV5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462976},"content":"A very interesting statistic for me is that all three larger parties are either even or down compared to 2020. Fianna Fáíl at 19.5 per cent will be down almost 2.7 per cent, if the election matches the exit poll results. Sinn Féin is down 3.4 per cent compared to 2020. And Fine Gael is marginally up, from 20.9 per cent to 21 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSACTOV7QZG2LMCIHEY4KQYBKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462977},"content":"All of those figures are subject to change once counting begins tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZBV2OPLHRBRBGTHWIF27E2COE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462978},"content":"A long day beckons on Saturday (and on Sunday). We will be with you ever step of the way!","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4DWSXMV7REANC7W4PJP5YYWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462979},"content":"Here is a sample of what we are covering tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KL7QCN67WVB57PNN7UXARNNIQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462980},"content":"<b>8am: </b>Subscribers to our <b>Inside Politics newsletter</b> (you can <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\">sign-up here</a>) will receive an election special edition newsletter with extra details from The Irish Times <b>exit poll.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPUESTATGBGOZNHZGMKNMSMDZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462981},"content":"<b>9am: </b>Counting begins in all 43 constituencies. In the last general election in 2020, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/galway-east/\">Galway East</a> was the first constituency to report full results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N66THNWTIJG2FL3SGYU5PHIP4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462982},"content":"Our rolling live coverage will feature up-to-the-minute updates, analysis and reaction as tallies emerge, counts are completed and seats filled. We will also provide detailed results for each of the 43 constituencies, along with graphics showing how the country and each constituency voted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4F2DGOENTVEZ7DPAY62TL2VVOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462983},"content":"Our politics team will provide analysis of the emerging results online, on our podcasts and via video while our columnists, including Justine McCarthy and Diarmaid Ferriter, will share their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJUEPQ2DHVCO7H6SALUCYLRESQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462984},"content":"<b>Late afternoon/evening: </b>Details of first counts should start emerging on Saturday afternoon with first seats filled later on that afternoon and into the evening. Depending on the individual returning officers, counts in some constituencies may run into early on Sunday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJOBG5KGBZEE3M5AFAMLZLLTUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462985},"content":"More details on our extenisive coverage over the weekend can be <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/\" target=\"_blank\">found here.</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI","additional_properties":{"_id":"W52DHGOA55D2PJV6GLMG3MIQKQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VQ4UV5PMQJDNNIB7OYX5TTCN6M","additional_properties":{"_id":"ST57GPF6MNEPZGDCJQEHYPWHCE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732924591309},"id":"timestamp-50848","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MMYEUZRNSREBHLHJH5SFVHODVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462988},"content":"Further Reading and Listening as Live Coverage winds down","type":"header"},{"_id":"RO3XESOSA5BCRM5QJVYDJQO2FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462989},"content":"Thank you for staying with The Irish Times live coverage of polling day, and the excitement of the exit poll tonight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46PCWWCXTBBLRAI6OW5VXAFXDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462990},"content":"We will leave you with two further excellent piece of analysis. The first is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/\" target=\"_blank\">tonight’s special Election Daily podcast </a>with Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy, which parses the results and implications of the poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHV75FSAHRCSLGILBMKLCOMYX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462991},"content":"The second is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/\" target=\"_blank\">Pat’s analysis for the The Irish Times on the poll findings</a> and how it might translate into government formation: that’s if the findings are borne out by the reality of the count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2ZYE4ODZFG45K43PBYK7S27E4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462992},"content":"And if that was not enough, there is also this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/\" target=\"_blank\">excellent piece of analysis from John McManus</a> on how non-eventful the election campaign was (agree) and how tedious the count will be (disagree).","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JXIS5R4WRCJBGHTXYBCKYTAE4","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"6XFUH4FATZHJFPMKPXZZBYYVEU","additional_properties":{"_id":"MRGKV7DZK5E4ZLXILSWZXTUBKA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863420000},"id":"timestamp-19809","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"VG4J5NXG2RFDZLMHI6QX7UWAVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917899514},"content":"Voting is over in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">2024 general election</a> and our exit poll shows that there is little to separate between the three largest parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DSVYZ2X4VHBLNR4OZRDDRX6MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921605633},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among over 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6PP2FJWAVEZ5BASAYSH3SDXDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811316274},"content":"Key Reads","type":"header"},{"_id":"6CS2RAAF75FVLDALUK66AYHO4I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Sarah Slater"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"The 2024 general election is set to be mighty close - with the largest parties all duking it out, according to our exit poll"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T00:03:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024: Analysis and reaction as exit poll shows tight race, but what do these results mean?","native":""},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Ireland votes - as it happened"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"},"live":{"text":"inactive"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU","auth":{"1":"56a51fc50533a7c0870294191408289e9344f62b416c68999d734f33be6e7b56"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU.gif"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"live-story","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-live-updates-voting-begins-at-polling-stations-around-the-country/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"KGCS5A5B4JAKBNTR52PDVQ7FOM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NDBENUZ4ABG6VONBMAXX5S3ZIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774666},"content":"Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to share the results of The Irish Times exit poll for the 2024 general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNBID7SXVFGRNLTWFHJQCUNDS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774667},"content":"The three largest parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote in general election 2024, according to the results of an exit poll tonight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDRTCJI6MRHO7BLI7XDTXRXRAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774668},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A today for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, and released just after polls closed, are as follows: Sinn Féin 21.1 per cent, Fianna Fáil 19.5 per cent, Fine Gael 21 per cent, the Green Party 4 per cent, Labour 5 per cent, the Social Democrats 5.8 per cent, Solidarity-People Before Profit 3.1 per cent, Aontú 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6 per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6N2BSGWEVGE7EDYVUPFGAQPUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774669},"content":"If the findings of the exit poll are borne out when the votes are counted tomorrow, it suggests that a return of a coalition based around Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is likely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLYWGFSMLJCXDCOB22OBCL3LZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774670},"content":"If the results of the counts taking place around the country tomorrow bear out the exit poll findings, it will be the second time in a row that Sinn Fein has won the largest share of the vote – but is left without an obvious path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZSVUBHRNZDU7K7ZAWPS6EVZDU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:47:38.093Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election Daily: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation? ","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5PT4YVDMKJAOBC2KJT64C7FJFE","auth":{"1":"96c744f0de43474b7b03f6a02dcc73a19bb091ea2e18dea4daeb2bbe161b353e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5PT4YVDMKJAOBC2KJT64C7FJFE.jpeg"},"podcast":{"embed":{"config":{"duration":874.752,"episodeTitle":"Poll shows Social Democrats leading among smaller parties","imageUrl":"https://assets.pippa.io/shows/6155db9059a3fa00137f30a9/1724428043858-64129b41-4dcc-4687-9699-c230593c36a2.jpeg","showTitle":"ELECTION DAILY - Inside Politics ","streamUrl":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/streams/6155db9059a3fa00137f30a9/episodes/674a37cfd67d53d9b3b23bf2.mp3"}}}},"subtype":"podcast","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Inside Politics Podcast"},{"name":"Podcasts"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/podcasts/inside-politics","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CBU6KWVAFFFKBFRT2I653TLHIE.png"}}},"name":"Inside Politics Podcast"}}}},{"_id":"HXIUSUJVHBB7JGN52PFKO7X2YI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":101,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3ea414b7-16bb-4f73-920e-31d086d86a20/versions/1732888959/media/172075772f5846d5b0039f5399b2cd01_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/people/2024/11/29/snap-election-how-irish-times-photographers-captured-campaign-life-through-a-lens/","content_elements":[{"_id":"LCNIEMF7RBBWZNS7M6QVUQ7DNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643337},"content":"It may have been the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election campaign</a> that put the small town of Kanturk in northwest Co Cork on the map, but voters all over the state have now had their say in Election 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULBQVPIPQFFNRP5BZAXQDLJBVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643338},"content":"Campaigns matter. Irish politicians are accessible to the public in a way that is unimaginable in other countries. And election campaigns here provide an even greater opportunity for voters to get up close and personal with their prospective representatives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JUEG7PSSRCVRNL2BCF3JPNQRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FBAPSYGPZZBMFEZZGK4UZOK33U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MYV3EVK6OVBMLH2JILIPGUB3QM","additional_properties":{"_id":"3DUG62POZREIDBBG2LCOBRN36Q"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BUJITFXF55DIJGCREPVV62DCS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Irish Times photographers stuck close to the candidates in recent weeks, ready to record any unguarded moments during all those ever-so-carefully choreographed public appearances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLPCI7PGZFC2BBJRCYDIKZYM7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643340},"content":"Roman emperor Julius Caesar is said to have bragged: “Veni, vidi, vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”). Our photographers are a modest bunch but they came, they saw and they captured the character of candidates from all parties and none.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWLAHULQANFOVDE2GHJRN35ZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZCOA2WJC4RBLXMMOFGOZJPIVO4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TZTOVOKZX5HZTCKQM5ILHT34K4","additional_properties":{"_id":"RB3UOZR6BBEAPKRA4ZSG7ZX7AA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"5CNINGBWSRADPBAB5CGRLW5PGM","additional_properties":{"_id":"AZDH7B4WSZH75FXXQQNA5MGWQI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EP73PBDFLVCPLNNH2UR2GHPAXY","additional_properties":{"_id":"32MVBSLH4BG3DGLXHOJLFF2FQY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"W4CGJGLIBBG3BOB5BTFUKDNUQA","additional_properties":{"_id":"DD5KTZ7HFFHWJLV4IOMTW7ABE4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WN7YXNGFQJDJNIL6JLJOEYW6IE","additional_properties":{"_id":"VXERQ6FF3ZG75P3W3TYC7T4QAY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4Q6TEGX4WRBDXFJ4YZ3Z2DGKI4","additional_properties":{"_id":"QKFXKXC5W5CEHKUDZTHTERV5QY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PTKJ4RR5PFFU7HWPDRDZCIFUQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"This selection of their standout images sums up a fast-paced campaign in which thousands of doorbells were pressed, many hands shaken and, as always, lots of promises were made by incumbents and newcomers alike.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CISSSOPHXRFJHOGWRUWURIIWQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643343},"content":"All campaigns have their highs and lows. For the candidates, the anxieties, uncertainty and excitement of this campaign have concluded. The people have spoken.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The focus is on candidates’ candid moments in this selection of pictures from around the country"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:05:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Snap election: How Irish Times photographers captured campaign life through a lens ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KOG74UPLKBFXVJD6SFXGBJYBUQ","auth":{"1":"5f99ff35acd36e7b1c61132b517451b2d28447fb067299aa1e2ea8eff2348ea5"},"focal_point":{"x":2113,"y":1258},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KOG74UPLKBFXVJD6SFXGBJYBUQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Life & Style"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/people/2024/11/29/snap-election-how-irish-times-photographers-captured-campaign-life-through-a-lens/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style/people","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"People"}}}},{"_id":"LLJDLUQCK5B7FCO6KKIZIKGWVE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":279,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6ef04236-d86c-483b-beee-14a4455bc89b/versions/1732951783/media/6a862efc67ade315ce5b265ec4dd3cdc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KPOV2T5MKBCDHIPFUGUIOJBDCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941362},"content":"The three largest parties of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\">general election 2024</a>, according to the results of an exit poll Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3FKZJAIJJGYHC2X6HEWN5QLQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941363},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos/B&A on Friday for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, and released just after polls closed, are as follows: <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>21.1 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> 19.5 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a><b> </b>21 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party </a>4 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour </a>5 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>5.8<b> </b>per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a><b> </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">Solidarity</a> 3.1 per cent,<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\"> Aontú</a> 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6<b> </b>per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCRDHXYZUZFTBLP3DD4XBFVSYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917669917},"content":"If the exit poll findings are borne out when the votes are counted, it suggests that a return of a coalition based around <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a> is likely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4XQOEY6JRCXLLLDSZ7TE4FOL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917669918},"content":"If the results of the counts taking place around the country, starting on Saturday morning, bear out the exit poll findings, it will be the second time in a row that Sinn Féin has won the largest share of the vote – but is left without an obvious path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZWXRU5PXNEEDBG7ITYI23RWVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941365},"content":"The poll, however, offers no clarity about which of the smaller parties or Independents might help the two big parties to make up the numbers to form a stable majority in the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4CXPHNY6VHU3DATFMOLB5G3VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941366},"content":"Government formation may be strongly influenced by whether Labour, the Green Party, the Social Democrats and perhaps some left-leaning Independents – though the Social Democrats have been distinctly cool on the idea during the campaign – carry through on suggestions to agree a common red-green platform before any coalition talks with the big parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6W37ZABM5BAUTLPT5THZ7OIGLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941368},"content":"Either way, with the new Dáil not due to meet until December 18th, it seems there is little likelihood of a new government until well into the new year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GA2IC4WGGZFBVFE44JQZYKCLIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941369},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IR32OFOD5G4NC5JKH5LC3BNZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"FXWBHQEEWFHATGLUVFIHFJIKDA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6CLG2KEBURGGDGJH67JFW5NYV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941370},"content":"The poll is a joint project of The Irish Times, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte/\" target=\"_blank\">RTÉ</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tg4/\" target=\"_blank\">TG4 </a>and the department of political science at<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/trinity-college-dublin-tcd/\" target=\"_blank\"> Trinity College Dublin</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NETEQZFDBDKHE6PUP7BJVYU7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732918890679},"content":"The poll also asked respondents about their second preferences on the ballot paper. The results suggest that expectations of a strong transfer between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will be borne out – a factor which should help the two parties boost their seat numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6H7LDUUAT5CRBM34YCKXYC4CR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732918890680},"content":"If the parties achieve the support level suggested by the poll when votes are counted in the coming days, and with a strong transfer between the two parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are likely to approach the 80 seat barrier. A majority in the new Dáil is 88 seats, so if the two big parties combined break 80 seats, it means a coalition with one of the smaller parties – perhaps with additional support from some Independent TDs – could command a Dáil majority. On the basis of the poll results, that seems the most likely route to forming a government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQFVQJABHJHFZMI3YDRP6HDSU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876332},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people, the largest number to date, were eligible to vote, an increase of 423,000 voters since the 2020 election. There were more than 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the deadline closed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDHS3H5NZFEVRGI6KHLLVYHJJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876333},"content":"Reports of turnout across the 43 constituencies were mixed all day on Friday, though many polling stations reported a low turnout in the early evening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGDLPN7EZBB5TIVSGXJVR5ETNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"BV2GVRSFCZG67IVVUJOQXGLZAQ"},"content":"Analysis: Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5573CMMVBVF2DGCIENF4LLWMP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876334},"content":"There were reports of polling stations becoming busier in the evening but by 8pm average turnout in the seven Dublin county constituencies stood at 51 per cent; it was 49.1 per cent across the two Galway constituencies; and the average was 54.3 per cent across the three county constituencies in Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PONNIIFIORAQLLHBOP7XJ7R7X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876335},"content":"Overall turnout is likely to be down on the just under 63 per cent recorded in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6DWNXIGUJA57N2M6J7QBFUKKM","additional_properties":{"_id":"B6G6BS4Z5RH5DP5KW7V2VWZITI"},"content":"As it happened: Friday's vote and exit poll ","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"R4OQMXZ6JREXLD6BRDYHJFQLZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876336},"content":"After the polling stations closed at 10pm, ballot boxes were sealed to be securely transported to the 32 count centres. They will be opened at 9am on Saturday morning and counting the votes will commence, with first tallies expected by midmorning in many places while the results of first counts should begin to emerge in the afternoon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2WHOPE7FZEPREPD7ND37OLTWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913702199},"content":"<b>Note:</b> <i>There will be a special </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Inside Politics newsletter</i></a><i> Saturday morning with additional details from the exit poll</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDQPPDNWNBGULKEWX55PVXTIZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"ALIYX45Z65D4TPTBXRAQAFFJCU"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-55849","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"If the findings are borne out a return of a coalition based around Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil looks likely"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024 exit poll: Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on course for photo finish ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI","auth":{"1":"2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"C45FCNGQV5HMJITA7NYM374UOA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":286,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/cebf91b1-4b0f-42ec-8213-810934c49daf/versions/1732883646/media/8641571cb400426b316cf6be97fbd42d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RB7TVPFD2FEQ7GUBGVOM3PVB4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546538},"content":"It’s hard to pick a highlight of this most dull of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">election campaigns</a>. It only sparked into life – albeit briefly – twice. The first occasion was when <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-o-leary/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary</a>, the Ryanair boss who is not seeking election to anything, slagged off teachers whilst helping launch the campaign of his local <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> TD. His trademark off-the-cuff trolling was taken both literally and seriously by a political and media class that really should have known better.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CGIAZQIAFGTBNF4NI67F56RYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546539},"content":"The second brief flare-up followed <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> ticking off disability worker <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/27/a-dull-election-campaign-failed-to-shake-apathetic-electorate-out-of-its-slumber/\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte Fallon</a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/27/a-dull-election-campaign-failed-to-shake-apathetic-electorate-out-of-its-slumber/\" target=\"_blank\"> in a supermarket</a> whilst the cameras were rolling. This and his subsequent grovelling passed for a defining moment of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVCRGBMTGBE4FLWX4I7J52GTGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546540},"content":"Apart from these two utterly non-seismic political moments, the three weeks have dragged by in a yawn-inducing succession of manifesto launches, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/leaders-election-debate-analysis-clear-winner-emerges-from-slow-bicycle-race/\" target=\"_blank\">TV debates</a> and halfhearted “gotcha” journalism. But such is the price of democracy and we are lucky to have it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDMUB4G2IRARNNJNXFPROWENCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546541},"content":"Anyway, opinion polls show that people’s voting intentions are pretty much where they stood before the campaign started; most of them feel they are being presented with a choice as to who they want to be the third leg of the next <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>-Fine Gael coalition: the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Greens</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> or some assortment of Independents. The real takeaway from polls is that many people cannot see a better alternative or even the need for one. It would be a stretch to say they are happy with the outgoing Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOEUEEDULFE7FPWIB5KUL6V25I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546543},"content":"In truth, most just want it to be over. It could and should all be over within a few minutes of the polls closing on Friday but instead it will drag on over the weekend – at least – in a uniquely Irish form of political theatre known as “the counts”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N74TGSA6MNEC7KO4YRX3PU5Q4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546545},"content":"Over the next few days, something in the region of 3.5 million ballot papers will be sorted, counted and recounted by hand. If we are lucky it might all be over early next week. If not, it could be weeks before it’s finally done and the last recount competed. Thankfully, the equally tedious business of government formation will have got going before this, but it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that it could be affected by the last vote recounted on the last day by hand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26VOAY7PG5HW5ISZUVFPMQI4H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546547},"content":"So why do we as a nation put ourselves through this when we could know the result within hours of the polls closing and crack on with forming the government?","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRTRIHYUMZET3EZU7DUR2BAQEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546548},"content":"It’s certainly not a lack of suitable or affordable technology. Electronic voting is widely used and the cost of the machines incidental for a rich country such as ours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MK4LPOK7TZGZBEWG6XTUNQKDNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546549},"content":"Fans of the manual counts argue that in some intangible way the spectacle enhances the public trust in democracy by letting the public see – if they can be bothered – their votes manually counted in a public forum. Others say that it is a ritual deeply embedded in our political and wider culture; part of what makes us who we are, etc. This argument has the merit of not pretending that there is any rational reason for counting votes by hand. But at the same time, you can’t help feeling that if it is a drama, it as an amateur production put on for the benefit and enjoyment of the actors rather than the audience. But what harm? Don’t they deserve their fun after the hard work they put in on the election trail? Maybe, but it’s just more evidence of our natural tendency to a lack of seriousness in public life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FW6JWIGLJJGZHOMMZYVA4LZ654","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546551},"content":"The most compelling explanation for the continued use of manual counts is that the political parties still want them. In fact, they want them so much that they all went along with a farcical traducing of the integrity of electronic voting that saw more than <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\">7,000 voting machines costing more than</a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\"> €50 million bought in 2004 </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\">being scrapped in 2012 for €70,000</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TX5KJOSO6VCI5CEZO7SRBEL7MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546552},"content":"The reason for this incident of national idiocy seems to be the extraordinary wealth of information that parties glean from observing the counts. Party members – either separately or together – closely observe the opening of ballot boxes and the sorting and counting of votes by hand in the count centres. The information they gather – when combined with other data – is extremely valuable and put to use in subsequent elections. It’s unclear whether this information could or would be available with electronic voting but if it was, presumably every party would get the same details. Then there is data protection regulation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LZURDJPWJNCWLKXKCLCJYBD4NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546554},"content":"As things stand, the only direct benefit the average voter seems to get from all this is that if they live somewhere that the tallies show leans very heavily in favour of one party, then you don’t get as many random politicians calling to the door.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"John McManus"}},"name":"John McManus"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election counts are an amateur production put on for the benefit and enjoyment of the actors rather than the audience"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T15:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"As if the election campaign wasn’t tedious enough, brace yourself for ‘the counts’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UBDO7LLIMVHXH3F25NT7ZABOF4","auth":{"1":"bcd46fa9e584df6d40e79c22a1d813897514e3cafda903f3ab850a848c8b837d"},"focal_point":{"x":3840,"y":1479},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UBDO7LLIMVHXH3F25NT7ZABOF4.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"VLGJDMUTMJHYFII2PS6B5QWAHQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":360,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/78c20fde-9b0f-4562-a0ca-3a7bfe2a7888/versions/1732873071/media/257dfaacaef06fae1739569d6a944806_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/olivia-oleary-if-this-election-campaign-has-proven-anything-its-that-voters-are-not-eejits/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PT2OVAQLLRAHXLZPXSHSIFCBMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980894},"content":"There’s a great deal to be said for keeping it simple. The British journalist and excellent communicator, Andrew Marr, once advised journalists to put no more than four figures in an opinion piece. More than that and you lost the reader. And if this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election campaign</a> was dull, it was partly because it was weighed down with too many complex numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAQ247JE4BCM7H5Y2NYC7QVS6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883799},"content":"Maybe that’s what happens when there’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/11/20/which-party-has-the-best-plan-for-the-apple-billions/\" target=\"_blank\">more money available </a>than we have ever had before. But it felt for three weeks that a new budget in the form of manifestos was launched every day – and then mini-budgets in specialist areas were squeezed in as well. After a while, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/costing-the-manifestos-making-sense-of-billions-being-thrown-out-by-the-parties-to-win-your-vote/\" target=\"_blank\">many of us got lost in the blizzard of numbers and money promises</a>. That’s not to suggest that people didn’t engage: for instance, t<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/five-key-moments-from-the-leaders-debate-you-brought-the-crash-and-you-brought-austerity/\" target=\"_blank\">he number who viewed the political debates </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/five-key-moments-from-the-leaders-debate-you-brought-the-crash-and-you-brought-austerity/\" target=\"_blank\"> was high</a>. But we’ve learned to be sceptical. It’s not that long since the economy collapsed under political mismanagement, so we know that the lavish promises will have to be<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/23/the-potential-threats-to-ireland-now-come-in-four-guises/\" target=\"_blank\"> withdrawn if Trump slashes US corporate taxes </a>and starts a tariff war. We’re not eejits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOLZD24HFJCHNIN7I22Y6BDOJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980895},"content":"There’s also the danger that too much detail clogging up the message means that the message gets ignored, while moments like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a>’s encounter with careworker <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte Fallon</a> are remembered. Of course they are. Her understandable anger at how carers are treated, and his turning away from her, was an emotional moment caught on camera that went viral, that engaged people in a way that columns of figures never could. During an election campaign, the voter is supreme. You don’t turn your back on a voter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"99b36e44-04d2-4a86-b384-cd5c4fbf90d0","additional_properties":{"_id":"URJOS2GEHJFDHKBRF6LW4LSG3A"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"TYEMOVBETRAHNOPDAWN5T3OQZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980896},"content":"Harris’s lack of experience as a party leader showed in this bumpy campaign, as did the loss of some of the older, wiser heads in the party, such as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heather-humphreys/\" target=\"_blank\">Heather Humphreys</a> or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/richard-bruton/\" target=\"_blank\">Richard Bruton</a>. They might have pointed out to Minister <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peter-burke/\" target=\"_blank\">Peter Burke</a> that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-o-leary/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary</a> knows a lot about running an airline, but <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\">asking him to launch your election campaign</a> was a bit like asking your seven year old to drive the school bus. And they might have advised that a crazy TikTok Taoiseach rush around all 43 constituencies had to be balanced against the danger of a tired leader making mistakes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"446DXJGZ4BGFNLYYKQTTDUEADI","additional_properties":{"_id":"FMTEWGPEORAH5MXQLHRLD6IKRU"},"content":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"523NOFM3G5ELHEIYWESXPOBVSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980897},"content":"But amid the fog of numbers early on in the campaign came a voice of experience that set out in one clear sentence what his campaign was about. It was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> who said the battle was between parties that were pro-enterprise and pro-Europe and those that were not. He said it again in both television debates, neatly placing himself and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> and other possible coalition partners on one side of the divide, and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> on the other.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDIBB7K6BVBCPP7BJO7QVJ2VWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883803},"content":"Martin pointed to the fact that<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein\" target=\"_blank\"> Sinn Féin </a>has voted against most referendums relating to Europe, and claimed that its tax policies would create problems for many Irish indigenous industries, never mind their effect on foreign direct investment decisions. You mightn’t agree with him, and Sinn Féin wouldn’t, but at least his claim had the virtue of clarity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LXZ6QD7DFHTRNYJB7XP5WJCUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980898},"content":"In fairness, as the campaign went on, Sinn Féin focused more and more on the simple message of “change”.<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\"> Mary Lou McDonald</a> is a doughty campaigner and watching pictures of her on the stump in my hometown of Carlow this week, she showed the easy way she has with people, particularly with young people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLXI4XPEQBBG7PPDQRW2XENUQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883805},"content":"One political activist, not Sinn Féin, told me last year about doing visits to new voters in the senior classes of local schools. Having explained why it was important to vote and how the voting system worked, she finally asked if they had made their minds up as to how they would vote. To a woman and man, they almost all said Sinn Féin. She gave up going to schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTSNJSI75ZHWRKBK7JUWVMMZFA","additional_properties":{"_id":"VFNEJQYTGZBRTBDG3NRFR5BH7Q"},"content":"Key election 2024 battles: maps show where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin hope to gain - and may lose - seats","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MZJR6OX2IRB47PDE4FWQIFVRHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980899},"content":"We’ll be finding out on Saturday morning if that young vote came out yesterday and if it went Sinn Féin’s way. We’ll be finding out too what happened to the immigration issue, which arose so often during the campaign, and whether it contributed to that solid bank of support for Independents – 20 per cent in recent polls, equal to the support for each of the three main parties. The Independents are a disparate group, ranging from left to right. But will there emerge from them enough TDs, together with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peadar-toibin/\" target=\"_blank\">Peadar Tóibín</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a>, to form a solid conservative bloc in the Dáil, a bloc that has the sort of views on immigration that can increasingly be found in other countries in Europe?","type":"text"},{"_id":"4W3B7DS52RFCXI2QEV4X6YPYXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883807},"content":"In most European countries, the ultranationalist party is also the most right-wing party – take Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party, and indeed the Conservative Party in Britain; or Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party in France; or Geert Wilders’ Dutch People’s Party for Freedom in the Netherlands. Sinn Féin has long boasted that it is the most radical nationalist party in Ireland, but that it is left wing and has therefore left no space for the growth of an ultranationalist right-wing party here. Maybe that’s about to change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANVX4NQ5BVDH3MVX6G6KNQJ3A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980900},"content":"In his commentary on last Sunday’s Sunday Independent Ireland Thinks poll, Kevin Cunningham, managing director of Ireland Thinks, pointed to the 2 per cent rise in<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu\" target=\"_blank\"> Aontú</a>’s vote to 5 per cent and the 3 per cent rise in Independents to a hefty 19 per cent. He said that the rise of Independents and the potential rise of Aontú seems to be a function of a simple gap in the political market for those who both don’t like the current Government and hold more conservative views. “For the first time in our history, there isn’t a Fianna Fáil or a Fine Gael on the opposition benches offering a home to disaffected voters on the right.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7FZ6MQ33BELPIUMFO7VNQ6O64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980901},"content":"Could it be that those disaffected voters are finding a new home?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NQ4ORPPNZFZ5GRTNKYP4IMF5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871462467},"content":"<i>Olivia O’Leary is a journalist, writer and current affairs presenter</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TXQBAJRLVAPPKEIWTTEG5AHRE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olivia O'Leary"}},"name":"Olivia O'Leary"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Everything will be revealed over the course of this weekend. But in the meantime, we learned a few things during this bumpy campaign"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T14:57:19.808Z","headlines":{"basic":"If this election campaign has proven anything, it’s that voters are not eejits","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s performance, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing/\" target=\"_blank\">housing</a>, the Irish<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/economy/\" target=\"_blank\"> economy</a> as well as just how long counting will go on for are the dominant issues raised by foreign journalists covering the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> this weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5T5AIBYFFBCJ3NBGKOQHSI3IA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193181},"content":"With counting to begin on Saturday, international media have travelled to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a> over recent days to report on the campaign while others are located here permanently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XISKYD2JBNANFC6GHOU7ZF6U54","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193182},"content":"Jude Webber, Ireland correspondent for The Financial Times, moved to the capital three years ago and this will be her first time covering an Irish general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SETPA6BKVRFPTOY3RPYFTFQK3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193183},"content":"Webber, who was based in Latin America for over 20 years, said: “There’s an interest obviously in knowing who the next Taoiseach is going to be and there’s a particular interest at the moment, especially in our paper, in how Ireland has all this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple-tax\" target=\"_blank\">money</a> and what on earth are they going to do with it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNJADYNONNHKJDP3BCTHW2E6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":"XMOVJCBD6ZA5VKL44IVORZGO4I"},"content":"General election 2024: Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil in near dead heat at end of campaign","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HDATDDWKA5BDHDKOBSXRVA3D6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193184},"content":"“That’s the interest, and the exposure of Ireland to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump</a>, tax cuts and tariffs and what happens if the good times stop rolling basically.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CJDRC27FNBTJF32NQP6TRL2MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193185},"content":"Webber said foreign media are “always fascinated” by the prospect of Sinn Féin having a successful election while the decision of Gerard Hutch to run “caught all of our eyes”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K62AO77DPNFJNJWWO2WEZJCPJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193186},"content":"“Sinn Féin is also interesting because what does that mean about a united Ireland is the inevitable question,” she said. “If Sinn Féin were to do really well in the election on Friday, I can guarantee that I will be asked ‘what does this mean for a united Ireland and are we closer to a united Ireland?’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYCZK2OLZBDARPNYL3B6KUSAFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193187},"content":"Webber said what surprised her most about the local and European elections in June was “just how long it is”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4IHNSCGVFGP7BEK424G7PQDHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193188},"content":"She points out the first past the post electoral system is in place in the UK with results known a lot quicker compared to the Irish system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV).","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFPCWAKMCVASJM76EL3A2LJNEM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CRA3KI3OQNEMNCIB5Y52QJAKRA"},"content":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WFW5CQTZQREVFKOFTJ2PCLDRGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193189},"content":"“I’m sort of bracing myself for the days of counting ahead,” said Webber.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUEVQZPR2RBE3DBW7VYVCAOA5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193190},"content":"Pontus Mattson, a journalist with Swedish Radio who is usually based in London, travelled over to Dublin earlier this week to cover the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMANYLXNWRAG5NT3S7RO4772U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193191},"content":"He said housing appears to be the prominent theme of the campaign, with immigration also featuring but said “it looks like it’s going to be roughly the same parties who are winning, there’s not very much at stake”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"23LXAZKQENHONJFFKX5K533DYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193192},"content":"Mattson notes that in Sweden they use a proportional representation system for voting but do not have transferable votes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UIKBSULFNG3TBWH35PFOCA3KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193193},"content":"“You only have one vote and it’s counted,” he said. “Often you know the result the next morning, if it’s not very tight, then there can be recounts and so forth. Often you know the same night.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"USZRGM7ZC5A6HCIIMLPIEMWGQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193194},"content":"He said the Irish system of PR-STV is “very democratic” despite counting going on for longer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HYXSU4LOBDNXMXKMI3SLELOD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193195},"content":"“The first past the post British system is not very democratic,” he said. “The Labour Party have 64 per cent of seats but they only have 32 per cent of the votes. It’s a bit strange so I think it’s good in a way that you don’t waste votes, you can give preference to a second or third candidate.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4YJR7L3EBC6FE5PNTZCXNUTS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193196},"content":"Paraic O’Brien, foreign correspondent with Channel 4 News, is originally from Ballinasloe, Co Galway but has been based in the UK for 27 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UCFGBC3ANDHHPUXPCACZH5SKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193197},"content":"He travelled back to Ireland this week to report on the election and said much of the focus has been around housing and the role of Independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHKPYJQ2CNGJTICEGRNGBKVR4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193198},"content":"“Somebody described Friday to me as ‘Independent’s Day’ in terms of how well Independent candidates will do and we’ve been trying to understand why that is, why there are so many Independents running this time,” he said. “It makes Ireland quite unique in Europe having this number of Independents ... Every Independent has their own story and their reason for running.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TD4UTAVVNZEPPNWME2HUY3ZNEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193199},"content":"O’Brien said there is a lot of interest in Britain around Sinn Féin “because of their history and their past” and the “extent to which they’ve reinvented themselves”. He also said he enjoys coming home to report on Irish politics because of “how accessible the senior leadership is, especially during the course of a campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4WT4PSXPRDWPE7JHBGWR6AVT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193200},"content":"“You don’t get that to the same extent in England, it’s all much more locked down and regulated and hard to get proper face time with senior politicians on the road,” he said. “But in Ireland, that’s much easier and long may it last.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"General election: International media ‘always fascinated’ by Sinn Féin’s performance with housing and economy also a focus"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘I’m sort of bracing myself for the days of counting ahead’: Foreign journalists’ views on the general election","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ","auth":{"1":"249139a5c8cae89f3d8e835bf9c6cc2d173fc6feb5151fc0135d97e7d9a51479"},"focal_point":{"x":1075,"y":600},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/im-sort-of-bracing-myself-for-the-days-of-counting-ahead-foreign-journalists-views-on-the-general-election/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ZABYJV47KRE3NEFPLAGYA6BUWU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732185791951},"content":"The 2024 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> to decide what will be the largest <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail/\" target=\"_blank\">Dáil </a>in the history of the State takes place on November 29th. Following recommendations from the Electoral Commission, the number of Dáil seats has increased by 14, bringing the total number of seats to 174. As well as this, the number of constituencies has increased from 39 to 43. The increased number of seats and constituencies sees more than 650 candidates on the ballot - an average of more than 15 candidates per constituency. 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candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"3TLHO4ERHBAIJNZ6NPEH77FQ64","additional_properties":{"_id":"GPLNJGA2HJBQZC3WOBNZ4V65OU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LYQ35GJQFNCY3HGRJDAFWQVER4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"XDUJRMVFFJFMTESVX4VW73LZMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732217744302},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-carlow-kilkenny-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Carlow-Kilkenny</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRZS7V6YCNBNBCEEO4QN6DL3WI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732200128977},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cavan-monaghan-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Cavan-Monaghan</a> 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candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"N4ZYXXIDSJAB5LCJSDZQK44I34","additional_properties":{"_id":"6IJOM2DU7BBTPKSPTA4I542PPM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BRLBBLY34VHCPNRDDWNV54KQLY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"DFPRCCHG3ZEJZOHBDGJG7MSQMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732217744326},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-cork-south-central-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Cork South-Central</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMCMGASMIBERFPTSLFYL3IUYL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732200128995},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cork-south-west-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Cork South-West</a> 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Waterford</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"FN647EGAVRE4PH43XIJ3NDVJI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622073},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wexford-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Wexford</a> candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"YENEL74BLZHZ5CMAOPEMAN6XHU","additional_properties":{"_id":"XKAZY4RGXVDJFCJE42KLBAWXO4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NNVJJDUL7RH6FFKN74RS5NJY2U","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4MVGX6KEOZF2RE23ULZWYY74DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622076},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wexford-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Wexford</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBZJVZ7EAJCPZIHUBYZUTDRNFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622077},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wicklow-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Wicklow</a> candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"EZDET6KOOJHYHIY2KQGLU6ONJA","additional_properties":{"_id":"UIS66V3IYVBD5KAWY2DCZZ6BKQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y7PLNBV6URB2FIMQSIYS2JLVVU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"RLTDLKC7ANA33HO3EAQDN3RMIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622080},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Wicklow</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFYTJYUJ3NB35HSAGWKM36F4LU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622081},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wicklow-wexford-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Wicklow-Wexford</a> candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"MBVAJZUREBDAPLM2UGEG6VGSQI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TRAPCDV3FRAI5I6LGRNNGTKHHQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BW723E77LJDBFM3NTQU33BYQYM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"YSINACW2WBDLZH7LP5P5GAH7BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622084},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-wexford-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Wicklow-Wexford</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Find out who is in the running to represent your area using this online resource"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T11:48:23.977Z","headlines":{"basic":"Who are the candidates in my constituency? A general election guide","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ","auth":{"1":"f88eadc63d844d7a922af4da8a0b714d624750878271b0ad78d9363f3a18d3ac"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"5SCWSOQHOZGAZAAQHINQVGZMJM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":338,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/2c9b1989-fdcb-4f29-b2a3-eaaa8c3e9250/versions/1732804399/media/18db062e334762bca690449cb99cbc5a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/general-election-housing-cost-of-living-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-campaign-latest/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VRLJ5XD5GNHLFISOQXSUHGRJE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829847},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis\" target=\"_blank\">Housing</a> and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cos\" target=\"_blank\">cost of living</a> were the dominant issues raised by voters across the country before the 2024 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRD4TZHOWVBGJMNN7ZIKRHL3KI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829849},"content":"Over recent weeks, The Irish Times has run a series of Meet the Voters articles, hearing from various sections of Irish society, across the country, on their thoughts before polling day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M42FUM6DEBFK7PPUXQVBG4G5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829850},"content":"Housing was at the forefront of many people’s minds, young and old, with property prices continuing to accelerate over the past year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVYB5WCFQ5GQXJNPMFWSQICDAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829851},"content":"At Boxx Barbers in Finglas, north Dublin, Shaun Reid (29) <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/16/out-with-the-voters-the-view-from-the-barbershop/\" target=\"_blank\">explained that he was living at home</a> with his parents. He and his partner have four children between them and was minded to vote for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> because of the housing crisis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6MXJKGLCNEZLP777FWCPWJMBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829852},"content":"“It’s another opportunity for change,” he said. “I’m saving with my partner for a house. You are looking at the housing crisis and you are getting less motivated as the prices go up. You look further out from Finglas and houses are going up there as well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOZMSCM325CXJNTCMQMEJT7YPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829853},"content":"“It’s a hard situation for anyone in power. I’d rather give the opportunity to Sinn Féin because they haven’t had the chance. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> have had the chance and it has not worked out well for them.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WIXGMLCIZBGZJTI64OPYHBRHI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TRFR4CTP65CZHN2QBUUTOG5C5Y"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PRYZCAR5ZVGONK7GZAAGXBMQMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829854},"content":"A similar picture was painted by DCU student Amber Kane (18), who lives with her mother, sister and grandparents. The accounting and finance student said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/12/out-with-the-voters-housing-among-biggest-concerns-for-students/\" target=\"_blank\">housing instability was now becoming intergenerational</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYAQTNTFUZCDRBLLST6II3S2IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829855},"content":"“Even then it’s like my mam can’t get a house, and we can’t either,” she said. “I can’t see in the near future how I’d ever get a house. Obviously we started a college course, we want to have a career and job, but you’re putting all the effort in and you don’t know what you’re going to get back out. That’s really frustrating.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYDVAX23MVG5PPHYU75PGWMMQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829856},"content":"In Kilkenny city, Paula Fleming, a special needs assistant and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/emigration-is-exercising-kilkenny-voters-its-like-were-going-back-to-the-1980s-only-its-housing-now-not-lack-of-jobs/\" target=\"_blank\">member of the Nore Dragon Paddlers group</a>, said: “All three of my children are in their 20s, all graduated from college during the pandemic but yet can’t afford to buy or even rent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYZLGI34ANG4PJM6KX3KKF6VVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829857},"content":"“I went to London in the 1980s to work ... and came back in 1999, but never thought I would see my children in the same boat.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJEXYMX4AZD5BAVTB25K7CNOHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829858},"content":"The cost of living was another prominent topic for voters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TCLXIB6MRCBBPR26PHRQSDJ3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829859},"content":"At a greyhound meeting in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Joe Gaffney (54), who works in a medical factory, said he <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/i-wouldnt-like-to-be-a-young-person-you-get-a-job-but-you-have-nowhere-to-live-mixed-odds-on-governments-performance-at-mullingar-greyhound-track/\" target=\"_blank\">was “worse off financially” </a>compared to five years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7JREYRREZGZ3FNW4OXBFCJA7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829860},"content":"“Car insurance is going up, health insurance, everything is going up,” he said. “This country is so hard to live in ... I wouldn’t like to be a young person, you get a job but you have nowhere to live ... and they wonder why so many young people are going to Australia.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TI7CTRXA3BCUNKBAZ57DR5Z7IM","additional_properties":{"_id":"BSG627YEINHPLBSEXTLDAK6XYA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VH6C5LI4LFCE5BZ275MFDTJCHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829861},"content":"Dublin taxi man David Cummins said petrol costs were “very high”; he <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/13/i-cant-even-get-a-plumber-how-are-they-going-to-build-those-houses-dublin-taxi-drivers-give-their-verdict-on-election-pledges/\" target=\"_blank\">spends about €250 per week</a> to fill his van, a significant chunk of his earnings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F3F35OOOSZGEJPLJXZRUNAHDCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829862},"content":"Other issues raised by voters were health, public transport and the mismanagement of public finances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOOSMBFCNZH5NPDVTMIE5R5CHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829863},"content":"In Greystones, Co Wicklow, home to Taoiseach Simon Harris, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/08/election-countdown-how-will-the-dryrobers-vote-in-the-taoiseachs-home-town/\" target=\"_blank\">sea swimmers, The Dryrobers, discussed Dart services</a>, traffic problems, childcare and shortages of school places.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMMLUWQJINCQVKQIEZKWJT73GM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732788000722},"content":"For Clare Island residents in Co Mayo, there were <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/20/it-is-past-time-for-building-a-safe-all-weather-pier-how-will-clare-islanders-vote-in-this-election/?\" target=\"_blank\">more localised problems </a>about the dangers of Roonagh pier, commuting costs and the complexities of island living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKKI7HTFHJER3PWGROFWYNFXMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829864},"content":"Members of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) branch in Portlaoise, Co Laois <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/election-2024-politicians-hear-about-living-life-from-a-wheelchair/\" target=\"_blank\">spoke about hazardous footpaths</a> on the main street, the cost of living with a disability, accessible housing and transport.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6M2QPBR5BALXBIQI2MFXABGQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829865},"content":"At a social gathering of LGBTQ+ group Quare Clare, the rise of far-right parties <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/clare-lgbt-group-on-the-far-right-if-they-pick-on-one-minority-they-will-pick-on-another-we-would-be-in-the-firing-line/\" target=\"_blank\">has been </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/clare-lgbt-group-on-the-far-right-if-they-pick-on-one-minority-they-will-pick-on-another-we-would-be-in-the-firing-line/\" target=\"_blank\">a concern </a>and anti-immigration protests.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUHGYJGGIRB6ZITYUYSEUDWZYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829866},"content":"“Everyone knows what this leads to, if they pick on one minority, as soon as they are out of fashion, they will pick on another,” said Maurice O’Sullivan, from Corofin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWUDBJ72QZH2VAXLF2UXCQHE6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732788000726},"content":"“We would be in the firing line for that. We all know what that feels like.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XWUMSKDS5FMRPANNQM6CTK3MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829867},"content":"While members of the public set out the issues affecting them, with some indicating who they might vote for, others spoke of being undecided.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54FNUQM2TVGU7DANFSOW2BV62Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829868},"content":"At the CLEAS Irish language book club at Gaeilge Locha Riach in Loughrea, Co Galway, Ruth Ní Shiadhail said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/10/31/nobody-represents-me-at-galway-book-club-general-election-voters-pessimistic-about-next-chapter-of-government/\" target=\"_blank\">her natural inclination was to vote Green</a>, but “the Greens that we have are all city based”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKPJELZQYVADPCFIXOYE46KNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829869},"content":"“So the Greens are too city based and we don’t really have a proper Labour Party any more so we have very few options,” she said. “I am struggling to know who to vote for. Nobody is representing me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJWSRN2D3BAJXGON2MKJCIFJYE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NBKOBLARR5CQJAR2SDAMEEJSGM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YH43JCID5REZBHQQHNBOZAFILI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829870},"content":"Cepta Sheppard (64), a customer at Zinc hair and beauty salon in Kilmainham, Dublin said she <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/im-hearing-there-will-be-so-many-independents-and-im-worried-hairdresser-clients-undecided/\" target=\"_blank\">voted for Fine Gael in the past but was also uncertain</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZUK5OKHDJEZJNDTPP2G3SZ5LQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829871},"content":"“I’m really on the fence,” she said. “I would like to say I would give Sinn Féin a vote but I think personally, they would actually bankrupt the country because they have these crazy ideas.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DJQCBY2OFEKNIEBIDFW63GMNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829872},"content":"Read the Meet the Voters series <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meet-the-voters\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish electorate give their views on the important issues ahead of polling day"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Housing and cost of living dominated public debate in election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY","auth":{"1":"ec7afb82ff3c4b66cc641d240d6683b58afecfe129b9fb14b6482fb5b0dca772"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY.gif"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/general-election-housing-cost-of-living-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-campaign-latest/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"D2U5YPAOFRG6THLDDVH6FKT5WA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":262,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/c0d14d5f-231b-4285-a170-fd99652b784f/versions/1732826635/media/56ea409f3e67f5f04267b1145932929d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/three-big-parties-in-near-dead-heat-at-end-of-election-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WVHNA3DYYZBTDGOAE54ZWQXCPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150555},"content":"Polling stations open at 7am on Friday after a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> campaign that seemed to meander through a blizzard of lavish spending promises before jolting into life in its final week as concerns arose about the likely policies of the incoming <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump</a> administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"67OPNE3NC5GONCAMXDYZCM2QKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150556},"content":"Voting across the 43 constituencies will continue until 10pm on Friday, after which ballot boxes will be sealed and securely transported to the 32 count centres in advance of their opening at 9am on Saturday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KGLPQ6OG2JFLXEXJ2TGL24RID4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150557},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people, the largest number ever, are eligible to vote in the election, an increase of 423,000 voters since the 2020 election. There were over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline – a fact which adds to the unpredictability of an election that few are confident of calling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTAN6FUHYBFHBKBAMPBJHQK3II","additional_properties":{"_id":"JMB27G3ZRBHKTJUWROYSSSD2PU"},"content":"Election 2024: How do I vote, what are the polls saying and how does the system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZVL34X2LURDNHCMUK4XZFKSCIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150558},"content":"The first results of an Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD exit poll conducted by Ipsos B&A will be released after the polling stations close on Friday evening, which will give the initial indications of the likely outcome, and – potentially – the possible shape of the next government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2N2HKNPUZHF3LTIFLHCD6ZCIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150559},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> has been ahead in recent opinion polls but only by the shortest of noses and well within the polling margin of error. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> are close behind, and all three parties were in a near dead heat as the campaign finished, bunched around the 20 per cent mark.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PNTVVOBGNATFAUZEHLRXQA7XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150560},"content":"If those results are replicated when the votes are counted it will make a government based on Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil the most likely outcome of this general election. But they will need the support of at least one and possibly more than one party – and/or Independents – to form a Dáil majority.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YR5IXBU3VFFFRBOYYCJZEYM3VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150561},"content":"A stronger than expected showing by Sinn Féin could upset all those expectations, however. And the count is likely to reveal intense competition between the smaller parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5RQT3YJP5C2BCLNSKOWNRLFEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150563},"content":"On Thursday the party leaders embarked on a frantic last-minute round of canvassing. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was in Wicklow where he said the question of coalition with Sinn Féin was usually raised at the end of a campaign “for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the Fianna Fáil position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X6O5YKOKFZFVFLJYHYLRKM2K5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150564},"content":"“The bottom line is we did not go in with Sinn Féin in 2020, in 2016. The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NT6W2GL57JGWBAMTUOEA2C6MMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150565},"content":"Fine Gael leader Simon Harris turned his guns on Sinn Féin again, and said that people should examine the kind of policies that lie behind its message of change. “Sinn Féin is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPQF5XUC7ZG43DACYNDGUFHF4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150567},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald reiterated her plea for voters to “lend” their votes to her party, and also support others “parties of change”. Asked to elaborate on her view that Sinn Féin voters should support such parties, she said: “I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit, candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GB3NIIWCHNFRVOXVE5A4GZMXK4","additional_properties":{"_id":"Q44FN6YSBBFEDKPJN6QBOC6FDE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-89884","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JWZUBFDHSNHN5GQ6NA7L7X62GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150568},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the Social Democrats final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z7IPDNDIFZHCZOMFXXDECBNAGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150569},"content":"Green leader Roderic O’Gorman said: “It’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of the next government. Smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQ3HYAD6WNFHDH2P25TDP2YLLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150571},"content":"At her final press conference the Labour leader Ivana Bacik promised that the “first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline add to the unpredictability of an election few are confident of calling"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election 2024: Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil in near dead heat at end of 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the foundation of the State, Ireland has used the electoral system known as proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR–STV, or PR for short).","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7AD2AQRIBCQ5ILFTBYWRKI26A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255258},"content":"This means at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/local-elections/\" target=\"_blank\">local</a>, mayoral, national, general and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/presidential-election/\" target=\"_blank\">presidential</a> elections, voters are asked to give their vote in order of preference.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MSJ4LSANXFBIDKEGNE5XH7CQQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255259},"content":"Referendums, in which people are asked to vote on changes to the Irish Constitution, operate on a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ basis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJASZNZ6RVBAXGDFJBKP2Q5ZOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255260},"content":"Voters can stop after indicating their first choice candidate, or can continue to give a preferential vote to as many candidates as they wish on the ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5YWGGWZVB5HMNCCQ6HSYFWHWTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255261},"content":"When you vote with more than one preference, you are instructing the returning officer – the person responsible for the counting of votes – that if your preferred candidate is eliminated, or elected with a surplus of votes, you want your vote to be transferred to your second choice candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWLJP73X6NFVVDXJMCVWLOZEUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255262},"content":"Lower preferences come into play only when higher ones are elected or eliminated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDNXFABSCBEXNNDMKHELVHIDY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255263},"content":"In Dáil and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/european-election/\" target=\"_blank\">European election</a> constituencies, the number of seats (or elected representatives) can be 3, 4 or 5 per area, depending on population size.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4QOEVVUBNEAFLCWVYNNHRYZRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255264},"content":"In local elections, constituencies are called Local Electoral Areas (LEAs), and the number of seats in these can vary between 3 and 7.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WW7VK2S3RFD3RD7TFRX3GONAN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255265},"content":"When it comes to counting votes, ballot papers are sorted into first preference choices for each candidate and then the first preferences are counted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OGUWWYAQ5FYJOQR3JPOIFM2P4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255266},"content":"The total valid poll is determined after all spoilt votes have been adjudicated on. Ballot papers may be deemed spoiled due to writing on the ballot paper, if no clear first preference is marked for a candidate, or if the ballot paper was not stamped by the presiding officer or polling clerk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4P2YYZHYBDD7D2OQ7JDYI37RE","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPXAF47425CCHO3FSXTDKIRWHI"},"content":"McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HXXX6MKETVGUVJEREKQ7REPFYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255267},"content":"The quota is then calculated on the basis of the total valid poll. The quota is the figure that, if reached, guarantees the election of a candidate. It is possible to get elected without reaching the quota, but this can only happen when all other candidates are excluded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJ7WMZYXGND2LPZAYBN55KT4F4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255268},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSMECK5JRBAZVMPAP6EARGYCBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814283190},"content":"The quota is calculated by dividing the total valid poll by 1 more than the number of available seats, and then adding 1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHDR2TX7QRDK5NKOHPDZU6ABJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255269},"content":"For example, in a four-seat constituency with a valid poll of 60,000, the quota would be: (60,000 divided by 4+1) + 1 = 12,001.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FAXK7X4JBG7VNCKWEQHPRD7FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255270},"content":"The quota is a formula calculated on the basis of the lowest possible number of votes that can be filled by the number of candidates to be elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"447ALAZXARDJJGNFNVTKN7MDXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255271},"content":"Votes are transferred after each count when a candidate is either elected or eliminated. A vote can be counted multiple times with transfers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7V3X7AXNXJBIXCBCMZW3UUPZFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255272},"content":"Any preference for candidates who have already been elected or have been excluded is ignored. The next available preference on the ballot paper is used.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7VXXU3XLJBMBFKMWY5CTDQ4UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255273},"content":"If a voter picks only one candidate, their vote cannot transfer because they have no second preference. A voter can influence the election of other candidates by continuing to vote down the list of candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NQGWLJXZVEGVG2LYSIWMZ3QU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255274},"content":"When a vote is transferred it counts as a full vote even if it’s a number 8, ie the voter’s eighth preference. That is why it’s called a single transferable vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3EYQWL5VZDELGXF54LK54MF44","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255275},"content":"Candidates remain in the count as long as they keep receiving sufficient transfers to remain in contention. This process is repeated until there are no more votes to be transferred.","type":"text"},{"_id":"APIKMWBQUNACLCFV4AEZ76KTCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255276},"content":"A number of other countries, including Malta, use the PR-STV system, as does Northern Ireland for local and Assembly elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAKIIZZHVBDEJLO4PBFVQT3RCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255277},"content":"Two referendums were held, in 1959 and 1968, to try to replace PR-STV with the British first-past-the-post system, but both were defeated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Voters give their vote in order of preference, with lower preferences coming into play only when higher ones are either elected or eliminated"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","native":"Explainer: How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Elections 2024"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA","auth":{"1":"fc41984b79f073702294374ac1775410d64f805db64ddbf0e08b3a512d4e10c6"},"focal_point":{"x":1791,"y":1084},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/explainer-how-does-proportional-representation-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"DJFFNDEI2VHQHNBC7MKOBPGSIA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":451,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/10097cd0-6a98-4dca-8631-f7580e98a7ad/versions/1732792302/media/def174ddca01a84f3f7eea5596ea1c83_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/11/29/newstalks-interview-with-gerry-hutch-is-an-anticlimax-after-kevin-myerss-inflammatory-opinions-fill-the-air/","content_elements":[{"_id":"B2EK6QP6RZDJLKFOMZXUN7FMII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160909},"content":"On Tuesday, as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general-election campaign</a> enters the final stretch before polling day, <b>The Hard Shoulder </b>(Newstalk, weekdays) features a rare broadcast interview with a mercurial, controversial figure whose provocative reputation has long divided opinion. And if <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kieran-cuddihy/\" target=\"_blank\">Kieran Cuddihy</a>’s conversation with the veteran journalist and author <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kevin-myers/\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin Myers</a> isn’t contentious enough, the host also hears from the gangland boss and Independent Dáil candidate <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gerry-hutch/\" target=\"_blank\">Gerry Hutch</a>. But while the latter’s appearance makes the news – it’s Hutch’s only radio Interview – it’s Myers who generates the on-air pyrotechnics, with his talent for inflammatory opinions given full rein. All this while discussing his favourite books.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HMBSZN3GNBHBPDR5DX6VTGD6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160910},"content":"Speaking on Cuddihy’s weekly Bookshelf slot, Myers nominates Rudyard Kipling’s Collected Verse as his go-to volume – but adds in theatrically weary tones that this choice didn’t find favour with the show’s researcher. “Kipling is enormously unpopular in Ireland,” he says, citing the writer’s fervent support for the British empire. Myers doesn’t try to justify Kipling’s imperialism, though he insists the writer wasn’t racist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OAK6FVDLJG75MOIHPPXV2ZLGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160911},"content":"The columnist, who once wrote offensively about single mothers in The Irish Times, then gives a stirring recital of Kipling’s poem The Female of the Species – as in “is more deadly than the male” – quickly adding that its sexist sentiment is “ludicrously untrue”. “You have to forgive him for his many errors, but he is nonetheless a compelling poet,” says Myers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6C64ZEVPRA7JHH5S2O24BPQTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160912},"content":"Still, feeling compelled to dispel any unease about choosing a writer with such extravagantly outdated views, Myers picks a more acceptable alternative: Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, “in many ways a vile book, about a pederast’s infatuation with a young girl”. Stop playing it safe, Kev!","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EQUHLSBLZGLNJGNZ7BATO5KY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790638762},"content":"At this stage it’s tempting to think that Myers is back to his old scheisse-stirring tricks, but he adds that, despite the book’s evil theme, it has a “moral schemata”. Myers also praises the “Russian vigour” of the writing, which he also finds in his preferred Nabokov novel, Pale Fire<i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5G33MF4RZGAPH7FJNFS4BJ674","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160913},"content":"Throughout all this a clearly amused Cuddihy largely stands back, allowing his guest to fire off all manner of sweeping (if not entirely inaccurate) statements: “Men over 50 don’t read fiction”; “Many artists are unpleasant people”; and so forth. For all his robustly opinionated persona, however, Myers makes some serious points, notably the need to view artistic work on merit rather than purely through the lens of modern attitudes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVZFGBJNCBGHNNDQSYXDVTFKHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790638764},"content":"That said, he still revels in pricking contemporary mores, plumping for Kipling’s poetry as his favourite work. “Now no one’s going to talk to me,” says Myers, not sounding particularly bothered. It’s an entertaining and intelligent segment, albeit with a frisson of the inappropriate: Cuddihy is probably wise to confine his guest’s comments to books.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QZBV56AYZHWLCEDQRKEPTDAGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160914},"content":"Compared with that, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/henry-mckean/\" target=\"_blank\">Henry McKean</a>’s exclusive interview with Hutch is an anticlimax. The perennially breathless roving reporter tells Cuddihy how, after a chance encounter in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-dublin-central-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin Central</a> constituency, he persuaded Hutch to take part in Front Bench, his election vox-pop series. (It’s not the only bench Hutch has been around recently, following his Special Criminal Court <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/04/22/what-now-for-gerard-hutch-and-jonathan-dowdall/\" target=\"_blank\">acquittal</a> for the 2016 murder of David Byrne, a Kinahan cartel member.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB6V6IOVPVFS7HPP7EHV7J7MXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160915},"content":"Alas, that’s as exciting as McKean’s scoop gets. Though Hutch is guardedly polite, he approaches the discussion with the same uninhibited candour as he would a Garda interrogation. He says little about policies beyond bemoaning the lack of affordable housing and tersely deflects McKean’s softball question about his chequered past:<b> </b>“That’s all yesterday’s news. You want to move forward.” It’s only when asked if he has any regrets that there’s a flash of mordant wit. “Yeah, maybe I should have run as a politician when I was 20.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYDIZ4LYSZEEDALFGUMKRKYK6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160916},"content":"However his political future pans out, Hutch doesn’t seem destined to be one of the great parliamentary orators. And there’s something uncomfortable about the way Cuddihy repeatedly and enthusiastically plugs the interview, given Hutch’s dubious past. Perhaps mindful of such queasiness, Cuddihy – whose show isn’t as top-heavy with election coverage as some of his peers’ – finishes by quoting Ms Justice Tara Burns’s opinion that Hutch is the figurehead of an organised criminal gang. At times like this the old saw about all politicians being crooks seems especially trite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXOBHDPOZNHNLBGSZMYBC6JHDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160917},"content":"While the direction of the country is decided at the ballot box, <b>Spoken Stories</b> (RTÉ Radio 1, Sunday) gauges the national mood more imaginatively, in the form of short new fiction on the theme of “the state of us”. The latest story in the current series, The Impasse, by the Irish-Indian author Cauvery Madhavan, tackles this idea in deceptively light-hearted fashion. As Madhavan remarks to Clíodhna Ní Anluain, the programme’s producer, in the introduction, the thematic brief can refer to broader society or, less flatteringly, to personal mishap or embarrassment: her story, as read by the actor Dawn Bradfield, takes its cue from the latter definition, initially at least.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4M4ZCX3OWBAMLHXLKZFXM24AQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160918},"content":"The plot is simple. Two estranged old friends, Nuala and Imelda, nearly collide while traversing a narrow boreen. With both refusing to budge, old grudges and newer bugbears surface. The resentments are directed not just at each other but also towards the new, sports car-driving African parish priest – “the Trócaire baby brought to life”, in Imelda’s cosily prejudiced phrase. But far from being racist caricatures, Madhavan’s characters are nuanced if imperfect beings, sketched with good-humoured affection, while Bradfield’s reading imbues the tale with a pleasing tone of gossipy mischief. Much like the protagonists, the story doesn’t get too far, but there’s a lot of fun and the odd thoughtful moment while it’s stuck there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGATFKXZBBEZLGVQXVVUUWGN4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160919},"content":"It’s a typically absorbing instalment to the strand, which this season has featured works by Carlo Gébler and Mia Gallagher, as well as an Irish-language instalment from Colm Ó Snodaigh. Whether these tales end up as firm favourites on bookshelves in the future is yet to be seen, but for now Spoken Stories does an admirable job of representing the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDRD7P6ZZVBOHNJXIHTCGPPNPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160920},"content":"Moment of the Week","type":"header"},{"_id":"CHYHFWNM6ZFRFNY4XOLL5WKEYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160921},"content":"On Tuesday’s <b>Rising Time</b> (RTÉ Radio 1, daily), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/shay-byrne/\" target=\"_blank\">Shay Byrne</a>’s trademark chirpy irreverence leads to unexpected ruminations on being made redundant by technology. Shooting the early-morning breeze with the traffic reporter Sinéad Ní Uallacháin and the sports presenter Darren Frehill, Byrne remarks, apropos nothing, that an “<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">AI</a> Jesus” has been installed in a Swiss church to hear confessions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEUM3B3TR5HDDE3KSRN43H4W3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160922},"content":"After the trio ponder this titbit at length, if not necessarily in depth, Frehill takes the notion to its logical conclusion: “Will it be long before there’s an AI Shay and an AI Darren?” It’s hardly a new concept: that reliable font of wisdom The Simpsons envisioned the show’s clueless radio-jock duo Bill and Marty being replaced by the automated DJ3000. Byrne, in turn, does little to help his case. “My wife has always said, ‘Talking to you is like talking to a robot,’” he says, chuckling. Given RTÉ's parlous financial state, Byrne probably shouldn’t be giving management such ideas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSVAXSUJJZH73F32GTBYFVALHI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mick Heaney"}},"name":"Mick Heaney"}]},"description":{"basic":"Radio: The Hard Shoulder host Kieran Cuddihy gives his guest’s talent for inflammatory opinions full rein – all while discussing his favourite books"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Newstalk’s interview with Gerry Hutch is an anticlimax after Kevin Myers’s inflammatory opinions fill the air","native":"Radio review: Newstalk’s interview with Gerry Hutch is an anticlimax after Kevin Myers’s inflammatory opinions fill the air"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU","auth":{"1":"bd6cbb97bed4d978a11514d90f7489f60e60a6adfe94b31460ccf4fd4cf41b9e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/11/29/newstalks-interview-with-gerry-hutch-is-an-anticlimax-after-kevin-myerss-inflammatory-opinions-fill-the-air/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"XWW5LPILPJE2JFA6QKAQZPED7Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":192,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1924e77f-c771-4c42-a8c9-3edd7350b2a1/versions/1732819584/media/1ff9dacd5662ade5e41d050ec9db8690_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2024/11/29/the-irish-times-view-on-using-your-vote-a-precious-right-that-must-be-defended/","content_elements":[{"_id":"I2QVXVHOTFGWTOHTK6CXQW33EI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737062},"content":"It was flagged at the outset that 2024 would be an unprecedented year of elections, affecting almost half the world’s population. That would not turn out to be the entire story. This has been a year when democracy has been subject to setbacks, reversals and repression.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPJW2J4V2JAFLGMK6MRHHGZW7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737063},"content":"As Ireland goes to the polls today, it is timely to recall some of democracy’s darker moments this year. In February, opposition leader Alexei Navalany died in dubious circumstances in a Russian penal colony. In July, Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in a Venezuelan election that was neither free nor fair. And earlier this month, 47 pro-democracy activists were jailed in Hong Kong.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOJC22E4PFGDTMTSCXD24XZJAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737064},"content":"These are just three examples of how advocates for democracy across the world have forfeited their freedom and sometimes their lives in defence of a right which too often is taken for granted by those who enjoy it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFXPYCKU6NBTPLIBEKIOYDUOHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737065},"content":"Today, Irish voters have the opportunity to decide the shape of the 34th Dáil and, by extension, their next government. It is a right denied to most of the world’s population. And in many democracies – including the world’s largest, India – norms and institutions are under stress.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FD2LTQK35C7FDLH7WWWRSWLYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737066},"content":"In its modern form of universal adult suffrage, democracy is a relatively recent innovation, based on a simple but profound truth: each person is of equal value and should have an equal say. In practice, democracy is usually contingent and often incomplete. The United States – the world’s oldest and foremost democracy in the eyes of many – only became fully democratic with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1965.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKJNGGEAPZAQVCXAAN22BOR4TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737067},"content":"One sign of the health of a democracy is the presence of losers’ consent, where all sides accept the legitimacy of the process and the outcome. That can be lost if the majority abuses its power, as happened for decades in Northern Ireland. Losers’ consent has also been strained in recent US elections, and might have reached breaking point this time had the result been different.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJLSBK4N7FFUDKNWNFN6HP6Y3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737068},"content":"Populist authoritarians on both right and left set out to undermine these principles of equality and legitimacy by claiming to act on behalf of “the people” against internal enemies. That leads inevitably to the conclusion that there can only be one legitimate winner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IIT3OIVKGZDBZLJIDGKHZTDDRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737069},"content":"Fortunately, for social and historical reasons, that mindset has found little purchase in Ireland. Our electoral system has its shortcomings but tends to reward consensus and tolerance over extremism and polarisation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QBW3LUCXJGRFBNXATX2STJYNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737070},"content":"It would be unwise to be complacent, though. The trends visible in other democracies – declining trust in institutions, discontent with the failure of elected governments to tackle pressing problems, social atomisation – are all present here. The first and best way to guard against them is by actively participating in the democratic process and casting a vote today.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Our electoral system tends to reward consensus and tolerance over extremism and polarisation"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T00:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":" The Irish Times view on using your vote: a precious right that must be defended","native":"Voting is a precious right and the best way to protect it is by using it"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74","auth":{"1":"abc2de1dcbfd7f8a7c2c379d6f80461b410ee80debb8d78f9f1d11942105d95a"},"focal_point":{"x":950,"y":477},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2024/11/29/the-irish-times-view-on-using-your-vote-a-precious-right-that-must-be-defended/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}},{"_id":"6NNN53HADRE6JLVGUC3T73ONW4","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-campaign-live-updates/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DQ5TIPUNWNAFHCS5DF3BXO6QQI","additional_properties":{"_id":"NKKQYOTKJNGC5GTBZ77BOGCXTU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732782600000},"id":"timestamp-44036","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"QHLCRIYMPRAWZBX3L7SG55Q7O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112231},"content":"The parties are sharpening their messages in their last-ditch appeals to voters on the final day of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> campaign ahead of Friday’s vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRD6O3PE55FG5NXNZ4BLQ7UIUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112232},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> has appealed for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\">voters</a> who have traditionally stayed away from the party to “lend us your vote” to remove <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a> from office, with party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> suggesting her party’s voters should “transfer on” their votes to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a>. Meanwhile, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil continued to focus on the threat of a shock to the Irish economy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I627E6WAVFTDPBFGM7VYX4AWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112233},"content":"The final poll of the campaign released on Wednesday night by the Business Post showed the three big parties bunched together with around 20 per cent support, leaving it all to play for.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QW2FS3PJ5HHXAXVRU3GLREVNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112234},"content":"Key Reads","type":"header"},{"_id":"XAQWOSH27BA57HDAF2V2PYFBXU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"ZJY27VTXNRGL7JJSMGRQQ6W5OE","additional_properties":{"_id":"TL6L4Z3WRNFXBLWMA3LVASUI6A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784191413},"id":"timestamp-59452","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JF4ELIYU6BFZDOPM3QL34EY2LQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498452},"content":"Time for the Insta generation to step up?","type":"header"},{"_id":"NPJWCWKX2FA4TIPX436PJR3S7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498453},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> was back on Instagram live this morning asking for votes for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> in an “extraordinarily close” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLOBDYRCE5DTBBR5XHCJLYFKBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498454},"content":"The Fine Gael leader warned pundits it’s is “very dangerous” to try to predict the outcome and said to viewers: “It’s you and you alone who will decide this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6DTFMBQTREBRNCBW6ICAUQQEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498455},"content":"“This is a three-way contest and I respectfully argue it’s now time for our generation to step up, it’s time for a new generation of leadership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJQCK36X6RDI3HJNBMY2XQ6K6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498456},"content":"“That is what I represent, an ability to get things done. An ability to bring common sense to politics but also an ability to represent a new generation... Please lend me your support tomorrow, lend Fine Gael your support and in return I will give you my absolute all”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4QUIGX46VANPIJBC3F4KTVUFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498457},"content":"Earlier in the post he spoke of Fine Gael promises for €200 per month childcare, the creation of more special schools and abolition of college fees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X427MB3B5BD5DDLJGLV4LWS3GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498458},"content":"He said: “I don’t get everything right, no political party gets everything right but you know what I do step up every time I’ve been called upon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXLLIQSONBAA3EKR5LVTIXVAFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498459},"content":"Harris said he “stepped up during the Covid pandemic to help save lives and livelihoods” served in Government during the “difficult days” of Brexit and promoted apprenticeships as Minister for Higher Education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFWHVEG66RD6HIAWXI6OKRWYAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498460},"content":"He said: “as Taoiseach when the vacancy arose I again was willing to step up because our country needed leadership and he said a Budget was delivered to help people with the costs of living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WJD3VT5IFGMNPGKBG5VVHWUR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498461},"content":"Later in the video he responds to other people’s posts – here’s a sample:","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2KOPD3TDNHTNDJEU5PWX6LXW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498462},"content":"“vodkashot78 making a point about housing ... let me say this – housing, housing housing is my number one priority. But that’s just rhetoric here’s how we’re going to fix it ...”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SURGWPCHJJGERIGASR7YPJH3GY","additional_properties":{"_id":"YED5LFCCSBEJLMO4ZGI6DQDCAU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784238303},"id":"timestamp-64603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"XZCRYJCXQFFS7AU3COF3L6T5HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498465},"content":"Harris’ Instagram Live comes after a previous one last night last night where he said “it’s all to play for” in the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6657HJLH7RE5FAPPVGV7E4674U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498466},"content":"“There’s a poll out tonight that shows when you give people constituency ballots, Fine Gael is neck and neck for first place.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGHY5YKSOBC2FP5D5KOO6OIRCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498467},"content":"This is of course a reference to the Business Post/Red C poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FRCBXORYFGMBFYCJV2PTBEXBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498468},"content":"It had Fianna Fáil unchanged since the last survey on 21 per cent, Sinn Féin up two points to 20 per cent and Fine Gael down two, but also on 20 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYVB66TVL5D5FEC6ZLKHCUFZ6A","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QP3R3QF5XBH23C4H4VOCMVC67Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498470},"content":"Fine Gael has had a rocky election campaign and Harris told his viewers: “I’m really asking everybody to please, please, please get out and back my Fine Gael team right across the country”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6TMGXEK5NAKVG7Q6CGJGDUPJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498471},"content":"“I really need your support. I really need your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGIMD4XZDBHLTK4TYXSXEQKL44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498472},"content":"“I’ve been working as hard as I possibly can over the last seven months as Taoiseach of this country and as leader of Fine Gael”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHO6ZMF32BDDTOBN5UE53MXQ4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498473},"content":"He said that during that time he has “tried to reconnect on a number of issues that I’ve heard from you that matter.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYOA466IDBB2VA5DVGQU5OST7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498474},"content":"He again referenced disability issues as he has repeatedly done since he was confronted by care worker Charlotte Fallon on the election trail last week but also mentioned migration, Ireland recognising the State of Palestine and his efforts to improve relations with Britain.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQVZZ7LHXZEFZC4MSUZTAZNPEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498475},"content":"Harris also said he has been “working really, really hard on putting together what I think is an exciting plan for our country.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWEELRL3IRGSNL2SJOGLID2NPA","additional_properties":{"_id":"M2OOS3CGMFF4TC3N2PPYWW7FUA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784337998},"id":"timestamp-94675","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CLJNPQSYGVHEPOBHGMYPFBMEII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498477},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> had more reason to be happy with the poll saying in an online post that it confirms “what we are feeling on the ground: The momentum for change is with Sinn Féin. It is growing everyday! We can do this together! We can change the Government.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7NUMSH5AREHZHEGW3DEFQVCSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498478},"content":"Her upbeat tone is a far cry from where Sinn Féin was in the weeks before the official election campaign when the party was mired in a strong of controversies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVAFYUFIJ5FR5DA6GEKY6W3UFM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"WT63WIK27VAVXIED6H265BAGSI","additional_properties":{"_id":"JMLT2LW5VRDWFPGGJPTCKQ5EXQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784523286},"id":"timestamp-29971","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"K3PTTJ4S4BGATBIBYCJ2NK7OKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498481},"content":"If <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> was encouraged by the poll showing his party in the lead – albeit very slightly – he was not showing it in social media posts last night. Instead he posted a clip from his pitch to voters to back Fianna Fáil during his interview with Virgin Media television last night. Speaking of his party’s time in Government he said: “In a period of inflation and conflict in much for the world we acted to protect Ireland’s interests and help families faced with rising costs. But this election is about our future. It is about how we can protect Ireland’s progress and implement new policies to tackle critical issues ...”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5ZN7OTN2VGKFBUXKVD63Z5ULU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498482},"content":"Martin’s party has been the most steady in the polls (The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll this week also had it on 21 per cent, in advance of Sinn Féin on 21 per cent (up 1 point) and Fine Gael on 19 per cent (down 6 points). But it seems that heading into tomorrow’s election there is nothing between the big three parties in terms of their respective support levels. Of course much will depend on the complexities of the different dynamics in 43 election battlegrounds as to which one ends up with the most Dáil seats. Fianna Fáil is probably best placed to do so but that does not mean that Fine Gael is not hoping that their fortunes cannot be revived from a blunder-filled election campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"72YBOT5DQZCX7EDFE2IDXO3VAM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QDGOGPYKGBGVVKIYXZFJPR7BQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"IAWUUC62I5HOHPNFQJ6DBXDASA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784810909},"id":"timestamp-76977","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"FJ3Y3M7Y3JFSJMJS5XYU2LOBNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498485},"content":"The moratorium is dead – long live the “additional care requirement” for broadcasters","type":"header"},{"_id":"SOYVCDIHJBAGTPXWOLBBLCZ2W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498486},"content":"Election 2024 will be the first in a long time without the outdated broadcast moratorium which previously put the kibosh on radio and TV political coverage from 2pm the day before voters cast their ballots","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQKB57RY2ZDWTBZLWHUUCCBOYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498487},"content":"Earlier this month Coimisiún na Meán confirmed the moratorium, which has been in place since 1997, is being replaced with a measure called the Additional Care Requirement for broadcasters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7VUP7Q37FCFFL7UTG36E2SSWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498488},"content":"It will require broadcasters to “treat with extreme care information relating to the election that it believes, or has reason to believe, has been circulated with the intention of misleading or confusing voters or that is likely to mislead or confuse voters.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2MVCNX6KJEBTEYB526NMPANRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498489},"content":"See our report <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/media/2024/11/01/broadcast-moratorium-to-be-scrapped-and-new-requriement-to-tackle-election-misinformation-introduced/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKBIUZHZRRBMXKKU7MVDIKHOTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498490},"content":"The new requirement will be in force during the 24-hours before the opening of polling stations and during the period when voting is taking place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAWASADVVRHA3FFRBA7IFPWBOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498491},"content":"It will be interesting to see how broadcast coverage plays out under the new rules today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGH4FKK2YNAZLMAVM3L7ZZ3VOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498492},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris is due on Today FM’s The Last Word this afternoon – which would not have happened under the old rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJRT4ECVEFA4RJ4R3UXNGK27SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"2372ZPGSTZB2TJON7I4JYCLQF4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732786181091},"id":"timestamp-57210","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BCOVCHRXKBC37DHME6KGDZ2O7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498494},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan has also been posting on Instagram this morning with a clip arguing that “the Government’s version of affordable housing is making a mockery of the idea”. He has been filling in for party leader Holly Cairns for much of the national campaign events as she is expecting a baby <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/social-democrats-leader-holly-cairns-doing-incredible-job-campaigning-while-pregnant/\" target=\"_blank\">imminently</a>. He wouldn’t thank anyone for saying it but he probably has the safest seat of any of his party’s candidates. Here’s what he said when that suggestion was put to him that he was nailed on for a return to the Dáil at a Social Democrats press conference on Wednesday: “I wish that was the case, but certainly not. Five years ago a lot of the pundits and commentators said I wasn’t in with a chance of getting a seat. Now they all say I’m a sure thing and I don’t believe either of those. We’re fighting very hard to get re-elected in Dublin Bay North.” In a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-dublin-bay-north-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">profile</a> of the constituency Jack Horgan-Jones writes that O’Callaghan “should hold” the seat and sets out the lay of the land there with three other incumbents not contesting the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAU6ANT2BRE7RJYYU446JH7D6I","additional_properties":{"_id":"EJ6ECUBV3ZHILFWJXQPSSURODQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732786855752},"id":"timestamp-99614","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"V2E4O7UV6FGYJCUNIXCQLCWOSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498497},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris has just done an interview with Pat Kenny on Newstalk radio and <b>Vivienne Clarke</b> has been following it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOLPVHBA3NFPLOPV5FAMLXGBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498498},"content":"He says he feels “really good” about tomorrow and “very hopeful” that people “will lend us their vote so that I can continue my job as Taoiseach and so that we can really put together a stable government for the next five years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7F5TCYTQPRDH5OAKOHYWMCOAOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498499},"content":"Fine Gael’s support has been falling in opinion polls but Harris argued that the polls “always reset” after an election is called. “I think Irish people think about their vote very carefully. They think it through. They want to put politicians through their paces.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOJ5CMPKRZANZBRRQ647KUTDOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498500},"content":"With 18 Fine Gael TDs who won seats in 2020 not contesting the election he also said that he has “had to rejuvenate my party in real time, introduce a lot of new candidates to the people right across the country, people who are new into politics, but certainly not new to delivering in their area.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYTRG63JXVFJXBWVVATICH3OSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498501},"content":"He also said: “I think what’s happening now and you saw it in last night’s poll when a ballot paper was put in front of people in the Red C poll and my party came joint first with 21 [per cent] apiece. We’re going to go to 21, and same for Fianna Fáil. This is a very, very close election. And that’s why right through today and right through tomorrow, up to 10:00 tomorrow night, I’ll be asking for every possible vote for Fine Gael.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LME77MI6GFD4HFPX535UR2CIKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"6NVICSKN2VFLFODOS7RANG5H2Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732787262958},"id":"timestamp-27294","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6SZAVEERHBA5HEM4O7X2JCK4N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498503},"content":"Harris also defended the November 29th date of the election during his Newstalk interview. Since becoming Taosieach he had said his intention was for the Government to run its full term – which many took to mean into early 2025. Harris said: “My priority was to get that Budget through, to work with the other political parties, to be respectful to them in how we govern. Then we got to a point where we were getting into nearly this kind of pedantic debate about what is the full term. And my view was based on my view today is still this. Once the government passed that fifth budget, I think there was a safe and appropriate time before and to have a general election. People will vote tomorrow. That will then provide a period of time for the politicians to deal with the outcome of that election and try and form a government and have a new government in office ready to hit the ground running. Because what I can definitely tell you is this. But what we don’t need after the next general election, the people are sovereign, but what we don’t need here is months and months and months of navel gazing. The country needs a government that can get on with the job.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FX5ULTUAM5GMBCZPZCV44YHVUI","additional_properties":{"_id":"EVGFLSW6VZHFXJOXSQIFMVDG5M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732788042688},"id":"timestamp-73949","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"YURYT64ZWRAWDOPJSDE3AZ7F5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480716},"content":"Fine Gael has had a bit of a nightmare of an election campaign but party leader Simon Harris has insisted it is “entirely possible” he can be returned as Taoiseach after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVWHU5JKOVD4LI6TEPOLDU7D5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480717},"content":"As <b>Vivienne Clarke </b>reports, he told Newstalk: “I’m glad I am running in this election to lead the next government. I believe it’s entirely possible that that can happen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OHV3HFOR5FB7MRBQ5S6WR5BW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480718},"content":"He also again set out his preference for a three party Coalition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJUTEFVGFZEOBGOW67T5JIPBWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480719},"content":"“I think what’s most likely to happen after the next election is a coalition government. I think that government is likely to probably involve at least three parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WKLZ7NE22BBULAVYSDY5O7IU6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480720},"content":"“I would think a government that gets beyond three parties becomes harder to manage in terms of a coherent policy base.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVE7SNI4A5DENEYUHOD6FPAE2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480721},"content":"He added: “I strongly believe we need a stable government with a working majority.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMWUS4C6QVCKNCRTPKKZR4VAEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480722},"content":"One misstep by Harris on the campaign was his exchange with care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork where he cut the conversation short after she confronted him on supports for people with disabilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMZ5IP2ZWZAZ5DK7UH3L4TL7PU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480723},"content":"He contacted her afterwards and apologised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4D6HBONOW5ARPGXB5ZV3PUIEXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480724},"content":"“I was annoyed at myself because I’m better than that. Look, I messed up. I messed up on an issue that is extraordinarily important to me and my family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YGWLYKKHIJD7XNCYCUMW6LEWAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480725},"content":"“And, you know, the issue of disability, is there isn’t a more important issue based on my lived experience.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGH4YKR4HBBQZJM6IQ2KZN7JTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480726},"content":"“I know I messed up, but you know what? I was reared that when you make a mistake, you put your hands up. I apologise.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPKI5UESX5HWFGQHXRGHVLVIMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480727},"content":"Asked if the apology would make him appear vulnerable, Mr Harris responded: “My political opponents can seize on whatever they like.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNI2H4ADZBG6JK2UVA7CZA24FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480728},"content":"“I think the people of Ireland, I certainly hope, know me. I think they know me for the leadership I provided through the Covid pandemic. I think they’ve seen the role that I played. I hope they know how hard I work”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMHM5FK4FBEP3IUPHD76ZTKEHM","additional_properties":{"_id":"I3UMK73H7NFTTEW3XGUW7O72WE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732788674063},"id":"timestamp-23080","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"H64GSGNQRBGE7MF2RHNGX2OIPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480730},"content":"It seems the Labour Party’s Dublin South-West Ciarán Ahern has met at least one irate voter on the doors. Here’s his latest campaign video featuring Seán Flanagan of comedy trio Foil, Arms & Hog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPZ6RCAYPNC3ZG7FIHVMCUBO6I","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"3MXW57EA4RCYXOOV6TVLANGUNU","additional_properties":{"_id":"AOWO7ZBRJRH4LPMFOYPLG4B2EY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732789086325},"id":"timestamp-64580","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OF66A42Z7JGCDDRKUMTSOM3ILY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480733},"content":"Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan can chill for this election campaign. While he is out and about canvassing now that he’s back from the COP29 climate talks – and remains Minister for the Environment until a new Government is formed – he is not contesting the election himself. He posted this serene image from the sunrise in Bray as he headed out canvassing with his party’s Wicklow candidate Steven Matthews this morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y665JR5KR5ECHKWAZVTFHNJRDM","additional_properties":{"_id":"QAKC2KZXWFCS5LUIQH433UFOUU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732789488546},"id":"timestamp-48062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NB23YVJ57OP4RLDGJBPKYA7CEE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NQFTFOWXSFDYNOJ4B5S5TNTTC4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AEZLAJ3UGJF47JP66R7ABPF3ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480737},"content":"Don’t forget your umbrella when you’re heading out to vote tomorrow. Met Éireann is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/11/28/weather-ireland-met-eireann-rain-election/\" target=\"_blank\">forecasting</a> outbreaks of rain including some possible “heavy falls” as the electorate heads to the polls. Will it impact turnout? Poor weather including high winds and heavy rain <a href=\"https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0208/1113979-turnout/\" target=\"_blank\">did not deter</a> voters in the February 2020 general election when turnout was 62.9 per cent. Turnout was 65 per cent in 2016 – also after a miserable February election race. Regardless of how many go out to vote tomorrow – this campaign has seen snow, rain and flying posters during Storm Bert. Can we have a summer election next time please?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TPUQ4Q3YUJCK7KH4V6NLD5APWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OG2TZQIY2ZEVROXSAGCW2LGWRQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732790383083},"id":"timestamp-92625","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2NKW6IEXRJAUBBJV4C4GGKITIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480739},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s rapport with people while out canvassing is front and centre of this Sinn Féin campaign video posted online this morning. Our own Miriam Lord observed<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/miriam-lord-mary-lous-chatty-campaign-trail-style-a-world-away-from-dail-barbs/\" target=\"_blank\"> McDonald out on the campaign trail</a> in a piece headlined: “Mary Lou’s ‘chatty’ campaign trail style a world away from Dáil barbs”. She wrote: “As soon as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> leader escaped the Morning Ireland after the [TV debate at] Montrose night before (the least they could have done was given her a bed between grillings), she took off on her penultimate day of hard yards and the softest of hard sells in search of a mandate to govern the country.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGCWJEB4UJFP7L5J6LEYPNPJIA","additional_properties":{"_id":"SLPVEWLFBVBWNCLJJRFAGAOHP4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732791051263},"id":"timestamp-60560","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"THNRPDXVVNDAVKHZANPTQN6ZDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480742},"content":"We had a chat with some of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-im-not-going-to-comment-on-anybodys-inexperience-if-they-dont-comment-on-my-age/\" target=\"_blank\">younger and older Dáil hopefuls</a> running in the election. Fine Gael’s Bernard Durkan (79) paraphrases Ronald Reagan’s zinger line from his 1984 re-election bid when the 73-year-old American politician – at that point the oldest ever US president – was running against a younger candidate. Durkan laughs and says of his rivals in Kildare North: “I’m not going to comment on anybody’s inexperience if they don’t comment on my age.” Here’s ‘the Gipper’s’ original delivery of what was, in fairness, a great line during his debate with Walter Mondale. It is worth a watch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2ONBM4RB5AWBEHWB6BLHJL3CY","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"MSMH4YLR3JCXBAO7E6T3PEUU3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"EORA6Y7H35A33P46GGWV6WEFDM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732791657443},"id":"timestamp-99829","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"IULFR3HB4RFZZHCK5X24T75JA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480745},"content":"Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe stacks up the Jenga blocks for the latest round or what Fine Gael’s opponents would brand as the party’s “project fear” campaign on the economy. Taoiseach Simon Harris has countered such charges by arguing it is “project truth”. In the campaign ad Donohoe boasts of full employment and says “we can build more homes and we can invest in public services” as he builds the tower but he warns “If the wrong policies were implemented they could undermine the progress that we have made. And if that happened enough...”. There is a dramatic pause and the Jenga blocks topple.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJD6W2NATRFYLG3IGZWCOBRCDM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"KD2C3UVN4VE2LLP5NNP4FXPRRU","additional_properties":{"_id":"6GV7RIHWSZFU5EL46ZWOCYMLXM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732792367185},"id":"timestamp-52764","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"7V3YKN62JRBBZPHP2O5XKR5WQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480748},"content":"<b>Harry McGee</b> reports that Labour leader Ivana Bacik has said that she is confident her party can gain seats in the General Election and be in a position to establish a strong platform consisting of centre-left and green parties and TDs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWHV3XVTDBF5XB3FKOCAXOFDRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480749},"content":"In her final press conference of the campaign Ms Bacik also dismissed Taoiseach Simon Harris’ description of Labour as a centrist party [in an Irish Examiner interview], saying it “smacked of desperation in the last few days of the campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUJXMJKX4BAOHOXMQDEYIPXAYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480750},"content":"“I’ve consistently said for many months now, before this election campaign even started, that the first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPMLWMDCVVAS7HM25VFQJVEILY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480751},"content":"Ms Bacik said that party’s main campaign message was to create what she said was an “active State” that would drive a radical reset of housing policy, and deliver a publicly-provided childcare system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JO5LALTKT5CZRKYWTIHG5PYPGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480752},"content":"She said her party would deliver the homes people need, tackle the “scourge of vacancy and dereliction”, and provide stronger protection for renters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG5EJUIPFRH2JBL4L7GXQQN7SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480753},"content":"“People are looking for something different, for an alternative that only the centre-left can offer.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNMRVTYPRFBV5PQR3XHNJGQCI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480754},"content":"Ms Bacik was speaking at St Stephen’s Green with MEP Aodhán Ó Riordáin and candidates Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central), Shane Folan (Dublin Bay North), and Darragh Moriarty (Dublin South Central). She said the party was running 32 candidates and was confident of making gains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2C74CJSVNASFGG7OOXFHRW5JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480755},"content":"She said Mr Ó Ríordáin’s victory in the European campaign had given the party a real momentum and it had fought a dynamic and robust campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7LQBKKEXZBQBNWYAX522XLVEE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ADU5ZJXPOFEFNI5O537L7LRCXE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NXNXJRNA3ZFFDLDPNTK2S27SKA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732793803595},"id":"timestamp-51487","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MGK3BQRDLZCC5NTRYICEOZJF2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480758},"content":"‘We all make mistakes’: Waterford TD responds to criticism of UHW election display","type":"header"},{"_id":"SIIR5ZRNXJB4JHAC4HZ7IBZEBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480759},"content":"<b>Vivienne Clarke</b> reports that Waterford Independent TD Matt Shanahan has responded to criticism of an illuminated General Election advertisement for his campaign being used on the grounds of University Hospital Waterford (UHW).","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2WMU2J7TRBPROEBPCYNNWMVGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480760},"content":"The display appeared on <a href=\"https://www.wlrfm.com/news/shanahan-cancer-ward-advertisement-394966\">the Dunmore Wing at UHW</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNESMW7TTJE77IR5LBKXEFMDHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480761},"content":"In a statement to WLR News, Deputy Shanahan said: “I wish to apologise for any upset that I caused by using the gable end of the Dunmore Wing to create raise awareness of my election campaign. As humans, we all make mistakes. I was trying as I have done repeatedly in the Dáil, to shine a light on the issues facing our hospital which remains completely underfunded. In this instance, with this activity, I regret any upset caused.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHWJDWU4MJACLMXPVWHQRVEWQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480762},"content":"He added: “I am deeply passionate about University Hospital Waterford, and I hope the people of Waterford know that. My activity was solely directed at keeping UHW and allied services at the forefront of our regional political debate. This has been a learning experience for me, but my determination to fight tooth and nail for the people of Waterford is as strong as ever. I ask you to judge me on my 10 years record of fighting for this hospital and not just this one event. Matt Shanahan.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CV4DA4H3PVGSVLZ6BJD7PXUZ3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480763},"content":"Management at UHW also issued a statement to WLR News, saying they were advised yesterday evening of a projected image on the exterior of the Dunmore Wing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PABF7I47SNBNTK4JPZ5YM25YEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480764},"content":"“After engagement with the parties involved, the projection of the image ceased and the vehicle involved vacated the UHW campus shortly before 8pm,” the statement said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33XKMZOVPREALPBIMGEZF3HD6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480765},"content":"“UHW would ask that any activity of this nature is conducted outside the boundaries of the UHW campus and respect the privacy and dignity of UHW patients, visitors and staff.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNWPNHX6U5HSJE5P4T6EG26EEI","additional_properties":{"_id":"P23OIYDIZRHZPHUF74F722LU7I"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795146129},"id":"timestamp-8288","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"63KVRUETN5DU5MTRTYNOWQ57ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":"O6BRYBUJ6FE7ZEXAB4KJPWSJS4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NYSFMSUEJRCZRJMTXVSDVQPHDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480768},"content":"People before Profit leader Richard Boyd-Barrett “urged” people who do not want a return of the present Coalition to vote for his party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55VU5ZFPMND7NAQBYPKMHYDVSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480769},"content":"The party has candidates in 42 of the 43 constituencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSXYCJM4U5B3LJF7OUQMLJ7Y7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480770},"content":"Those include young people who can’t afford a place to live, working people who are struggling with the cost of living and those who are neglected in the disability sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KEPVEFXOSBAVNMBPFQZCYZ5RZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480771},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have done an “amazing feat” of having so much money, but they have failed to do the basics of being able to put a roof over people’s heads, he said in the party’s last press conference before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6Z5TQHNTBAOFBD3X6DBDY2SQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480772},"content":"Nurses, he suggested, are taking industrial action because the Government has refused to resource the health services properly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7KTAYSFVJBOFFMYF4QDM3ZNDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480773},"content":"He repeated that parties of the left need to pledge that they will not prop up a Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WR5HX5Q3DNAQFMAUIDKWXQ4GHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480774},"content":"Such a move would “demoralise all those people who are thirsting for an alternative” and destroy “this historical opportunity for change”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEBB3NJURJAYLCYOQ2HVULSIF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480775},"content":"Outgoing TD Paul Murphy said the “received wisdom” is that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will be returned to office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSVG3IDCB5ENVH5IKJ4OZOFEMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480776},"content":"That perception has changed in the last week, he believes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVW4H5RCMRCGXBSMT6XPSDJKKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480777},"content":"He anticipated that young people, workers and women will come out in historic numbers to change the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UU43M2J675AHVJOARXGSXTW5FU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480778},"content":"“It is not true” that voters can only change the Government by voting for Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHPGNCHJZNCD7LG43MOPTG4VDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480779},"content":"He criticised Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats for not ruling out coalition with Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P6UZPVECZCBDP7HCGYIZKETDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480780},"content":"<b>Ronan McGreevy</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3ENALD56ZEVXNJTZQW4OJ55BU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WAQ53XI6EZGF5PGAHHDCW45LBY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795618816},"id":"timestamp-5056","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GAYBMF5XYXXNRLBZJECIQOQLP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"EKTFUD5FTZCBLMOGUXFXV77GT4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3HCGKS5IFVHOHDEHKZZPAWEB3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480783},"content":"The Green Party’s final message to voters is “stick with us”, according to party leader Roderic O’Gorman who said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNSD7XENQNHDLNYHTVBB3NVJDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480784},"content":"“Our priority has always been about acting now to build a better future for you, for your family, for your children, and we’re asking for another mandate to continue that work in the next Dáil,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6N2TAEOLBFJ7OC65J2ORBAPCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480785},"content":"Speaking at his party’s last press conference in Dublin before the election tomorrow Mr O’Gorman said the Greens in Government have “broken that tradition in Ireland that the smaller party is always overwhelmed by the agendas of the larger coalition partners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IFFXKTFZNBGDJP6KWOXGSW2RZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480786},"content":"“We’ve had huge success in implementing our agenda. We’ve kept our promises even when often our coalition partners might have had very much competing agendas.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5KJLKHJEVD7XDRCOQIJBHJLWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480787},"content":"He cited successes in delivery on public transport, childcare, retrofitting and said that “as a party, when we get the chance to act, we don’t go we don’t walk away”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XK55AWZYMVB5FAWKHHZQGFAR7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480788},"content":"Mr O’Gorman a TD for Dublin West said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote. So we’re asking the Irish voters tomorrow to give us that number one vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRY4XUZVJZEEDITQ7BUKECL5FA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480789},"content":"“If you want to see us to continue to deliver, we need that number one. This time around, the number two, the number three, is not really going to cut it. We’re asking for that number one to continue that strong track record of delivery.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEJ5OVZ2QZEUJFA4KCQSARFXXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480790},"content":"<b>Marie O’Halloran</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7I5VXPSJJBT3EFVHTQ4GODNUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"UPJFAVOELBE2DIADACSJVFWCYQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795918862},"id":"timestamp-84412","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OBBU6TLG4BG7RHQZOSBK3WOYXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480792},"content":"Our Political Correspondent <b>Jennifer Bray</b> is on the campaign trail with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. He is in Greystones this afternoon with his party’s outgoing local TD Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Health. Wicklow is now a four-seat ‘constituency of death’ after it lost a seat when the south of the county was chopped off in last year’s constituency review. Five incumbents - Donnelly, Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG), John Brady (SF), Jennifer Whitmore (SD) and Steven Matthews (GP) will all fight it out on a smaller battlefield. At least one of them will lose their seat. Here’s our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">constituency profile for Wicklow</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPQBJVNHAVH6PAZ3T6ZU3WKBZQ","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QUL5GURIIFHJFGOV2G3BLD654Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"5M6BUANS4NHP7LERBHCMKLYNJU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732796320089},"id":"timestamp-41111","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G2N7N2MVTZBQLOPOJYXONKFIGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480795},"content":"More from <b>Ronan McGreevy</b> at the People Before Profit press conference.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NM3Y3D6INNBFHNM352NGLFWF2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480796},"content":"Outgoing People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy highlighted Taoiseach Simon Harris’s encounter with a disabilities worker in Kanturk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45EONKNWI5HUZOHWQNYJUM2V6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480797},"content":"He claimed the “mask slipped” when the Fine Gael leader met Charlotte Fallon who complained to him about the pay provided to Section 39 workers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5BXLAPVCNFUNIUTJRFMJG447Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480798},"content":"Mr Murphy said it was the time that the “media bubble burst” for Fine Gael. He contrasted the “guffawing” at Michael O’Leary’s comments about teachers at Peter Burke’s campaign launch with the “dismissal of those trying to provide services for disabled people”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMAUUK6RYZBK7BPZXX6W6NTFD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480799},"content":"He also suggested that a left-wing government is “definitely on the cards” and there is a real possibility that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will get a historically low combined vote in the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SODXI6NRNRBMJG7GRMRXY2IVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":"XT4JWM7IZBD7XJ76NB775734CA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732796673612},"id":"timestamp-73280","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"WEK67MBBNKR7YZHJUISQPHFXRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FDRTOX5PCJHFFGZXEDMHI34MAA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZFZL3TK7SRG5BIZBNDIU6APEPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480802},"content":"McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Soc Dems and PBP","type":"header"},{"_id":"GDTFRMQAZZG2PJGWNLEJGG44AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480803},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has indicated Sinn Féin voters should consider transferring to parties such as the Social Democrats and People Before Profit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQWG4ZKRPVD7NIEUBIQJCO2SLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480804},"content":"As parties shore up their final messages to voters in advance of polling tomorrow, her comments will be seen as a significant intervention and a potential overture to partners in government talks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWRF5QYJ6BCSBP3RUCGCJZHHCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480805},"content":"Speaking to reporters outside Government Buildings in Dublin, where Sinn Féin held its first election press engagement three weeks ago, Ms McDonald was asked to elaborate on her view that Sinn Féin voters should support parties of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PK56ZOV5ABEETIQAAQADVCICSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480806},"content":"“I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C755P5E755A6NJO3QHGN7JWWDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480807},"content":"She added that it was not for her to tell people how to vote but to ask them to vote in the first instance for Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCLQ6IUM4REBHNOA4W7KOF4DDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480808},"content":"<b>Jack Horgan-Jones</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKREQAWIVZH7VDN3NBOBASVPP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"BMVWOTCVCRDZLM422UQ5J7FFLM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732798177349},"id":"timestamp-35503","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2KXBPAK7XFBZ3I5N3EKPZBZ6PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480810},"content":"Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has been campaigning while nine months pregnant. The due date for her and partner Barry Looney’s baby girl was November 22nd but the new arrival is not here yet. In an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/election-day-so-close-to-due-date-of-her-first-baby-that-holly-cairns-will-lead-socdems-campaign-from-west-cork/\" target=\"_blank\">interview</a> with <b>Harry McGee</b> earlier in the campaign Cairns said: “It’s very tricky, obviously. In one way, I’m so excited because it’s our first baby, we can’t wait. At the same time, I’m gutted by the timing for it to land in the same week, potentially, as polling day. It’s less than ideal, and it does pose a challenge for us as a party.” In an Instagram video posted today Cairns said: “It’s election day tomorrow and I can’t believe it and I can feel the swell of support behind the party”. She said “it’s coming from a place of people just wanting a party that will address these issues on housing, health, disability”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBWCG24KWBCR3LUFFN6LR5RYBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"JBOA622JCZGDFPC56GWPSPBETI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732798860841},"id":"timestamp-21603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"K5ZWAGNHLFCUXGN6F5D7BYKXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"RV4RHBBYV5AMBH57MSHTWWU4OI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"F6MMWMG3X5HHNJNPDGZ6GCXRMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480814},"content":"McDonald on potential Sinn Féin Coalition partners: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet”","type":"header"},{"_id":"YMK6LV2JLVBQ5PNMX6CQCPZTMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480815},"content":"Fresh from her party’s last election press conference Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald stopped by well-known Dublin watering-hole Grogan’s. She joined had singer Mary Coughlan and artist Robert Ballagh for a cup of tea. While she pulled a pint, no cheese toastie was ordered we gather. The Irish Times’ <b>Chris Maddaloni</b> was there to capture the campaign stop. Here’s <b>Jack Horgan-Jones</b>’ <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/mary-lou-mcdonald-indicates-sinn-fein-voters-should-transfer-to-social-democrats-or-pbp/\" target=\"_blank\">report</a> on Sinn Féin’s press conference where she suggests her parties voters should “transfer on” their votes to the Social Democrats and People Before Profit. As Horgan-Jones’ reports Ms McDonald reiterated the Sinn Féin request to the electorate to “lend us your vote”. Asked about potential coalition partners for her party, and what her path to power would be, she said she was going to talk to everybody once all had gathered their own mandate. “I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she said. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause,” she said, joking: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet. We have to get to first base before we pass it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNYD7WPAP5AXZIVCJL55EY4PNE","additional_properties":{"_id":"EK5ZLMDPMRBPRM63T2I6I67OUY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LKXEO3VTYFEILHTBZIAHSFCC5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"EPPNQHVWM5FTTLGEIJBXJNNKKY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732799558110},"id":"timestamp-90322","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"WZ55AECPCZCHFD7BR5CUW5IPWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480818},"content":"Here’s more from <b>Marie O’Halloran</b> at the Green Party press conference. Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has said “it’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of next government” and “smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHZDYRSGARAFDCWTHO5SLI6N64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480819},"content":"He said people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted whether it was a progressive party like the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that are what brings to the right, whether it’s anti climate, whether it’s anti choice, whether it’s anti equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUFLNHICSRDNZIPAN3WPJ5IGQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480820},"content":"He added that the Greens have been “demonstrating our track record of delivery of our policies and also stability, being a grown up partner within the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6FHGWDOBVAALHDKRZPTJGXJDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480821},"content":"Asked if the party was getting its message across because it was consistently criticised about being the party of cycle lanes, Mr O’Gorman said political opponents “are always going to try and go for the what they might consider the weakest link, and undoubtedly, we’ve been subjected a few pile-ons over the course of the last four and a half years. That’s the risk that the small party takes when it goes into government.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERPXYGBC65AUDNCXAWRFZUSHDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480822},"content":"But “people recognise that we have done what we said we would do. People recognise the influence we’ve had in this Government, and whether it’s Leo Varadkar or the Healy-Raes it is recognised across politics that we have had an oversized influence on the policies of this of this Government. We got 7 per cent of the vote, so we’ve been able to deliver a huge amount of our policies, far more than any smaller party has been able to deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4YUBM2YFFDIJHIGQWGHY5HFAE","additional_properties":{"_id":"CY6PPEYA4FCPHEQQ2VENBMS4HQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732800867157},"id":"timestamp-88000","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"4YSJD2MDOBDBLNJHNR74KXIBNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480824},"content":"Jennifer Bray is still on the campaign trail with clean-living Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Wicklow where he was ‘caught rapid’ raiding the treats shelves in a supermarket. Healthier dark chocolate for the Fianna Fáil leader no doubt...","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDLX6U7H5BCSPFEDFDCMK4KMMM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QW6PI5X46JEFNKFK4K5I5XS5DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OJF7HAD5ZJHKTJKUB6RYWKE6QM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732801708380},"id":"timestamp-28733","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UYUT52YILRHDVL32UB644P2XIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480827},"content":"People could end up “skint” if Sinn Féin wins power, Taoiseach claims","type":"header"},{"_id":"7COL6AASXFHMVIMMMCY5X4QG2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480828},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris has claimed that if Sinn Fein becomes part of the next government, people could end up “skint”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMGQBXMEX5DAZBMA4MVTCFDTQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480829},"content":"In his final press conference, the Fine Gael leader said that people should examine the kind of policies Sinn Féin is pursuing behind its message of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KXHFRTHFYNCMBIL6ATL2XBR344","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480830},"content":"“Sinn Fein is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2D5KU2F6RCYHH5YPWJ3QUUKFE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"PPIWZ2QCUZHIFEKP7TB6TC3P5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480832},"content":"Mr Harris was speaking at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Lucan along with Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFLUE7JZZRA5LM6RCYZ7ACAXDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480833},"content":"Both focus on the prospect of an economic shock ahead, particularly after the election of Donald Trump as president of the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JE5IIDSESNBRLLF6SCVOH6XXHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480834},"content":"“If you lend Sinn Fein your vote you lend them your future. If you lend them your future you might not get it back,” said Mr Donohoe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJFLL747KNF23GBSRCJ5GOHPAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480835},"content":"Mr Harris added: “The economic headwinds are real.” He said Mary Lou McDonald had rejected what she had called a doomsday scenario.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAVTGERPYVF3JJTDSK4Q7QHKMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480836},"content":"“To describe the (Fine Gael message) as scaremongering is dismissive of that reality,” he argued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2NB6Y2TO5DS7FGRJBG3JYOLSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480837},"content":"Asked about coalition options, he agreed that some TDs in other parties (a reference to Fianna Fáil) have said they are open to a coalition with Sinn Fein.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVM7T6MFF5FGDAJSFKPGHDKPXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480838},"content":"He continued: “You will not find one Fine Gael TD, on the record or off the record, being open to a coalition with Sinn Fein,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3JMJCUJUZCWBJVBBMFEAGXPLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480839},"content":"He also argued that Fine Gael that was a party that had never “bankrupted the economy”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETDP5UUQ2VDGNAOMOU57OHJWIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480840},"content":"Asked if he regretted not being more familiar with the circumstances surrounding the assault incident in 2018 involving Co Louth candidate John McGahon, Mr Harris again repeated his view that Mr McGahon was acquitted by a jury in a criminal case, and if otherwise had been the case he would not have been a Fine Gael candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJPUW2KHTVEQPIIGB7PPWXZAWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480841},"content":"Asked if his party had lost momentum to its two closest rivals he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWJO2VF6KBDBJKKZWLFBAA76V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480842},"content":"“We hit a couple of bumps along the way. I have been honest about that. To err is to be human.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANBIBIQ6WJGZRKOXIPEZRU4VEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480843},"content":"He added that the election was about issues, that he has been Taoiseach for only seven months, and wants to have a chance to do more for the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GKDX4KO5BHWXET22JKF4NITDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480844},"content":"“There is a little bit of arrogance creeping into other parties as to who will be the biggest party. The best of luck to them,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3JN547G2VATHJBQZJJ2KMN6YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480845},"content":"<b>Harry McGee</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJAUEIEMPBANLBJL6JFLO7DZCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"DGRQDLTJCZGL7P33WCIM5EJ3UQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732801928507},"id":"timestamp-99895","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CKZASDM77FBD3NC3FCIVDZHPOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480847},"content":"TV and radio election moratorium was “entirely anomalous” and “outdated” - broadcasters","type":"header"},{"_id":"UWXPDQQH4BF23PORGJADZ6UAII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480848},"content":"We are just minutes away from when the old election broadcast moratorium would come slamming down on the eve of polling day. Not so this year as Coimisiún na Meán scrapped earlier this month. <b>Martin Wall</b> has a story on the submissions made to the media regulator seeking the abolition of the old ban on reporting any information which could influence an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\">election</a> from 2pm on the day before polling day until after voting had ended. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte\">RTÉ</a> said it was “entirely anomalous” that its online news service could report on a significant breaking story, and particularly one based on disinformation/misinformation in the moratorium period, but its television and radio division could not do so. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/virgin-media\">Virgin Media</a> Television said the broadcast moratorium was “outdated and is no longer effective”. You can read more <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. The moratorium is being replaced with a measure called the Additional Care Requirement for broadcasters. It will require broadcasters to “treat with extreme care information relating to the election that it believes, or has reason to believe, has been circulated with the intention of misleading or confusing voters or that is likely to mislead or confuse voters.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SKVVELPAFDOHCQBP4JR55FRII","additional_properties":{"_id":"VWHP6LAKTVCA5OMUXVQK7QMOUU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732802556953},"id":"timestamp-75052","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SFAXJ5FDWVCNDKCFAGAYDLNPC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480850},"content":"Martin insists he has support of his party to rule out Sinn Féin as a coalition partner","type":"header"},{"_id":"LZI4QPYW7JHDJMKGO2T6HIHQ3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480851},"content":"Tánaiste Micheál Martin says he has the support of his party in his decision to rule out holding government formation talks with Sinn Féin, and said he felt the question was being asked “for mischievous reasons.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OREKSRHJEZEPNKZX3PED6OMJCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480852},"content":"The Fianna Fáil leader was in Greystones with outgoing Minister for Health and Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly on Thursday morning, the last day of campaigning before voting starts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2W7HPZBO5AURKO75RY6BB2JM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480853},"content":"“I’m always intrigued that in the last two days of the last two campaigns, this kind of question is raised,” he said, after being asked again about ruling out going into Coalition with Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OBXAXCXD7NAFRGUFXN2K3UPKKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480854},"content":"“I think it’s raised for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the Fianna Fáil position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with. But this is becoming a hardy annual now. The bottom line is we did not go in with Sinn Féin in 2020, in 2016. The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6WM226ILHJECZKDEULKP2WF76U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480855},"content":"Asked what the overarching themes were of the general election campaign, Mr Martin referenced housing and access to disability services. As he visited different businesses in Wicklow alongside Mr Donnelly, he was asked about the VAT rates for business, access to the basic income scheme for artists and the number of DART services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TPSZXG2J5GCZOFAWGNLKH22AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480856},"content":"Mr Martin said his focus in the next 48 hours is “to say to our party members and to our candidates to do everything possible that we can to get out the final vote, and to get as many people voting for our candidates as possible. To speculate on the aftermath of the election is somewhat premature.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQOUMZTDANETZGTIJJZV4OQET4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480857},"content":"He said there was “a lot of engagement” on the campaign trail.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7KJNLDCONBMDEYZ3HMUQK2AL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480858},"content":"Mr Donnelly was asked if he would “relish” the chance to the minister for health again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYHWQGPSTZD7JGVAXIFQRVNCCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480859},"content":"“I have one focus, which is asking the people of Wicklow to vote for me tomorrow, and if I’m honored enough to be returned as their representative, then that’s as far as my time frame goes right now. It has been a busy four and a half years. There’s no question. There are still big, big challenges, as we know, but I think there’s progress that has been made that a lot of people four and a half years ago said couldn’t happen.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPA2ONB3ZBBN5M5E72C3ATTTJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480860},"content":"<b>Jennifer Bray</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FKSKXLXDJDUDOI3C7MJLHDZ5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"OBKLSJUY2FDRZLCRKCRQABGMRM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732803069533},"id":"timestamp-1701","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G4ZUAHT77RGRPO54ZNUPNTH3LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480862},"content":"Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín is posting on X today that “the story of this election” has been the “momentum” behind his party. Aontú stood at 3 per cent in this week’s Irish Times/Ipsos B&A <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">poll</a> - the same level of support as People Before Profit and nipping at the heels of Labour and the Greens which were each on 4 per cent. It was on 1 per cent in the same series in September 2023. Tóibín has been the party’s only TD for Aontú's entire existence and is very much hoping to add more after tomorrow’s vote. Tóibín reckons “The last seat in many constituencies is a battle between Aontú and the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZE7DGPN2K5CX7GLFF24JAU3HEU","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"JZJDMNSRUZDMBO2YHOHOKI27F4","additional_properties":{"_id":"UUNXKTC64RFW7IY5EBFVT3BN5Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732803964676},"id":"timestamp-31144","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BSGKYFY2YNGNHE64RKTBLH2O2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480865},"content":"There are almost 3.7 million people registered to vote in tomorrow’s election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5FRXJW6ENGXRCIS3BP2I66KDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480866},"content":"An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission says the latest figures provided by local authorities indicate that the number of electors nationally is 3,689,896.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAGZSLWKKRDTFCY3SGSG3QYCAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480867},"content":"Around 3.5 million people were eligible to vote in the last general election in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I22Q76YQVRHDJHPJJ6QOMP4GIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"L5FZLCDTLRGOTGSRYTEVYKUT74"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732808374784},"id":"timestamp-68152","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CO3SCT2FSZDWPLNUTIVS3FCB4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559825},"content":"Minister for Enterprise and Employment Peter Burke is among the more than 250 General Election candidates endorsed by the trade union backed Respect at Work campaign after he pledged to support legislation to promote collective bargaining and protect workplace representatives during the term of the next Dáil, Emmet Malone writes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YA5RV4TU3VCS3LRV52YB5XKUNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559826},"content":"Mr Burke was among a number of prominent politicians to sign the pledge in recent days with Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and employment, Fianna Fáil’s Dara Calleary and Government chief whip Hildegaard Naughton also indicating their backing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWMGJDSL4BBGJC72Y5IQKPLG7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559827},"content":"Th Respect at Work campaign was launched in April with the intention of promoting trade union rights, mainly in private sector workplaces where employers might choose not to engage with worker representatives and are in some cases accused of actively working to deter any form of representation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NO53XNH5OJDEJOH3HFVT42JMBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559828},"content":"It has been primarily backed by Siptu, Mandate, the Financial Services Union and the Communication Workers Union.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZA54RLGVSVHJJOQTBQPLB63TSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559829},"content":"In recent weeks, it asked election candidates of all persuasions to commit to a specific pledge to “support legislation which promotes collective bargaining, protects workplace representatives and ensures the right to access a trade union at work,” with the campaign asking trade unionists to support those candidates who signed up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDPYZV3B5JC2LDCI3LTLM3XXZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559830},"content":"By lunchtime on Thursday, with the process formally closed but some politicians still adding their names to the list, just over 250 candidates of about 600 had signed up, most of them from the parties of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDIF7DYNL5HIPE3ILAYF3YRJ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559831},"content":"Among the eight to commit on Thursday morning, however, were Independent, Michael Lowry, Aontù's Peadar Tóibín,Ms Naughton and six other candidates standing for the two larger Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWAU7GKFVZF3RCDPRWXKF3J5D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559832},"content":"The most eye-catching name, though is Mr Burke who had previously been criticised by leading figures in the union for his decision not to legislate on the collective bargaining element of the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive, a key demand of Ictu and its membership over the past year","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4I3WTASHNFGZFYIT567O3EQGU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4SERCZXCZZBJPK5FTRBCPO2FFA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732810369401},"id":"timestamp-8256","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"VYYEST74Z5FOLFG2OPN2CYTDHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559834},"content":"Reporter Ronan McGreevy spoke to Donegal fishermen ahead of the election to get their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOB5JUAGXJHKVCJRZELNX6M56I","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"IZGOAKA6HRBRBDZZIVIAP36WBI","additional_properties":{"_id":"KIMES2EG2BBKPEWK5LFPC525II"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732814564819},"id":"timestamp-86759","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6HFOMBD4E5BWHOCC4HRNMTJD7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287182},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the Social Democrats final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AHURWRTCFAUBFKEJDS5YDHYNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287183},"content":"He said he wasn’t in a position to tell people where to transfer, but what he had said all along was to transfer to progressive parties and parties of the left and that he considered Sinn Féin to be a party of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUSRPPGGSFEXBIVL5NZMH33ZW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287184},"content":"Mr Gannon, who shares a constituency with Ms McDonald, said he would give her and her running mate Janice Boylan a preference, alongside PBP’s Eoghan O Ceannabhain and Labour’s Marie Sherlock. He would not be drawn on what order he would vote for them in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4COQVE6ADVE6RI4F2332DF27KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287185},"content":"Asked what his message would be to those who were considering voting for Gerry Hutch, a gangland figure running in the constituency, Mr Gannon said he didn’t want to personalise his comments but urged voters to back candidates who would be strong legislators and develop policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PV6RVN7KV5FZHO4XICP6TPOY5E","additional_properties":{"_id":"6IQPEYSLQ5H5DKL3GOD5A563CM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732818294757},"id":"timestamp-19672","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ERPXPQAOTVEXPDC3ZXWEGCI62I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069239},"content":"Uber is offering discounts of up to 50 per cent for customers taking a journey to and from polling stations tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSAE7WNVDNBNHCFRTOFSVQM3UU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069240},"content":"Polls across the country will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm. Uber is offering up to 50 per cent off 2 trips anywhere in Ireland on Election Day with the code ELECTION24.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HN72DEGJWJEEPAOCEZYDY6APKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069241},"content":"It works by entering the code in the Uber app to activate the offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYQ5RHXYHRBDFPK6US7SDJ5LJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069242},"content":"It’s conditional on the cost of each trip being up to €10 per trip.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVR5DWIUIRDHPI6X2CFIQLJPAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069243},"content":"“We believe every vote counts, and we’re proud to support accessibility to polling stations for everyone,” a statement from the company said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVU27Q4RFNAV3GCUR52KNZNSMI","additional_properties":{"_id":"F3OSQSRY2VB35NZ7QEG56BLD6E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732823081474},"id":"timestamp-32903","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"YOBMCEIVRZGWXD734YSFDLJD64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194301},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris was in Clontarf on Thursday evening for a last minute canvass, Fiachra Gallagher reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYTBVNZ57RB5ZOKZPLTGYEKOCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194302},"content":"He was joined at Nolan’s Supermarket by Fine Gael’s Dublin Bay North candidates Naoise Ó Muirí and Aoibhinn Tormey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYALWL3L5ZG33H3UTWUFAHH2OI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194303},"content":"The Taoiseach met with Amanda Lynch outside the supermarket, who outlined her long-time struggle with anorexia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSXQEAJICJCXFOTBEPKUTJRAOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194304},"content":"“I went 14 years without proper treatment for my anorexia,” she told him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3AOWZOJFJFTLOU5UVYCEF3DNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194305},"content":"“It’s such a complex illness that they need specific beds [in adult mental health inpatient units],” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCOGE4MHORBPBP54R3NOZVDWWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194306},"content":"Ms Lynch called on the Taoiseach to improve inpatient service for suffers of anorexia. Mr Harris agreed to set up a meeting with Ms Lynch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKAF4NJGNZEBXCC6YGGI4YZI54","additional_properties":{"_id":"SUT4HO5QOVBPHELM4KSG4LJZXI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732827198871},"id":"timestamp-61014","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"IGMVR25VLZDCJLCEWGS4FADIIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827774021},"content":"That’s it for our live coverage of the election campaign today. We’ll be back with more live coverage tomorrow morning.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jade Wilson"}},"name":"Jade Wilson"}]},"description":{"basic":"Mary Lou McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T20:53:18.871Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024 updates: Simon Harris conducts last-minute Dublin canvass as campaign enters final stretch ","native":""},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Live: Election 2024"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"},"live":{"text":"inactive"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY","auth":{"1":"b723acae284f2a76ef51d12363aff24fbf2ff017767e30c8a51a9056d2e04757"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"live-story","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-campaign-live-updates/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"IY5SFWZ6WBFVXH22W53VXMPXAI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":352,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/49afed5f-146e-4133-8138-e0540869d9cd/versions/1732824155/media/33f9cc415136abf00bd2e1feafe9d565_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/would-you-not-be-better-off-going-independent-canvassing-with-sinn-fein-in-dublin-mid-west/","content_elements":[{"_id":"75ZODOMMEVBYNB52OHVCGESQUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136023},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MOX2ET73ZBCNNCBBQEH2HSTX7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136024},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUYKUYXEE5FUPEFH4LMDSEUSG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136025},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> TD Mark Ward is accustomed to all sorts of local problems and issues coming up while knocking on doors during an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">election</a> campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJLFHPFG2VBOLOQFZ36O6KKUYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945096},"content":"But even the Dublin Mid-West representative gets caught by surprise with an unexpected question.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGNJJYJRWRCSDOCI3VOSZDSNK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136026},"content":"“Would you not be better off going independent?” a middle-aged woman asks him while canvassing around Rowlagh Park in Clondalkin, west Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZIGCNAB4ZERTLDDA5ITSCFRLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136027},"content":"Taken aback, Ward (49) responds: “Myself? Absolutely not. I’m a proud Sinn Féin republican.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ5TR56RXZAG5CY5VL3OGWJIS4","additional_properties":{"_id":"XTFRCA5FXRAOBDFDRXOOMTFMIM"},"content":"‘I’m not making eyes at anyone’: Mary Lou McDonald indicates Sinn Féin voters should transfer to Social Democrats or PBP","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PEPTZK4H6RB4VJL5DI2DKG4STI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136028},"content":"Ward, who was previously a behavioural therapist, later admits this is the first time ever such a proposal has been put to him during his political career.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE4GLVS7J5E4TJIAK2SUNP42PA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136029},"content":"The woman is critical of Sinn Féin for appearing to align alongside the government parties while raising her concerns around immigration, in particular “people coming over with no passports”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2EQQ34UBZEPNBTGFLXLV5T5ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7FVXOPJP4RBQLFNDCWTLHBZF4M"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"HOLLRWI3ZVATLITWZWXL3DADBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136030},"content":"Ward is clear that his party is “not in government”, adding “we didn’t get in” at the last general election in 2020. He points out that Dublin Mid-West was the only constituency in the capital that time to run two Sinn Féin candidates – himself and the party’s housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCOY2REEMNCUXEEFW5TZ3WOMEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136031},"content":"On immigration, Ward says the current system is not working and his party’s policy is that if a person has “a right to be here, you should be looked after and you should be given everything the State can give you so you make a positive contribution to society.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OXVQEKLIRF3RF6DXJOVSNPCIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136032},"content":"“But if you haven’t got a right to be here, a decision needs to be made quite quickly,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDXFZ5DD3REO3C6W5VDE5LNE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136033},"content":"While the woman does not indicate how she will vote this Friday, her assessment of Sinn Féin is in the minority in the working-class area where Ward grew up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45VOIVVD5VBIZF5LC4FHRACXR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"PDTUIDKKYVEPXKESY4CQW2XQUU"},"content":"Sinn Féin’s US political arm raises €366,000 in latest fundraising drive","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3OFXRBOO3FAMJL6BE4I76JD6IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136034},"content":"The TD, first elected in a 2019 byelection caused by the election of Fine Gael’s Frances Fitzgerald to the European Parliament, says he is “confident” of retaining his seat in this constituency which has grown from a four- to a five-seater. It covers an area from Fettercairn in Tallaght to Saggart to Palmerston.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GCFH654VVFD43L5BKGEQGX6OP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136035},"content":"He is encouraged by a recent Irish Times/Ipsos B & A poll in which Fine Gael’s share of the vote fell by six points to 19 per cent and Sinn Féin rose by a point to 20 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5dd52dd9-04ea-4f39-ab28-9025024fea60","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZPJ2EBKFYZGCZDZI3KV762RWQM"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"3R3QRQOGYVD7FMRFGA3PHUS4VM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136036},"content":"“Momentum is building, the response we’re getting on the doors is starting to get to 2020 levels,” says Ward.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMT5QVVCYRGPTPRZ64D3M4S5DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945109},"content":"“We’re starting to see that response… that people want a change and they see Sinn Féin as the change they’re wanting to bring in.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNECUP4GFNAB5EYQHUK4OSNFIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136037},"content":"Back on the doors, Mick Tomney (73), who has been living in the estate for about 45 years, says he will be giving his first and second preference to Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEVOSSC275DAVCHW4LTGHG4QY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136038},"content":"“We definitely need a change of government,” he says. “The two parties have cosied up together, the Civil War parties, and you wouldn’t think there were two parties there at all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQ5LJH3Q75GFBCFDSVZWJJKXWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136039},"content":"“We need a change and to give Sinn Féin and whoever else they can cobble up together a chance. They can’t do any worse than what the other crowd are doing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GVXLWBVOLNBZ5MYDG7HEC4PID4","additional_properties":{"_id":"GCABQS6OCNDOLM5ZTOYV52TWF4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TELCIFOGKFHVDFZTPMQG4O2CTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136040},"content":"Tony McLafferty (50), originally from Glasgow and living in Ireland for more than 20 years, tells Ward: “Anything is better than what we have already.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FTRSFIB3QJAITOD57ITX73EFCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136041},"content":"McLafferty says he usually votes for Sinn Féin, adding “years ago we needed some stuff done and every person who came to the door councillor wise, we asked them and they [Sinn Féin] were the only ones who helped us out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IK6RARFW4JGZRDMWTQFWUCTRQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136042},"content":"Lorraine O’Sullivan, who has been living in the area for almost 30 years, cites antisocial behaviour and discarded nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters on nearby green fields as her main issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Y5UTQLYNFFHZA2KOHJOZLNXPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136043},"content":"O’Sullivan says she is a long-time Sinn Féin supporter and that Ward and Ó Broin have “always been very good to us – anything we want them to do, they have done”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5JTIISVYZEL3OHM2FTTQPNR3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136044},"content":"Ward says housing, health, the cost of living and disability services for children have been the dominant topics raised while campaigning over recent weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45V27L3D6RDGDBXI23M5GQ3KLY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FADGGABVSRE5BBQVQICDHXZNRM"},"content":"Election 2024 live updates: McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5THFD77JSNDU3LDN2WEFSF6F3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136045},"content":"The expectation is that Ó Broin, Ward and Fine Gael’s junior minister Emer Higgins will hold on to their seats in the constituency with Gino Kenny (People Before Profit), Shane Moynihan (Fianna Fáil), Paul Gogarty (Independent) and Francis Timmons (Labour) in the running for the final two.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEZOT2MJXRH7BN5XJBKOMWADCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136046},"content":"Ward says his party was considering running a third candidate in the constituency at one stage but members decided against it following the local elections when Sinn Féin secured just five out of 40 seats on South Dublin City Council in June, despite fielding 21 candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEAZMEPGXFHRZBY4K4GIGOIXZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136048},"content":"“We have had worse days but we have also had better days,” says Ward.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7JYTKS4PFC3VAPGWQMLDOSAY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136049},"content":"Even at the start of the general election campaign there was “a certain sense of apathy” in some areas but “you could see that lifting over the last couple of days”, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNJKZEI2RBGGJG7UZ4FA54J7BQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136050},"content":"“People are only really starting to think about the election now because we’re coming up to it. People are looking for that change and feel we are the only party that can bring it about.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYXO4NBQFNE5XCWZEUYZGJF3G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136051},"content":"A woman in her 70s, who asks not to be named, says she has “absolutely no idea” who she will vote for. She explains that she is caring for her husband but is unable to avail of the carer’s allowance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZM72OYCGOVGZTNYYRJECWZPX4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136053},"content":"The woman describes her situation as “absolutely shocking” and adds that she had to previously fight to get a medical card.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QCNU3NTKNAYZNBVCZUM5ABH7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945126},"content":"“I just think nobody listens,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sinn Féin is hoping to return its two TDs as the constituency covering working-class areas in Tallaght and Clondalkin moves from to a five-seater"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T20:02:27.358Z","headlines":{"basic":"Canvassing with Sinn Féin in Dublin Mid-West: ‘Would you not be better off going independent?’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SEW7JZV3TFHPRPHIRR465E24CI","auth":{"1":"f90293af511a62f45645667bf865fbfd795bdb08ef6d50d6c3c18f93ba2fd935"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SEW7JZV3TFHPRPHIRR465E24CI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/would-you-not-be-better-off-going-independent-canvassing-with-sinn-fein-in-dublin-mid-west/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"XYJMMXF3GVGN5DUNBFUXD6SDJU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":354,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/97ea8042-1654-45dc-9fe0-767349a1e339/versions/1732824263/media/aa626cf8833d7e8ccff0d843f3bae008_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/carers-and-the-election-i-had-to-borrow-35000-because-my-son-has-never-had-a-public-therapy-session/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UBSQRUWFGRDIJNUFQJ5IZOWTII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060822},"content":"The issue of care and disability was catapulted to the forefront of the campaign following the meeting between <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/disability/\" target=\"_blank\">disability</a> care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk last Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTYKLH6C4ZH37JLQFO6YXOAGS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060823},"content":"Ms Fallon articulated to the Taoiseach the frustrations that many carers have with the present Government. She accused him of ignoring the sector and of treating Section 39 workers, who are contracted privately to work in disability services, differently to those who work in the public sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5F4GV4FANCNJFS6DRPEH3YFWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060824},"content":"The annual <a href=\"https://familycarers.ie/news-and-campaigns/netwatch-family-carer-of-the-year-awards\" target=\"_blank\">Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards</a> are always scheduled for the last Thursday in November – this one happened to be the day before the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB6XPKS5QNENFHSDOTU7HZGWOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060825},"content":"Carers from all 26 counties in the State go forward to the provincial awards, with the overall winner chosen from the provincial winners. All four provincial winners have their own tales of woe while battling with the State for services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"65W5ICUVM5FCNH7L6MQFZE2E4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060826},"content":"The Laois, Leinster and overall carer of the year was Sarah Dooley from Mountmellick, Co Laois, who is a mother of four. She has autistic twins, John and Patrick (5) and a seven-year-old son, Cathal, who has been undergoing leukaemia treatment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JPBJZSCBMFF5FAS5DMQK5LJG7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060827},"content":"The twins were turned down for 19 schools each before eventually getting a place. She described it as “soul-destroying” and said she would struggle to cope without her partner, Cathal, and their extended family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDQQEHBUDRASVNREC46XRO5JQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060828},"content":"Whoever forms the next Government has “to provide more services with additional needs, speech and language, occupational therapy – none of it is available”, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDLKUXS5EZAMFPJB7CEEFRFURQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FN22YIWWRVFJVL2GMLPXFDTI2Y"},"content":"Mother who fought for school places for autistic, non-verbal twins named Family Carer of the Year","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KMQ7U7T5ENAJRA43THR4UYR5C4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060829},"content":"The Munster carer of the year, Joe O’Loughlin from Athea, Co Limerick, cares for his wife Donna, who has a traumatic brain injury, and their three children, including Jacob (6), who is autistic with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Caleb (4), who has a brain injury, autism, epilepsy, scoliosis and oral dysphagia. His youngest child, daughter Precious, has been diagnosed with a bowel condition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4T4RW54VFB73JRDZ2BE46QG4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"B4AZ6DMUNFDQVJDTQRGD627WSI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UNVYTQMV4RD6LETZHL7AHKJF5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060831},"content":"Mr O’Loughlin said carers need to be treated a lot better by the next Government. “A lot of promises are made before elections, but not a lot of them are kept,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJGUNTOLZRAC3IA4RJPE2L5WXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060832},"content":"“For my two boys I get €680 a month. That wouldn’t cover a week of Caleb’s therapy. Caleb has never had a public therapy session. Everything has been private because he has to wait two years. I had to borrow €35,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQ5IBVDOFVA2LDZXQJTTQ7TTR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060833},"content":"“Look at scoliosis. People are waiting years. The only reason that Caleb has got anything is because my wife has pushed so hard for it and we have had to pay for it, and it is wrong.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DIPXI6FOUVAVHAPK54XGUPKHTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060834},"content":"Connacht regional carer of the year, Maura Fahy from Renmore, Co Galway, has spent 14 years caring for her elderly parents while balancing her own family responsibilities. Her father lost a leg 12 years ago. He died in September. Her mother has dementia and is blind. Her 26-year-old son has autism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAJAJ56AWZGBJGEBLNYM54FAVA","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZZOLB6W4ERCEPMOZPJULGGM4IY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"OAETMZHXBNFIPCBMEJX5CEPZMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060836},"content":"“Change has to be made. The stories that we have heard here today when you have children with special needs,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZIQU64BKBFUXE7LJ4W5PKMI4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060837},"content":"“It is a very lonely life if you are looking after your parents or your children. We need more home help, we need more respite, we need more funding. Covid-19 added to this. It really affected people with special needs because it took away their social skills.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3O7MZDY5VCRTL7OWFQ6KQCK5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060838},"content":"Ulster Family Carer of the Year, Cathy Kelly from Carndonagh, Co Donegal, cares for her four children, including Timothy (10), who has hydrocephalus, and Lucy (14), who has severe cerebral palsy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QLHONKEBJFVHBHJNCAWJ26SLI","additional_properties":{"_id":"3HU2Z4XP5RG65NDYTLD4AQATBY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WRNQYUYS7NGEHM7MSIE5BZ4HXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060840},"content":"The workload she has in looking after two disabled children was compounded by a tragic workplace accident five years ago when her partner, Kevin, was killed. Local people stepped in to help raise money to adapt her home for her two disabled children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MICW5NRNBCJVFP52DRYAL4VOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060841},"content":"She said carers in Donegal have an added set of problems on top of the issues faced by carers elsewhere in the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6O27PD5TVA45B5R2SJ3KMU7HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060842},"content":"“There is no respite services really in Donegal. We have no motorway to get to appointments in Dublin. I don’t think people south of us understand the plight we have,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MA57BN6GUJATHN42NJO3OESL4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060843},"content":"“We have a community leisure centre in Buncrana which has been closed for 20 years and they won’t open it. They got funding but it still hasn’t been opened.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB4LU3IYNVFI3DCKNL3DMSPTWY","additional_properties":{"_id":"2ZUVNSRTAFB6JBBC4XL7I2HPXU"},"content":"Fine Gael says contact with RTÉ over viral clip was ‘appropriate’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XR3V2ZPXKREHXOO2GVBARBL4NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060844},"content":"In relation to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">an incident that Mr Harris had with the care worker in Kanturk</a>, she said: “As a carer I have to say that most politicians live in their own world. Unless it affects them directly, they don’t know what it is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3WFNIXYKFCSTJ6VHALTSHPE4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060845},"content":"Tricia Blee, the community support manager at Family Carers Ireland for Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, accompanied Ms Kelly to Dublin. She said there is a “postcode lottery” across the country for services and Donegal comes out worst of all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TRW5CTBVNA35NIGAZG6L5WX7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060846},"content":"“In Donegal there are no vacancies for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, assessment of need. It is a completely different world in the northwest,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Winners at Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards call on next Government to improve services"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:35:25.716Z","headlines":{"basic":"Carers and the election: ‘I had to borrow €35,000 because my son has never had a public therapy session’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> has said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> voters should consider transferring to parties such as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a> in Friday’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general electio</a>n.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HEU3P7JYCBF6BOPNOLXROFXKM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890559},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"6A4MY6KWLZAINA4UHX7QFUO76I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890560},"content":"Speaking to reporters in a final press event outside Government Buildings in Dublin, the Sinn Féin leader was asked to elaborate on her view that her party’s voters should support parties of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3N4C7JPLRHO3GUCHZDVOKVD7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890561},"content":"“I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3UYQPNT5JB7DI2PPEMP2ZNBYY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZBHF56DYUJCR3CM5RJ5TE4H6PI"},"content":"Election 2024 live updates: Harris insists he can return as taoiseach after election with ‘all to play for’ on final day of campaign","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7PVOQ2Z63JA2VFFSWHEVVL3JO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890562},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"AADMRYQMBZAIFIJKYPUYSG5Q7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890563},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJ4BZWTXGCGPNZSJRW7ODMELGU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WHP5PS555RAIJHJE4WIBVLPSP4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KVH5I3TI7BFDPD2MDLM65B6UKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890564},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLYU25ABHFHD3FL5MOQZO4WYSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890565},"content":"She accused government parties of “scaremongering” on the economy in the run-in to polling day, with warnings about the potential of economic shocks from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> in particular a “mark of desperation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULQBH6DH6ZAXVGXJQD5KAJRQEA","additional_properties":{"_id":"Q2DYXSNOHFBIPDO2AU5YTQOPBQ"},"content":"Election 2024 manifestos: Use this tool to compare party promises","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RRERGLEKYFEZBH7QKVAW2KGNKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890566},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGBOK6CBI5HABDPVGHEAQELPGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890567},"content":"Asked about potential coalition partners for her party, and what her path to power would be, she said she was going to talk to everybody once all had gathered their own mandate. “I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she said. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause,” she said, joking: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet. We have to get to first base before we pass it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMNZH2WZ6ZFRVPZWSTOIHRPFEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673901},"content":"<b>Fianna Fáil</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UAWCPOA7JNABLNFMWR5OSSBAME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673902},"content":"Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> said he had the support of his party in his decision to rule out holding government formation talks with Sinn Féin, and said he felt the question was being asked “for mischievous reasons”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TRKPM77KWRB4JJXANUK2LWRG4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673903},"content":"The Fianna Fáil leader was in Greystones, with outgoing Minister for Health and Wicklow TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/stephen-donnelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Donnelly</a> on Thursday as campaigning drew to a close.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NGU5CELMLRGEZPBZUYHXETEP2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673904},"content":"“I’m always intrigued that in the last two days of the last two campaigns, this kind of question is raised,” he said, after being asked again about ruling out going into coalition with Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5P4VRECUBAOTPDKRNUYROUZ5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673905},"content":"“I think it’s raised for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with ... The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHUR2KDR55BAFKRVZLIHB5LVF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673906},"content":"Asked what the overarching themes were of the general election campaign, Mr Martin referenced housing and access to disability services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P67SV5XW4NC5VFHSPTGX2ZGY4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673907},"content":"<b>Fine Gael</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUYD5VAPHJCQ5EX64OBU6GZJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673908},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> has claimed that if Sinn Féin becomes part of the next government, people could end up “skint”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWGM6EWCLRHYTORKM7U2DHFAVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673909},"content":"In his final press conference, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader said people should examine the kind of policies Sinn Féin is pursuing behind its message of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OK7NFG7C3FEKHFMAKFF7OIUHMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673910},"content":"“Sinn Féin is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPHJCHQBXJAKDMGVCLJ26KBBIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673911},"content":"Mr Harris was speaking at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Lucan along with Minister for Public Expenditure <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paschal-donohoe/\" target=\"_blank\">Paschal Donohoe</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZTSU3JXSBB5DOKEAATXYETDAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673912},"content":"Mr Harris said the election was about issues, that he had been Taoiseach for only seven months and wanted to have a chance to do more for the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V3IXXEBRL5B63M7KI26L5KAUYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707371},"content":"<b>Labour</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DCP5LHKF4RGFPBGAXR5OGB54QM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673914},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ivana-bacik/\" target=\"_blank\">Ivana Bacik</a> said she was confident her party could gain seats in the general election and be in a position to establish a strong platform consisting of centre-left and green parties and TDs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWQEJSLEK5G7BMOKH5LZSZAC44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673915},"content":"In her final press conference of the campaign, Ms Bacik also dismissed Mr Harris’s description of Labour as a centrist party, saying it “smacked of desperation in the last few days of the campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWSZFK26OBF33HKDFWP4X2W2PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673916},"content":"“I’ve consistently said for many months now, before this election campaign even started, that the first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQQZ2L6ZQZDNFDPDDTPXK7PJSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673917},"content":"Ms Bacik said that party’s main campaign message was to create what she said was an “active State” that would drive a radical reset of housing policy and deliver a publicly-provided childcare system. She said her party would deliver the homes people need, tackle the “scourge of vacancy and dereliction”, and provide stronger protection for renters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GR7IAU5MDRFZLCQOP2E7BP35EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707379},"content":"<b>Social Democrats</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFA2I7BFUFDBDIMWWTJQKZIMM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673919},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXL7PGWJCJDA5DYISI6BT6ELAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673920},"content":"He said he wasn’t in a position to tell people where to transfer, but what he had said all along was to transfer to progressive parties and parties of the left and that he considered Sinn Féin to be a party of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2XTYIXLJBECBA5DO4BXQRCOLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673921},"content":"Party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/holly-cairns/\" target=\"_blank\">Holly Cairns</a>, who has been campaigning while nine months pregnant, posted a video on social media on Thursday while she said she was travelling to Cork University Maternity Hospital for a check-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXGXPRI3XVCYZNIQZKLONX2GYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673922},"content":"“I can feel the swell of support behind the party,” she said. “It’s coming from a place of people just wanting a party that will address these issues on housing, health, disability.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5W43KEITKZFA5HAPQ4EJOGKIBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"VYA3663UQRFLBJKTJJWAFJEIVE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-26786","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"V3IXXEBRL5B63M7KI26L5KAUYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707371},"content":"<b>Green Party</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"JW5B5VDQPZAU5G3XESHTZP4VNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707372},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-ogorman/\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> has said “it’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of next government” and “smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXPLJA4FJ5HGFBM6WL2HN3FZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707373},"content":"He said people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted whether it was a progressive party such as the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that are what brings to the right, whether it’s anti-climate, whether it’s anti-choice, whether it’s anti-equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MYFX3XGSBCTBMYV65UXD4K6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707374},"content":"Mr O’Gorman, a TD for Dublin West, said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOCOUORPKNEJBNJFGPOK5JPDYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707375},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRPWLYRGTJG2RCOTPXTAAWMVOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707376},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WMM6VU2MUNFDDEQKK54I4SG6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707377},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCBWQVWQLBH6VPPTHJQ3LABBSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707378},"content":"He said: “People recognise the influence we’ve had in this Government ... We’ve been able to deliver a huge amount of our policies, far more than any smaller party has been able to deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQX2CM2F4JDSZML44TIHPSQIKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673931},"content":"<b>People Before Profit-Solidarity</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKIUAD6EPVCFXNTIWIMV36LEWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673932},"content":"People Before Profit-Solidarity leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/richard-boyd-barrett/\" target=\"_blank\">Richard Boyd Barrett</a> urged people who do not want a return of the present Coalition to vote for his party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IV2JBEJEJVAABGJWMPZXS6REXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673933},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXZWJHHIOZF2VHNJZTKCEWNUJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673934},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQUOTRI64VELBB32ZBX67MV2EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673935},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had done an “amazing feat” of having so much money but they had failed to do the basics of being able to put a roof over people’s heads, he said, in the party’s last press conference before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73XT32ZDXJDATEPP3WWMY7YAEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673936},"content":"He repeated that parties of the left needed to pledge that they would not prop up Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LV4JGLF3MFA25BVYKHVEEBZPZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673937},"content":"Fellow TD Paul Murphy said “it is not true” that voters could change the government only by voting for Sinn Féin. He criticised Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats for not ruling out coalition with Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UCAVOTPJAZHBZDRQKY5AVEJR5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673938},"content":"<b>Aontú</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"5VRTH6KS6ZFL7JDJDUIADSWK44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673939},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a> used the final day of the campaign to launch a cost of living policy document in the Dublin West constituency of Mr O’Gorman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5VRTH6KS6ZFL7JDJDUIADSWK44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673940},"content":"Aontú leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peadar-toibin/\" target=\"_blank\">Peadar Tóibín</a> said his party stood “a good chance” of taking the Green Party leader’s Dáil seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FD4BEE23WZCIJO24MHJ3FTRJIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673941},"content":"Mr Tóibín said the Green Party in government had failed to protect families from the effect of high energy prices and the rising cost of living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXUTIYJ6ZVC2HF4O3OCNPBMNWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673942},"content":"He said “it’s likely that our vote is going to more than double”, adding: “I think that the story of this election in many ways has been Aontú, the plucky underdog, fuelled by conviction and hard work, taking on the political establishment and winning.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Rival parties pressed on possible coalition arrangements in final campaign events before polling day"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:16:51.444Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election: Mary Lou McDonald indicates Sinn Féin voters should transfer to Social Democrats or PBP","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ","auth":{"1":"cdf07bb2c8b70f92b2b2e46d86d4057c33ccb8cc35939761ec057d8113218027"},"focal_point":{"x":3220,"y":2364},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/mary-lou-mcdonald-indicates-sinn-fein-voters-should-transfer-to-social-democrats-or-pbp/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"55B4YBO5FFBLTMGMLXZ2JVVAWM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":168,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/612e0ea8-bdce-4513-8f19-ce3258e5d734/versions/1732820325/media/597c53f4a1c875092dcc29cda094403a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/green-party-asks-voters-to-stick-with-us/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YL5JFRCLWFH4BM32UQE3DPQ7IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515844},"content":"Small parties and Independents are going to be “crucial” and “absolutely pivotal” in the formation of the next government, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-o-gorman/\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR5JC7LICFGQDFFYZBLDJMSRHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515845},"content":"The Dublin West TD appealed to the electorate to “stick with us”, adding that “we have delivered, and we’ve delivered in spades. So the Green Party represents the best value for your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXHTHQACWNE3BFDVTCWKKU4OWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515846},"content":"“We’re asking the Irish voters tomorrow to give us that number one vote. If you want to see us to continue to deliver we need that number one. This time around the number two, the number three, is not really going to work. We’re asking for that number one to continue that strong track record of delivery.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EX2VFIIL3ZDJHDXJ4PNNSPJOZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515847},"content":"Speaking at his party’s final press conference before the election on Friday, he said that when voting people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RA4E7DWDAFGF3PWXOHVQTYFHVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515848},"content":"Did they want a progressive party like the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that bring us to the right, whether it’s anti-climate, whether it’s anti-choice, whether it’s anti-equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2ZKFZANFNAALGBOFJNJNAKWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515849},"content":"The Greens have been “demonstrating our track record of delivery of our policies and also stability, being a grown-up partner within the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMUX6VEKLRHBJMFYXCJ4PV3FA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515850},"content":"He said the Green Party worked well with its coalition partners and kept its fights “behind closed doors”. That was “what created such a stable government over the last 4½ years” and that was how coalition should work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KII4PQA7HJHOVAMOOGHXKNSSVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515851},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5P6OLXWLRE45HHEWRRFSBVJUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515852},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGVBCF3F5RHP5B75Z65625YDGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515853},"content":"Dublin Central TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/neasa-hourigan/\" target=\"_blank\">Neasa Hourican</a> said the election campaign in the constituency “went from being probably the least interesting constituency in the country to all of a sudden the most interesting”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEUHDRO3PJGWDKCPCOAV4A36XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515854},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTVV7IW2SVEG5EYRPU6QBV2AGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515855},"content":"Asked his view on the call by Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty for the electorate to “lend us your vote”, Mr O’Gorman said “I won’t be lending Pearse anything and I don’t think Green voters will” because Sinn Féin has “absolutely nothing to say on central issues like climate, like public transport; when you see how all over the place they are on Europe, for example, registering EU nationals here”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQ5Y2FPTXNB55HHW2OD6L2T2JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515856},"content":"He said that in the leaders’ TV debate “we saw how empty their migration policies are – one of the big challenges our country faces and Sinn Féin’s policy is just vacuous. They have no clue how or where people will be accommodated.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GH45CSCDXNH73K4D6HGMRDAS3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515857},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSK3GHSKHBGEVDSVAVQ2UUV6AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515858},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Green leader Roderic O’Gorman say his party has ‘delivered, and we’ve delivered in spades'"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Green Party asks voters to ‘stick with us’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ","auth":{"1":"cedf145a65279a640272b1d601b70bd7656fc454c2ca880807701920cc324abe"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/green-party-asks-voters-to-stick-with-us/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"NBD5HFOTIRG45JFRVSZ6JVG5HU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":216,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a7a960c5-1f4d-4436-be7b-d5becb6bc384/versions/1732811632/media/28f4b5056f67d7886f65e78b76cabaa9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/eamon-ryan-opens-cycle-lane-first-campaigned-for-30-years-ago-in-last-event-at-minister/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CTXL3ALD2BFDVHQH2LVVE5JYPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301707},"content":"Minister for Transport <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eamon-ryan/\" target=\"_blank\">Eamon Ryan</a> presided over his last ever ministerial ribbon-cutting on Thursday, making an impassioned call to arms to cyclists at the opening of the Clontarf to city centre cycle route.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BHJCZPBYBAQNNOZ6WKHX4NM6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301709},"content":"The former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader praised the “political guts” of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-city-council/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin City Council</a> in forging ahead with the 2.7km route which has been 14 years in gestation but, Mr Ryan noted, for which he had started campaigning 30 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSAPTOJCSRGWPJCH3VSG7AQ3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301710},"content":"The route, which runs from the junction of the Clontarf Road and Alfie Byrne Road along North Strand Road to Connolly Station on Amiens Street, is part of a €71 million project that also involves water mains works and new bus lanes. It will for the first time provide cyclists with safe access from the city to the off-road Dublin Bay cycle path, which runs from Sutton to Clontarf.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3J377QKQ5E2VAQM6BFBZAUCLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301711},"content":"Dublin today was still “positively dangerous and hostile” for cyclists Mr Ryan said. “It’s not a good place to cycle.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"54JDJM4DXVF3DLJMBU26R7NIAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301712},"content":"However, projects such as the Clontarf route, the Royal and Grand Canal cycle paths, the Liffey cycle route and the increased segregated cycling facilities throughout the capital were going transform Dublin into a cycling city, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLBWFZ5GSJDMJFZ6OPMBKAZV24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301713},"content":"“Dubliners are going to turn to their bikes in their hundreds of thousands because it is the best way to get around. It is the fastest, cleanest, cheapest, most social way. It makes Dublin a wonderful city, so let’s build from here and let’s not stop,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZX6Y2QRKWBDPHPFY57MA5Q77QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301714},"content":"Installing safe cycling facilities was not “anti-car” he said, but a way of offering more choice to people in how they got around the city. “The people of Dublin want this, so let’s keep going, let’s see today as the first step in a dramatic change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3TX3AZ35VGTRCMOSZK3F5EYPM","additional_properties":{"_id":"QZQSHKBJOBHS5ADRBIOWUA3XQA"},"content":"Tolka Estuary Greenway: First look at 2km Dublin Port cycle and walking route","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XMDC3GCDFRBINELKHGYK3BXES4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301715},"content":"The Clontarf to city centre route was proposed in 2012 at an estimated cost of €7 million. However, the project was beset by delays and underwent several redesigns, including one following protests in 2017 over plans to cut down 50 trees in Fairview Park. The council subsequently amended its plans to save 42 of the trees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS4U6KXNAFG3PMOTYWGYKMU3MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301716},"content":"In February 2019, the council published revised costs of €20 million following design changes and the decision to include extensive water mains replacement and new sewerage systems in the project, as well as a link through Fairview Park as part of the Tolka Valley greenway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDOETIAS2FA7DAROMMWWOVIMQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301717},"content":"The project again stalled due to a failure, the council said, to reach funding agreements with Irish Water and National Transport Authority concerns about proposed bus diversions during construction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYIXNHPHKVGU3CSMQCEQDJ4264","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301718},"content":"By the time construction started in March 2022 the costs had increased from €20 million to €62 million due to “enhanced streetscape, additional planting and upgrades of the public realm throughout the scheme” and the incorporation of “major upgrades of 6km of water mains and part of the Tolka Valley greenway” the council said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTSJQ73DVFFXTOM6Q62DXGN47A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301719},"content":"The project had been due for completion earlier this year but following some revisions to the scheme it was finished this month at a final cost of €71 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olivia Kelly"}},"name":"Olivia Kelly"}]},"description":{"basic":"Outgoing Green Party TD says Dublin still ‘hostile’ for cyclists"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Eamon Ryan opens cycle lane he first campaigned for 30 years ago in last event as Minister","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU","auth":{"1":"0ebcb2da17a6be8e81709cc3f27b984a0d818865e7134016f9af6e187899166d"},"focal_point":{"x":2685,"y":1406},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Dublin"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/eamon-ryan-opens-cycle-lane-first-campaigned-for-30-years-ago-in-last-event-at-minister/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"FUIAO624RRGVZLSXK364ZBSKZA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-the-highs-and-lows-of-a-tense-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DRWIYHDC6FEHXNTDHYF6A7DQ7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Would you like to see the Inside Politics podcast team recording live on stage in Dublin on December 11th? Buy your tickets </i><a href=\"https://events.irishtimes.com/events/95842\" target=\"_blank\"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"HC2ZSH2VCVHMLPBLMBSABSRJJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Pat Leahy, Jennifer Bray and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election</a> Daily podcast. It’s the last day of campaigning and the leaders of the three largest parties have been communicating their final messages to the electorate:","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPCNEGFVJRFRLPL2D2Q3Q2Z2XU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"D6QCIAGPANDPHGNSFMWR6KFFIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821708794},"content":"Pat, Jen, Cormac and Hugh discuss all of the above before picking their favourite, most pivotal and most consequential moments of the campaign. 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My activity was solely directed at keeping UHW and allied services at the forefront of our regional political debate.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NATYVLZPBBGBB6NGYANFRRNJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812952662},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2B5NZXB6IJFT7BSHTT6XLPZOEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233320},"content":"Management at UHW said it was made aware on Wednesday evening of a projected image on the exterior of the Dunmore Wing. “After engagement with the parties involved the projection of the image ceased and the vehicle involved vacated the UHW campus.” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABIJIHNUZNDY5MMPJJXU4ZAWRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233321},"content":"It said any activity of this nature should be conducted outside the boundaries of the hospital campus, “and respect the privacy and dignity of UHW patients, visitors and staff”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233322},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}},"name":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Matt Shanahan apologises after initially defending the laser display"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T16:56:15.187Z","headlines":{"basic":"Independent Waterford TD apologises for displaying election message on Waterford hospital building","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4","auth":{"1":"48182c6e71c8a3a5b560f57c72b8a72f8604d8c292467f02ffb3ef2316779156"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/independent-waterford-td-apologises-for-displaying-election-message-on-waterford-hospital-building/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"MVQ2Z7RVX5EGTF2VRWTMXTVBEA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":509,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/40249935-facf-4661-a6b2-33101bcd67e3/versions/1732810994/media/a542e69b228ababbc3c65ab4481fd7c6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3WUCJNY6RFDBZJGWIK53L2MCYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767436},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> is finally happening, right?","type":"header"},{"_id":"MDNEFWYB5NG7XBEX5YI5AEM72Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767437},"content":"It is indeed. Ireland will vote in the representatives to sit in the 34th <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\">Dáil</a> on Friday, November 29th. The weekday vote marks a return to a tradition that was broken last time out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WQ33EJSCNBTHGG2454FKTOIZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767438},"content":"A tradition?","type":"header"},{"_id":"B6FSEYLPLRACVFCOEDCCWXVYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767439},"content":"For decades elections in Ireland used to take place on Thursdays or Fridays but in 2020 the election happened on a Saturday as the then taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/leo-varadkar/\" target=\"_blank\">Leo Varadkar</a> said he wanted to make it easier for students and for families with young children to have their say. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> had a different view although we’re not for a second suggesting he wanted to make it harder for students and for families with children to have their say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OMQXGHPMZCS3HMZ6OVDW4JA5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767440},"content":"How many TDs will be elected?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZYC4D427FJC6RGKWL7C2OE26YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767441},"content":"More than ever before is the first thing we should say. A total of 174 TDs will be returned to the 34th Dáil, up from 160 in the outgoing assembly. It was 158 in the 32nd Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JIT3KWWQJJC2NKI7ED5MPBSQHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732862823929},"content":"And for a majority, party or parties need half of 174 plus one which makes 88 the magic number, right?","type":"header"},{"_id":"OAB4Q5NVZFGQTP3KTQ6JCEES5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732862823930},"content":"Wrong – well technically anyway. When it comes to electing a taoiseach and forming a government, the effective seat number is 173 because one of the TDs will be Ceann Comhairle, the speaker in the Dáil. If a coalition of parties can muster up 87 votes they would in theory be good to go although that won’t give them any margin of error and would make each subsequent vote in the Dáil a pretty tense affair. In reality, any coalition will want at least 88 TDs and would ideally have a buffer above that to be comfortable. The first sitting of the next Dáil is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHLN24I3GFDMXD6TLDAD3BFB2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767442},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4NEYHO3ZRC4XEJ6J7X4XZBBSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767443},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KO3KCWNZ6NFWNFIF3MBQAAOZVM","additional_properties":{"_id":"YLQPLSQMCNGWPNMVQLQWNC7KDQ"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-6759","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"B2SCTHLZOFG2BLNPQHJ3THFS4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Why do we have more TDs now than we did last time out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"7QBUVRDT2ZE7HCGJCT5BVUZNQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767445},"content":"The increase was recommended by the Electoral Commission to reflect a growing population and shifting demographics. Under the Constitution, one TD is required for every 30,000 constituents and for that to change a referendum would have to be held.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HG27APSRBJFVTLC4RYFI6BMZNY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VX3KNWNNXJFMRIQSOTHZRBDKPQ"},"content":"Who should you vote for on Friday? Use this tool to see which candidate matches your views","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"27GELDI52ZELJAILD4CVRWIBNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767446},"content":"Have we had to squeeze all the extra TDs into existing constituencies?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RVORRVII5NEKFHQOJMM2QP43JQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767447},"content":"No. As well as more TDs, the number of constituencies has increased from 39 to 43. The constituencies of Tipperary and Laois-Offaly have been split in two and there are two new constituencies in Wicklow-Wexford and Dublin Fingal West. Read our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/constituency-profiles/\" target=\"_blank\">profiles of each of the 43 constituencies</a>. We also have an explainer about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/13/election-map-explainer-how-has-it-changed-and-how-are-counties-and-parties-affected/\" target=\"_blank\">how the electoral map has changed</a> and why.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGVKXZDEN5DLNE3AN4KQTFWEJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767451},"content":"There is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/\" target=\"_blank\">a list of all the candidates running across the country</a> available and if you are wondering which candidate mostly aligns with your views we have you covered on that score too, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/election-2024-how-do-your-views-match-with-election-candidates-in-your-area-use-this-tool-to-find-out/\" target=\"_blank\">thanks to this tool</a> developed by Rory Costello from the University of Limerick.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNSUDH6BBZCCDHPXVN46HC7BWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"HDSYYZUVJJC2BJ7YPPUTRIOVGI"},"content":"Donegal fishermen frustrated as general election looms: ‘We are the fish basket of Europe, yet we’re the poor relation’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"AAD25JSPIJBORNAI6UMLYR24BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767453},"content":"What was the state of play when the last Dáil was dissolved?","type":"header"},{"_id":"AEYXOZ3TEVDS5MHDNFUB7SVNDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767454},"content":"Like this:","type":"text"},{"_id":"MX55RX434ZCAJHKH3VALASUMWE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"ZQFT27VUP5F3PAGVREUB3DIY34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767456},"content":"<i>*There were five vacant seats after deputies were appointed to the European Parliament in the </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/european-election/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>European elections</i></a><i> in June and the </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/08/26/fine-gael-td-joe-carey-resigns-from-politics-for-medical-reasons/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>resignation of Fine Gael’s Joe Carey on medical grounds</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"TT5VJ7Q7ZBBFLFZR3Q45YXUPJM","additional_properties":{"_id":"GZKMV6XRTZGWJOZUBAPSVT7HVU"},"content":"Former IRA member among nursing home early voters for general election","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7LTE2XRD5NDZTL2IFFHDYQPPMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767457},"content":"So, could one party win outright this time?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZLFPA6UTIBAXLNSIKOXW6DJKCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767458},"content":"No. As we said a party or collection of parties will need the support of 87 TDs to successfully elect a taoiseach. A coalition is inevitable and not just because it is what all the polls have been saying for donkeys’ years. No party is running enough candidates to achieve a majority on its own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIFSMJPT2VCIBJEJ2VAG652FDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767459},"content":"Who is promising what?","type":"header"},{"_id":"YPQ5H2ZV3NBVTNMWLJT7QGQUII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767460},"content":"A cynic might suggest that everyone is promising everything. But we are not a cynic which is why we will just link you to the party manifestos.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZ74L4PUWBBEHNWJ6MAJXQDL7I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4VDUXN7R5BEEHJFAC7BIDBGWLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443106},"content":"You can compare the manifestos across 10 different policy areas <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/promises-promises-what-do-the-election-2024-parties-stand-for-use-this-tool-to-compare-their-manifestos/\" target=\"_blank\">using this nifty tool</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHCPIMCIYVDVDIJW2BINXAZUPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767462},"content":"I am not sure if I am registered to vote. Is there a way I can find out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"B72EYRGCQJE5VLYW6M72UR3HBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767463},"content":"There is indeed, <a href=\"https://checktheregister.ie/en-IE/\" target=\"_blank\">checktheregister.ie</a> site will have your name if you are registered while you can also call the local authority for confirmation. At the risk of stating the obvious, if you are not on the list by now you are not getting in to vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUVS6PHIXNHMFJEWQYNROEHKIM","additional_properties":{"_id":"7EERD5J7N5FEFPDDXPRLAKXD6A"},"content":"General election 2024: What are the issues in housing?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"2VW7GBBH7RBDXOHC2H2NMRPALA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767464},"content":"Hooray, I am on the list so what time can I vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"HBNZKA33ZJDM7EDGFBHTHPVGLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767465},"content":"Polling stations open at 7am and will remain open until 10pm. If previous elections are anything to go by, polling stations will be busiest after 6pm so if you can get out to vote early, it should save you some time although queues at Irish polling stations are – thankfully – very rare so even if you have to vote at rush hour you should be in and out in no time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M54UFV5VSJEBJFMOLN7FFYI3HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767466},"content":"I don’t know where my polling station is, where do I find that out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"LOIFE3JGRBC45DBHKYXDBOPQR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443112},"content":"Your polling card will tell you where you need to go to vote but if you can’t find it you can check it on <a href=\"https://checktheregister.ie/en-IE/search\" target=\"_blank\">checktheregister.ie</a> or call your local city or country council and they will help you out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q33W5BFMSZGDHC2YEYOOCH53ZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767467},"content":"What do I need to bring with me to cast my vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"BWPCG65UEJCKPK6LBT3ANCKJJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767468},"content":"You will need ID and, ideally, your polling card but if you can’t find it don’t panic. You do not need it and a number of other forms of identification are acceptable. These include a passport, driving licence, public services card, an employee identity card containing a photograph, a student identity card with a photograph, a travel document with a photograph and name, or a bank, savings or credit union book with the voter’s address in the constituency. Voters can also show a chequebook, cheque or credit card, birth or marriage certificate, once they produce one of these with a document showing their address in the constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2J537YC33VCTVIWOMATAADZWHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767469},"content":"And how do I vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"LE7NOSNX7VE7DLS3KI6O6WD6FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767470},"content":"This is where it gets interesting, at least for election fans like us. Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV) system of voting which differs from the first-past-the-post system used by the UK and the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFUHPB4TUJFQTJJTA3VLBXDJ4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767471},"content":"What does that mean?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QCNGHDNZCZAMXEFI4FV7QOIYNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767472},"content":"You don’t just vote for one person. Instead you can mark your ballot card in order of preference. Your first choice gets your number one and your second choice gets number two, your third gets number three etc, all the way down the ballot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2YBTYPABVE3DO3FYAYZ3M5X3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767473},"content":"That seems complicated. What are the advantages of that?","type":"header"},{"_id":"XYFAMAVDR5A6DH7B3YIA6T4JN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767474},"content":"The STV system provides a more representative outcome. In the first-past-the-post system, if a party wins 51 per cent of the votes in all the constituencies they win all the seats despite having the slenderest of majorities. In the STV system, the party wins – broadly speaking – only 51 per cent of the seats. It is complicated however which is why we have Paddy Smyth on hand. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/why-it-pays-to-vote-all-the-way-down-the-ballot-paper-1.2548241\" target=\"_blank\">He wrote an explainer</a> a few years back that is worth a read if you want to know how best to maximise your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25FX76RK2FFFVKZN3SVXKOSIRE","additional_properties":{"_id":"6FB7X7WE2ZEWFCHHZRXBRIEBZM"},"content":"Rise of the Independents: could they be kingmakers for the next government?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RV2F7BLVZVF25HGCJJOLPQMAYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767475},"content":"But the bottom line is no Xs or ticks?","type":"header"},{"_id":"GEB4ZYBBANDYPKKHZOSMJRKCWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767476},"content":"Absolutely not. If you put an X or a tick or a smiley face or anything else other than a clear number into the boxes, your vote won’t count. If you give two candidates a number one then your vote won’t count. In every election, many thousands of votes are spoiled, with 17,703 wasted in 2020. Some people do it on purpose as an act of protest or discontent. Others do it without knowing they are doing it. Don’t be one of those people. Oh, and don’t be taking selfies in the polling booth either. That is not allowed and might get you into trouble. If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, the returning officer may give you another ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSNNLRVY7ZGKLIFZAYCR3XPRUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443123},"content":"What do the polls say?","type":"header"},{"_id":"IEZVBSOKCBEPRNCNAMFBXQ6ZRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443124},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">Our last poll of the campaign</a>, published this week, had Fianna Fáil in the lead on 21 per cent of the vote, Sinn Féin in second on 20 per cent and Fine Gael in third on 19 per cent, after a six-point fall in support in less than two weeks. Among the smaller parties, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party</a> was at 4 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour</a> 4 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats</a> 6 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-alliance/\">People Before Profit</a> 3 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\">Aontú</a> 3 per cent; Independents (including Independent Ireland) 17 per cent. Undecided voters, who are excluded from the above figures, were at 19 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZG5JYEGYVCXDNVVXJE7L2C2NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443125},"content":"However, that’ll all be immaterial by Friday evening as it all comes down to how you vote. Have your say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Simon Bracken"}},"name":"Simon Bracken"}]},"description":{"basic":"Everything you need to know ahead of polling stations opening at 7am on Friday"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T16:31:51.851Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024: How do I vote, what are the polls saying and how does the system work?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI","auth":{"1":"6a1153ef2e6a02d1c987964a7d8156710ca24f537eed70d22f1fde1d939ef332"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"F6RGJWP36JHF3PGGJBJJBJUW3A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":399,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8c805cd5-823d-4354-9ae8-4f066487350d/versions/1732808184/media/08e921e57ca9d6c7700ed23d23edd727_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/bellwether-waterford-crucial-for-sf-to-lead-next-government-and-for-fg-to-stay-in-power/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IIHUM7MYCJCUVO6Y5LOOCZQPLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846031},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUPJORCW2JCFPANXJDHOMBXOQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846032},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Waterford</a> promises to be a bellwether constituency in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024</a>, a sign of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s potential to lead the next government or for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> to remain there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NWY22JNK5F5BLVCGSFGDHKMBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846049},"content":"Fine Gael must win a seat in this four-seat constituency to be in contention for government and Sinn Féin need the two seats as part of its bid to lead the next administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNZIJKZJOZD2NPYDVLCPOM7XWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846033},"content":"Simon Harris’s campaign tussle with Kanturk care worker Charlotte Fallon has hurt Fine Gael in the polls and confidence is growing in Sinn Féin due to improved polling numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGKBR23ZWRDPXNNLDKNG67HR2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846034},"content":"In Waterford, Fine Gael candidate Senator John Cummins (37) says he is not feeling any extra pressure since the major misstep by his party leader.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXUCDVM645B6TOB5VSYEBXPBPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846035},"content":"“The reaction on the door has been quite similar to what I have been receiving over the last number of weeks,” the former PE teacher says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XOU2AT7OARDRTBDF6KNRJ7X3UI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TN25LHK4EFBJZL3ZANQ5A3QJB4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6XIQTL75KBANTPP5ELNXGKGPS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846036},"content":"He is hopeful it won’t affect his vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FA7U24XFUZEMZD5Y2SASLWZ6W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535145},"content":"“One thing you could never accuse Simon Harris of is not having a commitment to disability services,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAUQRNYIAZGI7A42TQJ5UJGI2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846037},"content":"During a canvass of the middle-class area around John’s Hill, the matter is raised just once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5BWMN27CRCYPKZ2EWIKT23U6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846038},"content":"The candidate is canvassing with his father, former Seanad leader Maurice Cummins, who is recognised by a lot of older voters, including Henry Flynn who refers to the Kanturk incident.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTOGGDXTEZFVHHLB3IVIFCZKVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535148},"content":"Of Harris’s handling of the incident, Flynn says: “He made a gaffe there, didn’t he? He’ll get over it but it’s a pity because it went viral as well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSEHUVJIO5GE3L2DZ4M65VDBRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846040},"content":"On a Sinn Féin canvass, the issue comes up just once for Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane (50).","type":"text"},{"_id":"GNFEOWMFG5BDLFBSHEK4RRAPUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846041},"content":"“Harris is after shooting himself in the foot now – make the most of it,” says Pat Cox, as he and his wife, Phil, chat with Cullinane on their doorstep.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56M6VBBRDBH7PALJ2A4ARUJ5IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846042},"content":"For Fine Gael the pressure is huge to recover the seat the party lost in 2020, when it ran two candidates and split the vote. Cummins lost out but now he is the party’s sole candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXHZ7XURVRAI7D55LEWFUXIV4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846043},"content":"Sinn Féin had the opposite problem. Cullinane topped the poll with almost 40 per cent of the vote and almost two quotas. As the only Sinn Féin candidate, his huge surplus helped elect Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh and contributed to Independent TD Matt Shanahan’s success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGPI5BPAAJGFZEDPBU5ZCQSPXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846044},"content":"After bucking the trend at the local elections and winning 21 per cent of the vote compared to 11 per cent nationally, Sinn Féin is running two candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7CT4KYQNZGGFOII7FWRIDJETY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846045},"content":"“It’s a perfect geographical split,” says Cullinane. He has the city areas and his colleague, councillor Conor McGuinness, has the west of the county.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GYGEKXHPNE27G4EK36ZTMOS4A","additional_properties":{"_id":"6DLIVEBY4BFFXLCHX4EF3RSBFQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4Q6EF7EO6FGWTOL3IW5DMNZYJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846046},"content":"All four outgoing TDs are running: Cullinane, Fianna Fáil’s Mary Butler, Shanahan and Ó Cathasaigh. Cummins and McGuinness make it six candidates running for four seats, with the Green Party TD facing a major hurdle to be a contender.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCZX7GCRHBE2LDFF667RA7QTY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535157},"content":"“There’s nobody putting me under pressure to win the two seats,” says Cullinane, who is confident of the party’s chances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IWD5EFVPLFBUXCAM4WZLKSVK4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846048},"content":"“We forced Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to stand one candidate each. There’s very few constituencies where there’s only one Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael candidate and in my view that’s because of the threat Sinn Féin poses,” says the party’s health spokesman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CABEZGQGYFAT3LVTS7K37FY4S4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846050},"content":"On the Fine Gael canvass the campaign team includes Sinn Féin-turned-Independent councillor Declan Clune who left the party in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2I3PQIENFBRPFSDX4GIF3CFJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535160},"content":"“There was no one particular thing. It was a build-up over time,” he says of leaving Sinn Féin. “There wasn’t much room for having an alternative view and you’d be kind of isolated and undermined.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LR4IK2EWNABFAA4VNJOXFHXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846051},"content":"At one door, Cummins declines to say where a voter’s second choice should go, just his number one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOMRGQ2OGFA45FKRFNPN32BPZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846052},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWCQVPBDVNGIJJBY6KFKFNUJYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846053},"content":"Local man Gerard Fitzgerald says he has “zero confidence” in Sinn Féin’s numbers because “they have all this hidden stuff like this wealth tax, which they’ve taken off but they’re still adding it in at the bottom”. He plans to go “with the tried to trusted”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UZ7XFJF5FHX7C2UAFFDKBDCCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846055},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JS4VSEIAPJB63EESEEYQRP2AJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846056},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZJWBJHV3NH6TB5H5TRREOAJ7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846057},"content":"Jill and Joe Gallagher on John’s Hill are confirmed supporters of Cummins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUDWL4DOW5C3JE7GQ366TF4PZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535167},"content":"“I would know John since back when we were teenagers. He was always someone who could be trusted,” says Jill. He supports local business and “they don’t all do that”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCURSXWNIZBRFCMLYR2Y64IJYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846058},"content":"In an estate off John’s Hill, Anne Heine inherited her house from her aunt but is concerned about the tax “as a single person, not married, no children”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3DAIEFQ45E3VCH2BOX72R7NDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846059},"content":"Back on the Sinn Féin canvass, Ann Rogers asks: “What are you going to do for the workers?” She says all she ever hears about is “everyone on social welfare”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4EBOOLQJLFDCLGIWAE4HA6N3XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535170},"content":"Cullinane says the party will abolish the universal social charge (USC) for the first €45,000 of a person’s salary and will also provide €10 a day for childcare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KCJJQD7J5HC5KAN67BWRU25WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846060},"content":"Bridget Douglas assures Cullinane of her vote “because I know him very well and he’ll do something for us – hopefully”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAWRNOWHVZBYRLUVBJXYCMTLNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535172},"content":"“I’m all right but a lot of people don’t have what I have,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVZT2BNB7FACBAEYRD3ZVCA6VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846061},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZV6KBHG2R5C2XC6MX7KY4OMKTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846062},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Q5H4IXMJ5GSNIWHSLWERA45DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846063},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXOYPJTMKBDWRPDQYS52XKFA7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846064},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGWDGGMFXZBMLERDZP56SOPAWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846065},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGCXLPUWHVFR5NEKMLWR7ALVLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846066},"content":"Terry Whiteman, originally from the UK, doesn’t vote because he doesn’t understand the Irish system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBKOQNEFNVBUVAVUOH6S5JTLTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535179},"content":"“I don’t understand the parties here – Fianna Fáil and all the rest of them. I haven’t got a clue,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W5IINYDFHNGQLLFDD5JR5UMJAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846067},"content":"Asked how long he’s living in Ireland, he says: “26 years,” to laughter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKQFNYH55JA45CRZZZ6NDETIMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535181},"content":"“That’s enough time” to learn about the system Cullinane suggests. “Maybe I’d vote for Fine Gael; I don’t know,” says Whiteman. “Someone said to me they’d be similar to the Conservatives.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTZOI5FNONAQJB3LLJP5JEXCUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846068},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OL5NAG4EYJGSFE6ZZU6BNZX4JY","additional_properties":{"_id":"IFGOBXFNDFAU5FTWSRU5QS2RSI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JR5LASYATNB27B6EWHKTPSSUEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535184},"content":"Cullinane says that if Sinn Féin can harness the vote he thinks is in west Waterford, they can win two seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJIGIK6ZQFAN5HMBTU6EIKOQXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846069},"content":"“We have the balance right. We’ve been ambitious where we need to be and where potential seats can be gained,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND2RTONSLZE5HCFPQJXTJ3URHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846070},"content":"“But even on 20 per cent we can still make gains,” he says of Sinn Féin’s opinion poll standing. “Anything above that then we can at least win those seats we left behind the last time. And there was at least 10 of those that we could say were low-lying fruit.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh under huge pressure to retain his seat as six candidates vie for the four available seats"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T15:31:13.018Z","headlines":{"basic":"Bellwether Waterford ‘crucial’ for SF to lead next government and for FG to stay in power","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA","auth":{"1":"06d4c533b81728fbad4d02967b0497d8e5619aa61d0af892885a374be1aff3ac"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/bellwether-waterford-crucial-for-sf-to-lead-next-government-and-for-fg-to-stay-in-power/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{}}}},{"_id":"3FWY6CZDNNFIJFY5WLERU36BBQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":287,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/eacbd067-e9c3-4e8f-9c75-107af32d6a82/versions/1732808166/media/b38716005ee53920e719d5bcd13a88c0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-issues-crime-and-the-challenges-for-irish-policing/","content_elements":[{"_id":"E6XWJ35OS5EQPDVK4COTMIYBSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483895},"content":"Crime very often dominates the news cycle and political discourse when an especially shocking or violent series of offending takes place. Gangland feuding, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-riots/\" target=\"_blank\">riots in Dublin</a> 12 months ago, far right-related disorder and murders force the issue – and people’s fears – to the fore.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQ3ZNFOABBGMRMIAF7LP64G22Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483897},"content":"However, even when major criminal events are not on the front pages policing and issues like antisocial behaviour, street drug dealing and reportedly higher levels of aggression are never far from people’s minds in many parts of the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QRSW2AVFEBCO3JMWYRJUKSPR64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483898},"content":"There are concerns the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/garda-siochana/\" target=\"_blank\">Garda</a> force is perhaps becoming more distant from the people it was designed to serve and protect, at least that it can no longer provide the same service it once did. So what are the big issues facing the Republic in the areas of crime and policing at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUJ5HYZELNHC5OW7QEBHBQHSMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483899},"content":"<b>Garda numbers</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7DKD3756JEMZB3G6OJILRF4VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483900},"content":"The number of sworn members in the force was as high as 14,700 in the early months of 2020; a record high. But then the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, was forced to close because of pandemic-related restrictions. Due to retirements and resignations numbers steadily declined – to 13,890 by November of last year. And though recruitment has long resumed numbers were still at 14,125 by the end of September.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XLJTDTMEUNGYZOTW6BND3X5ZOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790450815},"content":"Failure to increase the strength of the force – especially amid population growth – is stretching the capacity of the Garda. Very often it is impossible to muster full strength units for run-of-the-mill duties on the streets of towns and cities. And specialist units are under the same pressure. It all leads to poor outcomes in investigations and slower response times to emergencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5LWRGYDUZBTZNW6LTFG5FFXFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483901},"content":"<b>Rural policing</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3K7Y2ED6JBBTBYIIGSVS6F3AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483902},"content":"Over the last two decades the closure of Garda stations has been a very unpopular development that has only served to underline the feeling of vulnerability of some communities, especially in rural areas. Even though violent attacks against the elderly in their own homes, for example, are rare, one or two high profile incidents can lead to widespread fear. The Garda was praised for its outreach to communities, especially isolated and vulnerable people, during the pandemic. A similar effort – via community policing – has been widely called for.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WT22YO2V2FEIRJX7TDP27Z7IEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483903},"content":"<b>Safety in Dublin</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCM6KTGMKVEKPOQC4R5YCFPNO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483904},"content":"There has long been a sense that safety in Dublin city has declined. Richard Guiney, chief executive of Dublin Town, has said perceptions of safety were at their highest in 2016, according to polling it commissioned annually from Red C. In the afternoon and evening time 51 per cent of people in north central Dublin felt safe in 2016 and 81 per in south central Dublin. This was down to 35 per cent and 57 per cent respectively in May of last year. Virtually every time the Garda engages with community groups and other stakeholders the chief request is for more gardaí – to deter crime, improve response times and shore up the public’s perception of safety.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4GK4T4QCNFW3AXDE35J2OK5LY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483905},"content":"<b>Cyber-enabled crime</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHCANZEWGJB3NCWIOVNX7L6FQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483906},"content":"Frauds and scams – often based off bogus phone calls, emails, texts and social media-based contacts – spiked during the pandemic and are here to stay. With economic crimes there is a shortage of personnel to perform all the tasks that arise during these complex investigations. This includes detectives but also forensic accountants, data scientists and analysts, AI capability and the licences for cryptocurrency analysis. Great strides have been made in the Garda’s approach to investigating domestic and sexual violence. But across the specialist units many of the resources available to police forces overseas are in short supply in the Garda.","type":"text"},{"_id":"37KAATHZRFGSBB4ZH4SM5PQFJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807838827},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGEJG2VL2VDKVGRWPUOYQYPPFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483907},"content":"<b>High volume “petty” crime</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCVPSS26KNA4DGMKCKAHKQGP7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483908},"content":"Offences such as the theft of mobile phones, high-value bicycles, motorbikes and even some burglaries – with minimal damage and little property stolen – are something the public is becoming increasingly inured to. A police force that is thinly stretched must prioritise the emergencies and crimes it allocates most resources to. More gardaí, in virtually every station across the country, are required in a bid to ensure high volume non-violent crime does not become an area that goes unreported and uninvestigated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Lally"}},"name":"Conor Lally"}]},"description":{"basic":"Antisocial behaviour, street drug dealing and reportedly higher levels of aggression among issues of concern"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T15:30:57.314Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election explainer: What are the big issues in the areas of crime and policing?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U","auth":{"1":"84c0602f44de188feef48f0be7bde9302654d95971ef9214c1202c00b69e00d3"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-issues-crime-and-the-challenges-for-irish-policing/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"NJSRQFHYZRCDDMR4CHEPS6NFMA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":1085,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9bf52d42-e993-4eaa-9585-3b5cbb6e0d01/versions/1732741568/media/fde0e9274f0611ea8430c2808e75d966_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TJKS3ZULQBBQPDFBFUBDFPLV4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116714},"content":"Identifying target seats in Irish <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general elections</a> is an art more than a science.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7C7C47M75GXBHWJKLIYCIVNG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732718657008},"content":"Unless there is a huge surge for one or two parties – as happened in 1992, 2011 and again in 2020 – gains and losses happen at the margins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6T6X4GOXVJA5JA3FHGB6H625EM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116715},"content":"Unlike in the UK’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/uk-election/\" target=\"_blank\">Westminster elections</a>, where it is first past the post, the Irish voting system makes final outcomes difficult to predict. Here, there are multi-seat constituencies with transferable votes which means multiple counts. Transfers can be unpredictable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOB5MXPJNVAODMLESZVTKNI3HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732718657010},"content":"Geography can sometimes outrank ideology when votes are being cast. For example, in 2020 in Longford-Westmeath, after his elimination, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael’</a>s Michael Carrigy transferred more votes to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil’s</a> Joe Flaherty than he did to his party colleague, Peter Burke. The reason? Both Carrigy and Flaherty were from Co Longford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UIA72NFLVBGFJFW2KAHK4UNU3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116716},"content":"Nevertheless, based on the 2020 general election results, party standings in opinion polls, and the candidate selection by the parties, each of the three big parties have identified target constituencies that they can win with a small swing – and others that they might win, if there is strong momentum behind the party on polling day. Equally, they have identified vulnerable seats for each party which they will fail to hold if the performance on the day falls short.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5CJLQIUTZBZTGEMMSCJYHZICY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116717},"content":"The Irish Times spoke to senior figures in parties and groupings to get a sense of their <b>main targets</b> – the constituencies where they are hoping to take seats; <b>possible gains</b> – seats they will be contending for where the party’s national performance is strong, and the <b>potential losses</b> – vulnerable seats they will struggle to retain on a bad day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDNWKLMHHJDATH7E4UTFQQUO7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732803218525},"content":"<i>* Click on each constituency name to read a full profile.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2N4EBVASREVDOS37ORWKM2Y6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116718},"content":"Fianna Fáil","type":"header"},{"_id":"SXOHTVSLNFBM5IW45OOODWC7IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116719},"content":"The party has 12 main targets for gains, in addition to another eight seats where it believes it can compete for the last seat on a good day. There are eight seats not guaranteed as wins. The vast majority of the main targets are in rural Ireland, while most at-risk seats are in Dublin and Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMR24VE4HFCIFMQYIMJMWWUHIU","additional_properties":{"_id":"SHRYMPFEUVC4HBGMFZ7WD5DQH4"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-Fucuf\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Fucuf/5/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"D35JK37WONHFZPTEJKTH242OZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116720},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6LQ6TMT3BDLFGMF7OXUAIPEXE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"5DGSZMHKO5F77HKWI4HODPIRBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116722},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y657VG7F2ZFG7B6XGCFREPGE7M","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7MVVGDYRJVHIXIXAIP56LLLKFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116725},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWBUQFJZMRBWJMVXA4GUFIAC6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116726},"type":"list"},{"_id":"OCFHVNZK6VHOFMGOBGWP2XB554","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116734},"content":"Fine Gael","type":"header"},{"_id":"J4FUBIKEGJDF3NWBBDY72QIBJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116735},"content":"The party has 12 main targets where it could make gains and 10 constituencies where it has a chance of taking an extra seat. Donegal is a vulnerable seat for the party, while it is marginally at risk in six others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGJM7MRRQZATDNPPXMGZJCL2VU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WAUZP5AZTZEZNLIMA6NURN3WJ4"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-APUmX\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/APUmX/3/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"MSEQCLAQFZDZVPEISHFFY2KWUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116736},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQM3RKSRFRBOFKT3AP3VAR3V7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4TGA65YRXZFBPKRKCCZ5J456QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116738},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJP4ILBV5JECLFOYNAFLYTMMIY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"D53G3HRADZDMVPLDBBTBCUZHYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116740},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJSD4XV3XRCPRDCOSTJWCK34JM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116741},"type":"list"},{"_id":"25J5YYTWA5ERPGQ4Q4D2WFCEYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116749},"content":"Sinn Féin","type":"header"},{"_id":"XPBRHKWDENHRLNT42D4F3SCALQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116750},"content":"There are four strong possible gains for Sinn Féin and another seven where it could pick up seats if the party has a good day. On the other hand, the party is in trouble in three constituencies and, if national support is down, there are a further seven constituencies where seats might be at risk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJWQHYRXOBFXTDRSJ5LJWMTV3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"REP4ZSHJTVAWTESMOZ3CIL4MCI"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-619Fr\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/619Fr/3/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"5BBMXRILPNCPDABWJVUIDQ27Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116751},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIDF5MASUBA7ZPOQTQJFICN4MQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"GBDUMCFRL5BRBM3EXWTOYBRIDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116753},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SB4FL7RL7JANHPOERLVDVASEAU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"QZGALJIO4NG6RPQ5YMYFMTHPHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116755},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116756},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"With transfers unpredictable, gains and losses are expected to happen at the margins in fiercely-contested multi-seat constituencies"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T14:17:45.913Z","headlines":{"basic":"Key election 2024 battles: maps show where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin hope to gain - and may lose - seats ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU","auth":{"1":"4150d58fcaa7caa7dcd2509358a8a603dd60d6c8340669715956d7e10e68ceb4"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"O5CBH4DH3ZGCJGBBURSJIUVWUY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":138,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9c867585-dcb5-4a3a-8ed0-71cd024f86e5/versions/1732802901/media/a2474cd8dd286e56afbadcca41071b6d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/28/mother-who-fought-for-school-places-for-her-autistic-and-non-verbal-twins-named-family-carer-of-the-year-2024/","content_elements":[{"_id":"Q6O57YW5EJBNTHPWRCK2KI7JME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908043},"content":"A Co <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/laois\" target=\"_blank\">Laois</a> woman has been named the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3DA6W3IZJA7RO5AJ34N5RCXOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908044},"content":"Sarah Dooley, a mother of four from Mountmellick, took the overall award at a ceremony in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a> on Thursday to acknowledge Ireland’s 500,000 family carers, who provide 19 million hours of unpaid care every week. The awards, hosted by broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, are in their 17th year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWTM6EZ2P5EFRF7SH7CTPKCGWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908045},"content":"Ms Dooley’s youngest boys, twins John and Patrick (5), are autistic and non-verbal. Her son Cathal (7) has been undergoing treatment for leukaemia for the past three years, requiring constant hospital visits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJQZ77HZZRC2TGLLCNSFMT4URU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908046},"content":"She has fought to secure school placements for the twins and has put her career on hold to care full-time for her children. She and her partner Cathal were refused places in special school 38 times, 19 times each for the twins. “It was soul-destroying,” she said. The children now have a place in school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKFA44YCERBI5MKCS5CEPOWNRM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CBZNDDG36ZDVXIR3TDARSJ57ZI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MXV27243TBBBLDF3IJEVRB4TZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510333},"content":"She admitted she had never been in a five-star hotel before she arrived at the Westin Hotel in Dublin to pick up her award.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZWHF4E22RB6NNZJWGKSFB2WE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510334},"content":"She thanked her partner Cathal and her wider family for the support they have given to help her manage with the three children who have special needs. “There isn’t many supports available for the twins. Family support is a massive thing for us,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K53ANUQPDNAPDOS5Q7BGZZZSSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510335},"content":"In advance of the election, she said the next Government will “have to provide more services for children with additional needs, speech and language, occupational therapy – none of that is available”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAJX2NJO2FEGRKSBPGIKXZKCRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908048},"content":"Family Carers Ireland spokeswoman Catherine Cox praised Sarah’s exceptional dedication. “She will be an incredible ambassador for carers,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVVCRQYNK5FDPFSWSU4OARDS64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510337},"content":"The issue of carers came to the forefront of the general election campaign following Fine Gael leader Simon Harris’s confrontation with disability care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork last Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBKPI6DTNJCUNAY5LIN4CYJFLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510338},"content":"Ms Cox said the incident brought the issue of disability and care to the forefront of the election. “It highlighted how we should support our family carers. Nobody should do it on their own and they shouldn’t have to. I hope, when people are voting tomorrow, that they will vote for a party which believes in supporting family carers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25NOIGC2WREUPFWT32GCDNCPXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510339},"content":"“Family carers shouldn’t have to fight for basic supports like therapies and medical support, yet they do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEUKCFPZVFAMBC2NH7ROCNVTHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510340},"content":"“The next Government must take decisive action to address their urgent needs and fully recognise their vital role in society. Throughout this campaign, family carers have voiced their frustration with empty promises and inaction – this election must be the moment for real, lasting change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWFRDM2ITVAKJI6JZZA7XGQEJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908047},"content":"Five young carers from across the country, Shannon Egan (16) from Co Westmeath; Ellen Gannon (11) from Co Limerick; Sarah Conway (11) from Co Mayo; Lucy Connor (14) from Co Monaghan; and Senan Vaughan (12) from Co Dublin, were also honoured for their support for siblings and parents with additional needs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sarah Dooley from Co Laois takes overall award as five young carers also honoured at this year’s Netwatch Family Carer of the Year ceremony"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T14:03:10.24Z","headlines":{"basic":"Mother who fought for school places for autistic, non-verbal twins named Family Carer of the Year","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY","auth":{"1":"b7e9b374978ec5c5702a7d2c980ff88603ef3c8a9d49a9b8f3adfa1096811b74"},"focal_point":{"x":2757,"y":1232},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/28/mother-who-fought-for-school-places-for-her-autistic-and-non-verbal-twins-named-family-carer-of-the-year-2024/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}},{"_id":"LSJ7LIDA3VBBXBI3F4R2JTX4UA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":329,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/235d12c2-e856-4d36-b442-1ccef15f31a0/versions/1732801948/media/418dcb30f085088963f278cdcdb0a861_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UHFB6AL3DRDORDAGO4FR6NWGOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672107},"content":"Broadcasters backed the abolition of the long-standing ban on reporting any information which could influence an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election</a> from 2pm on the day before polling day until after voting had ended, media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RS5RXB4PZRHIJKE3BL5MFERCDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281349},"content":"The regulator said that, in response to a consultation process launched several months ago, there were seven submissions from broadcasters, all of which favoured abolition of the moratorium.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJUBLAZ455ES7E6FOW764G37AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672112},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte\" target=\"_blank\">RTÉ</a> said it was “entirely anomalous” that its online news service could report on a significant breaking story, and particularly one based on disinformation/misinformation in the moratorium period, but its television and radio division could not do so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KILKGZ23YRGBZLEMWOJPU5W2CU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672113},"content":"It told Coimisiún na Meán: “If a story based on misinformation or disinformation emerges in what would be the moratorium period, broadcasters should have editorial freedom to report on this and bring relevant facts into the public domain.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFEBARG5AZH2XBADOP6EGX75KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672114},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tg4\" target=\"_blank\">TG4</a> told the Commission: “Because reporting restrictions of the moratorium do not apply to other media, such as online and print media, there could be a potential imbalance in coverage of elections and referendums between broadcast and other media. In order to have better balance across all media, we believe it is necessary to abolish the moratorium entirely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZQDK3RI2ZBQPIKVM36OEH4BRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672115},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/virgin-media\" target=\"_blank\">Virgin Media</a> Television said the broadcast moratorium was “outdated and is no longer effective”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHJLABNVLBCYNAJWQHZJ6N4ADE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672116},"content":"“The moratorium does not allow broadcasters tackle the rise of disinformation/bad actors during the moratorium period. In fact, by silencing broadcasters, the moratorium completely undermines and hinders the trust and credibility in broadcast news. Abolishing the moratorium would permit television news to fulfil its primary public service function of delivering fair, balanced and impartial coverage of all election issues.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOXCI7JFCJDMXP7456CM62OHYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281350},"content":"The regulator said there were five responses from organisations performing a regulatory, political or advocacy role. It said among these, there were a mix of views in relation to the options put forward by the Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGRMYIXJVVHRHAKHTIPWDDC7OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281351},"content":"Among these submissions there was support for abolition of the moratorium; making it last for a longer or shorter period; changing the rules so the moratorium would cover only more limited types of broadcast coverage or replacing it with a positive obligation on broadcasters, for example an obligation to exercise particular care with regard to material addressing election or referendum issues in the lead-up to a referendum or election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJUBLAZ455ES7E6FOW764G37AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672112},"content":"The Law Society said it supported the abolition of the moratorium and replacing it with guidance imposing positive obligations rather than negative obligations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKLDARIQBRHMPJ5VQB5GCTA66E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672118},"content":"The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media said its preference was “to afford a reflective period to the electorate in such a way that it is applied in a fair and balanced manner to all forms of media including social media”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HD3OE6LEZNBU5ELCK7OHIP6LMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672119},"content":"However, it said in the event that application of broadcast moratorium rules to online platforms was not possible in the short-term, and where the only options available were to retain or abolish the moratorium, the Joint Committee would favour abolition of the moratorium until such time that it could be enforced in a fair and balanced manner to all forms of media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NLJGUZ5DRBCNL3UDA7BMN4GEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672120},"content":"Staff in the FM104 and Q102 newsroom in Dublin, part of the Wireless Ireland Group said: “The news cycle is more ‘24/7′ than ever before and our work is made further challenging during voting cycles, especially when untraditional, online-only news outlets can publish stories during the broadcast moratorium that we cannot then make reference to. These stories can then often dominate the discourse on social media, and broadcasters are hamstrung from even mentioning the issue. We then get accused of ‘not covering’ the issue or ignoring it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q436NF7UNVCBFKXBIA6OERWUQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672121},"content":"The Labour Party said it backed ending the moratorium but said it was legitimate to have guidance requiring broadcasters, in the final hours, before polling day, to exercise special or particular care in considering whether to broadcast certain material.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XXI2HJJVZBUZEK5UDJFGJIM34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672122},"content":"“We support the view that it would be reasonable to require a broadcaster to prepare a policy to guide appropriate decision-making around political coverage near in time to a public vote.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKO26HXMUBGAZCJRCADVH3WTSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281352},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán said there were six responses from individuals to its consultation process, split between leaving the traditional moratorium in place and abolishing it entirely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TOUO3VXAJF7BLYZZLETIZ244U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281353},"content":"The Commission decided earlier this month to abolish the moratorium and replace it with a revised guidance to broadcasters to exercise additional care with regard to material addressing election or referendum issues during the “critical election period” in the lead-up to a referendum or election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YINMC4WU7FHMDD7PQB2Y45QFFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281354},"content":"“In arriving at this view, the Commission considers that maintaining the integrity of elections is a legitimate objective in protecting fundamental rights but that the broadcast moratorium can no longer be regarded as a necessary restriction on freedom of speech in a democratic society in light of the growth of online media,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3AQR5AWSFGSBKN6BOYJ2FV4HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281355},"content":"The broadcast moratorium had been in place since 1997.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"}]},"description":{"basic":"General election: Coimisiún na Meán said there were mixed views on future of broadcast moratorium"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T13:47:11.182Z","headlines":{"basic":"Broadcasters told media regulator they backed abolishing the pre-election moratorium","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU","auth":{"1":"6beefa8c5e7cd7373e802b7dd29bb368e4c45519e9864e028501ae3079cb240d"},"focal_point":{"x":1343,"y":1237},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"O6QQAPIP2ZAMJEQOWIT7XEBGNM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":339,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/aa28b205-e6af-4d4b-986a-8edda9cb96de/versions/1732798947/media/441cf661c0aa1214b0cf97c1f870a430_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-social-democrats-labour-green-party-people-before-profit-campaign-students-latest/","content_elements":[{"_id":"N3PUVEEXHFDYDHPGDZFP53JP5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945295},"content":"Members of the Southeast Technological University’s (SETU) kayaking club climbed out of the water at The Ferry Playground in Castleconnell, Limerick, as the rain poured down in the aftermath of Storm Bert last weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGDOVWXJ2NEPDF5CD46NGUGR3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945296},"content":"Based out of the university’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford\" target=\"_blank\">Waterford</a> campus, the students are practising ahead of the teams’ match at a Munster Polo League event at the University of Limerick. In the meantime, they’re busy making up their minds about who they are going to vote for in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">the election</a> on Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KL3SH736PZFGNFPIFAPDZXNR4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945297},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis\" target=\"_blank\">Housing</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mental-health/\" target=\"_blank\">mental health</a> services and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/public-transport\" target=\"_blank\">public transport</a> are the biggest issues on the minds of the students, all of whom feel the previous government did not deliver for young people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6C3VMNXYVRCKHNBTLJKLKJF63Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945298},"content":"Vice-captain of the club, Dean Horgan (20), is originally from Midleton in Cork, but was drawn to SETU by its Construction Management course. Now in second year, housing is the issue most to the fore. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"47OEHGUT7BDQVJDSJBOD4ZNYEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790512424},"content":"For the first few months of first year, Horgan found himself functionally homeless and was forced to sleep in his car just to attend lectures while he searched for a place to call home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EBY2X6YJFHKPCI2RJJXU4DGKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945300},"content":"“Thank God I had my car, I had to sleep in it for the first month,” he said, having come to Waterford after unknowingly making agreements with unregistered landlords. “When I came down here to get into my accommodation, there was nothing for me there.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5FROOVTDVHBFH7AB3JATBQXII","additional_properties":{"_id":"3VZB67FMQFA2DNIEYUFRXWA6SY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AG6UNZIDUNCO7DZLXIAR3O4GWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945301},"content":"Every day, he reported himself as homeless to the welfare team at SETU Students’ Union for his first month before he eventually found accommodation, now he is looking to the next government to ensure the next generation of students do not have to struggle the way he did.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRKNPAMJ3REUTMTNLEGVPRB2MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945302},"content":"“There needs to be more focus on student accommodation and protection of students in the housing market,” he said, pointing to classmates of his who are struggling so severely with the cost of living that they are skipping meals or turning to the college for help.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFSBCA7UNBDXLCMWWVLN72PRM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945303},"content":"Horgan doesn’t believe the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> coalition government has delivered for young people. “They always wait until the last second before an election to make changes. When there’s a change in government, they bring out a budget which benefits the masses really quickly but doesn’t actually fix the problem.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTDHZRAGPFDARKJHKZ2XW3MANI","additional_properties":{"_id":"OB4AK3Q2EVADPADE7QAH4H2V4Y"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZHAL7TCOUJH2DME7DMXTMIW77E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945304},"content":"Cian Johnson (28), an alumni member of the kayaking club, feels the issue of mental health has not been addressed by the government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2CTL232W5ARXCRJ6BE6ICMJQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945305},"content":"“My biggest issue, bar of course housing, would be mental health. I’ve suffered in the past with my mental health and have tried to go through the system and it’s just, ‘Here’s a date in 6 months!’ Mental health is a serious issue, and it needs to be worked on.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QEYOVNPTSZHERIRCXYASU442WE","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPMR66NHANCUBIEIIU7JELUH2Q"},"content":"‘It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that’: Teaching sector facing challenges","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ESTC5OIZ7FE6HJOHG6MXBAC47U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945306},"content":"“Even a month [waiting for services] could be the difference between life and death. The system isn’t good enough and hopefully, whoever gets in, will see the problem there and fix it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EP32UZPZSVAR3ODIHDV2OKCJLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945307},"content":"He feels the government has not delivered for young people. “I think they’ve made a lot of promises ‘We’ll do this, we’ll do that’ and it all just fell flat,” he says. “In my opinion, they have just been in power too long, we need new blood. I want <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> in, but I don’t want them in by themselves. I want them to go into coalition with anyone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7645RO6WCZEONORQ73G3J5IHMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945309},"content":"“It has been 100 years of different combinations of Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael and now it’s time to break that mould.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DLHBGFFRJBKRGNAM5D7KCGLPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945310},"content":"Despite his reservations with the current Government, Johnson also expresses a preference for Fine Gael leader Simon Harris to get into Government due to the TD having secured help for his brother, who has autism, in response to a letter from the family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUXTHUVQ7RCNDM6AYQ2OORWBCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945311},"content":"“I’d just rather people weren’t homeless, but maybe that’s too much to ask for,” lamented one of the club’s committee members Evan O’Dowd. Originally from Donaghmede in Dublin, the 24-year-old made the move to Waterford to pursue a degree in engineering and move out from his family home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QO3KNKUGEZCSRNKJHWRM667APU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945312},"content":"In the beginning, he was nervous of how he would find life in a different county and moving out for the first time, he said, but the biggest issue he faced in his degree was the costs of living and renting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4ZGX754W5CRFGMDTBKVFRMH5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945313},"content":"“All of my money goes on food, transport. and rent; financially it can be tough to be a student,” O’Dowd says, adding that he would favour political parties who would increase the supports for college students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7DEIRLWIRHQHGHLJ6RQ3GL53Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZQ4KDVCQBBAEVAVBCQP2AS326U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WHZ5KNRBIBF3TPFZSXBT25WPXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945314},"content":"Later in the day, at the team’s water polo event, amid the screeches of the polo referee’s whistle, students spoke about the need for better transport links in the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G4YPAT5XHBDINAOU7RGBZUSBBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945315},"content":"Second-year exercise science student Jess Dozio (19) from Mayo said she is one of the “lucky” students to get university-provided accommodation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7QXCFPWUNAWNJMGJ4CCZA6OR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"TABGZ6BZPZEQRCDAR6XPBFPAWM"},"content":"‘It’s not just a cancer battle – it’s a financial battle’: Next government urged to cut costs for cancer patients","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BI4YFLE4AZDUBAPI6QZTP6P3AU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945316},"content":"She feels the west of Ireland has been left behind by the government and says that the trainlines linking her to Waterford are challenging, “The journey from door-to-door takes me about five hours,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UTMYCBERMFC2FJATWPI7EKW35I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945317},"content":"“I get the train down [to Waterford] usually and I have to get two trains to go down and three on the way back – I have to change trains at Kildare and again at Portarlington. Out in the west we are kind of forgotten about for trains and transport.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNM5HFJDDZEC5LTUHXUYAKB5YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945318},"content":"She hasn’t made up her mind on who she will vote for yet but said that she “would definitely” vote for a party that would improve rail services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Hugh Dooley"}]},"description":{"basic":"General Election: Students feel previous government did not deliver for young people"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T12:57:16.316Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Thank God I had my car, I had to sleep in it for the first month’: Housing and transport on minds of students","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE","auth":{"1":"8d54d1b77bd913ac0c4349f8b5d6d5e1f49736f94a19ba4c9fb9d0891b2e4a50"},"focal_point":{"x":717,"y":377},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-social-democrats-labour-green-party-people-before-profit-campaign-students-latest/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ABYOIAYZQBHXLFXMMH643NMZCM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":338,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f9243c97-7965-4078-ae5a-02d38bf38af7/versions/1732796031/media/c047e195e23e8f54bbbd21f0d69df77f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/its-an-emergency-we-need-to-treat-it-like-that-teaching-sector-facing-challenges/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OTZJOL2R3JCGVHOQC4N5Y2JMTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408219},"content":"“It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VEILIXOYRVBQDP3ELCF5OCMJXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408220},"content":"This is the view of Maynooth-based secondary schoolteacher Aidan Corkery (37) regarding the flight of newly qualified teachers to sunnier climes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4L3I3VNUCNAMVE7KGZMWTZ73QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408221},"content":"“I have four PME (Professional Master of Education) students doing geography, I think the public and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">Government do not realise</a> the mindset of young teachers. On Instagram you’ve all these people selling life abroad and I don’t blame them for biting at it,” says Corkery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RD3MG7ZLZJHSTNJTQJ4BVIFE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408222},"content":"This is just one of the challenges outlined by a group of teachers in Maynooth Community College (MCC), when they sat down with The Irish Times recently in the school principal’s spacious office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYRC4UQNTRCARPH6CRTEPGF3QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408223},"content":"MCC, located on the Maynooth Education Campus, was opened in September under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. It is a coeducational multi-denominational school, with just over 870 students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3NT4UAS45DSLL3IZMTCAUWWXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408224},"content":"To the rear of MCC there is another secondary, Maynooth Post Primary School, which actor Paul Mescal attended. Both schools, renowned for the quality of their musicals, were officially opened by Minister for Education Norma Foley in November 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ZFD5BQLFJHVVAVOSH4CUONLGA","additional_properties":{"_id":"NFZYJOD2EZCJXMW2OEHWAJWE24"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DDYFERRM5JBYJBY3UMWYJTJU4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408226},"content":"Niamh Whyte (39), who is an English and SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) teacher, explains the challenges she faced on returning to Ireland after teaching for 14 years in Australia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MT3NCHI2RZBYHEZ2Y6U5P5N64M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408227},"content":"“Firstly it took seven months to register with the Teaching Council, then I was informed that for my service in Australia to be recognised, it has to be in a state school. After I kicked and screamed I got seven years recognised, but I’m still not getting paid for all the years I have worked,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZ7IGU6D2JAZPNV3GRRIFBP7HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408228},"content":"Sitting beside her is Mikaela Mahon (37) who is also an English and SPHE teacher and for whom housing is a big issue. “I grew up in Maynooth but I can’t buy a house in Maynooth,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6I63IDF25ADHMWQ2C6HHQBHQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408229},"content":"The public perception of teachers is another standout issue for her. “When it suits political agendas, if something is going wrong, ‘what are teachers doing? It’s the teachers’ fault’. If you’re not in the profession you’re not aware of the preparation there is for class, it feels like you can’t win,” says Mahon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OPTJAMYQZAPRAC24UF7ZZKVUY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VQR3DXD3FNH6TATHNG2FA6ECLI"},"content":"‘I’m hearing there will be so many Independents and I’m worried’: Hairdresser clients undecided","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HDJLULM3QREXNAQ3AHRNSUCK5M","additional_properties":{"_id":"GAH437Q2NZFCLAHD67WNBGIFTE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FJBATPFQTFEJVKXKB72FLRBOFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408230},"content":"The economic crash in 2008 and the effects of the subsequent austerity measures are still being felt by many young teachers, including Elaine Campbell (37) who is a History and English teacher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55ZLO3ZETRC3DIXG6AI3GVBCSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408231},"content":"She says that during the austerity years she and thousands of other young teachers had no choice but to leave Ireland to secure work or undertake the PGDE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education). “This is categorised as a break in service, so I was financially penalised by Fine Gael and Labour because they didn’t give us employment opportunities back then,” says Campbell, who wants the 26 week break in service clause rescinded or amended.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RFUWCZ6V3ZFW7EE3HCXESYJGZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408232},"content":"As a result of her break in service, Campbell was put into the 2013 Single Public Service Pension Scheme. “My pension requires higher contributions and is based on average career earnings resulting in a smaller pension. This means I am roughly €277,900 worse off in retirement than the 2009 scheme which I paid into,” she says. Campbell is looking for partial restoration of pension parity to balance the older pension schemes with the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CX726YM4MFFO7MK7NEVGHS7NNU","additional_properties":{"_id":"7YMEM4XR2FFTJDYFJR6KTXFGD4"},"content":"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/its-100-tough-at-the-moment-how-will-tourism-businesses-vote-as-sector-struggles/","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VW7TELL3UJGHDAZNOBSEDNOTLM","additional_properties":{"_id":"DEBFSBMA35GHLGU26ZFQRXBHQU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VRR6GJXG4FF5HNOREOFKZITFHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408233},"content":"Another issue for her is the lack of a voluntary redeployment scheme for Kildare. This is despite it being available for 11 years under a regionalised ‘pilot’ scheme in Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Monaghan, and to teachers outside of Dublin who wish to be redeployed to a school in Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIKID4KO2NBGNGP52G35JFCWZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790825820},"content":"“I would love to move home to Cavan, but I’d have to give up my permanent job, which would have consequences for mortgage applications, and I would lose €5,000 from my salary if I gave up my post of responsibility,” says Campbell.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XK7WHBKYTBAPLBCPMCBZ6STNGE","additional_properties":{"_id":"7Z73MGNQDVGO5D6DN6LCPNN54Q"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NK3K4KPUEZBR5P4WK4AM6RYFSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408234},"content":"Sean McSharry (43), from Leitrim but living in Edenderry, teaches History and also works with students with special needs. He feels that the PME should be reduced from two years to its previous duration of one year. “All the unions want it to go back to one year, there’s no reason for it to be two years,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DT62UE23NVEHRNESPFQCR3I4DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408235},"content":"“It’s a money racket,” interjects Corkery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICLMVOCCOVD47GIQBB4UL6YXGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408236},"content":"McSharry continues: “Going to college costs a fortune, I was lucky, I had savings. You can’t afford to rent in Dublin while going to college and working, it costs €50,000 going to college for two years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z3VRKVBIPVFCHFEY7ASVZVUXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FDGJO6OY3BE7FKRES7PDKBDAYI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7RJUZ3A7BVEMDDG7EVYUGMFKCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408237},"content":"Further bones of contention are the lack of availability and affordability of special education needs assessments, the reform of the Leaving Certificate and the lack of IT resources.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWQYNETB5JGLJMJ6C6DAYQ6UCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408238},"content":"While there are many issues facing these teachers and their colleagues, the wellbeing of their students remains their paramount consideration. “The majority of teachers have student welfare at heart,” says McSharry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Farrell"}]},"description":{"basic":"Teachers in Maynooth outline the difficulties in their sector ahead of general election"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T12:07:48.02Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that’: Teaching sector facing challenges ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24","auth":{"1":"b588f38ca00de000b59d491a32a81551a22812d424af8a981342f5e3cc692173"},"focal_point":{"x":4150,"y":1470},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24.JPG"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/its-an-emergency-we-need-to-treat-it-like-that-teaching-sector-facing-challenges/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ANQCX7WFFZGZNJJJZNNONUMQ6E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":186,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8fa61464-18b5-4f16-912b-c6f00734aa34/versions/1730981711/media/54de3a71f49f01ed6607c271e14fc34c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7PADGEEREJHURF3J3B2HKKPV34","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250326},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX7YHEUAR5HSHGDSCLKRUS5JIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932986},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4TK5PI4FRGCPIEZPQL4ZSUNNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250327},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-butler/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Butler</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/david-cullinane\" target=\"_blank\">David Cullinane</a> (SF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marc-o-cathasaigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Marc Ó Cathasaigh</a> (GP), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/matt-shanahan/\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Shanahan</a> (Ind)","type":"text"},{"_id":"2QH2DO2PCRAUZIQ7CDHKS4M5YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250328},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford-constituency\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Waterford</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPGHJWEJ4NGF3OJ5HDQUEMIBXQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"OUSMYTBMLFCTDBOHXE24T2NVJU","additional_properties":{"_id":"FHB5X3IWLVHYFDHSH3JICXSUPU"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"FLAHM3D5R5EXBD6NY4QEQCCQ5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250330},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> will be gunning to retake a seat in the constituency where a Deasy was a representative from 1977 to 2020, and off the back of local elections where it claimed the most seats of any party. It looks likely to do so through John Cummins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GOL5AJT75DGPORZUVRBUZ4TUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932991},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> has a chance of a second seat here that would have been nailed on a year ago. The constituency is home to one of its highest vote-getters in Cullinane, and it has a good geographic split along east/west lines, with Conor McGuinness having almost a clear run at west Waterford votes. Sinn Féin bucked the national trend in the local elections here, polling at 21 per cent – 10 points higher than its national figure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHCNV75DVJF5NBYLNHFEP46RZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932992},"content":"But McGuinness will have to find transfers from somewhere, even if he gets a good first-preference vote. Butler should improve on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>’s middling performance in the locals, where it polled below the national figure, and if she does, she will likely be safe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KS7SORFDL5HXVPFZHECBUDDOQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730820618325},"content":"The massive Cullinane surplus that elected Marc Ó Cathasaigh won’t be repeated. The Green is as strong a candidate in a non-Dublin constituency as the party has, but this is just one of several factors working against him, alongside the party’s lower polling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4ACPAY7XJBETBIBKIDSJI65HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730820618326},"content":"Watch the centre-left transfers as those candidates are eliminated, as the beneficiary there will most likely be ensconced in the third seat – and at the moment, it looks like a dogfight between Sinn Féin’s McGuinness and Independent Matt Shanahan for the last seat, with Shanahan positioned to shade it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYEIFN7E7RCFDNVE3TFIOB3INA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250331},"content":"Left unchanged by the constituency review, Waterford is a traditional mix of rural areas and big towns, with around half the vote coming from Waterford city. The big local issue is no longer the second cath lab for Waterford hospital, replaced by the campaign for a runway extension at Waterford Airport. Mary Butler will not have thanked party colleague James Lawless for his recent “pig in a poke” contribution on this topic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJVXGCXVF5ARZG4EUYBP4DAI7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250333},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Sinn Féin (1), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Sinn Féin has chance at second seat in home of one of its highest vote-getters David Cullinane"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:34:10.705Z","headlines":{"basic":"Waterford constituency candidates list: Fine Gael will be gunning to retake a seat here ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM","auth":{"1":"6b0acf81c4ddb8853cbba66b318136b0965a19c21eeb5def26f57e5da0b4ddf2"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"TI2ZQK6JCFC4ZBA44CS6FPVBUA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":184,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/c9033799-d619-461b-8fb0-28f66546269d/versions/1730981972/media/1db6a32d75b2b962ac949e7a12769de5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-south-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZCM26U7M5NCPXPI7GC6QTTNWGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542884},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7BEAHFMKVFWDF5A7X46TRJ3HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741237},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VSDR5HZNKNAPRKRTXJWLQWWIKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542885},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs</b>: New constituency. Outgoing TDs for five-seat Tipperary constituency are <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-lowry/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Lowry</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alan-kelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Alan Kelly</a> (Lab), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jackie-cahill/\" target=\"_blank\">Jackie Cahill</a> (FF – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mattie-mcgrath/3/\" target=\"_blank\">Mattie McGrath</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-browne/\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Browne</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"LH2JQUS2NJCE3F7ND4MTP5E6GA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741239},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary-south/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Tipperary South</b></a><b> constituency?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I47NR3YQRZAIPNF4LLAR4KU7YA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"2NE3F4QAZJHNFLRJTK25ZZVRBM","additional_properties":{"_id":"SZLT627IFNH6NOETYRQZP6UKG4"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"PGZHVPTZ35C4ZAR5MLWO3PV7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542887},"content":"If North Tipp has a dominant independent in Michael Lowry, South Tipp has its own in Mattie McGrath, the former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fáil</a> TD who has been an independent – re-elected every time – since the financial crash a decade and a half ago. He is favourite to return here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMTNARQ5RNF5JGXT7F2XVAPO6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741242},"content":"After that it’s a lot more uncertain. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> messed up its strategy here for the last two elections but this time has settled on Micheal Murphy, long-time councillor and current mayor of Clonmel, the constituency’s largest population centre. It would be a surprise if Murphy didn’t take a seat. If he does – and assuming McGrath is re-elected – the final seat is likely to come down to a battle between the Fianna Fáil candidate Imelda Goldsboro and the sitting <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> TD Martin Browne.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UERYCJBCQBFIDHUMEWZQQ42FUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542888},"content":"Even Browne’s biggest supporters would say that his election last time was a surprise – after a disastrous local election results and internal party divisions, Browne stepped into the breach at a late stage, only to be the beneficiary of the great Mary Lou surge of 2020. Repeating that trick will be difficult.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YWRYIIMA5EVVA527R3INTJCV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542889},"content":"But just like Lowry hoovered up traditional Fine Gael votes in Tipp North, McGrath gets lots of previously Fianna Fáil votes in the South. Goldsboro topped the poll in the Carrick-on-Suir area in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/08/local-elections-2024-tipperary-county-council-results/\" target=\"_blank\">the local elections</a> but to get ahead of Browne she will need to pull votes out of Clonmel too, where former independent TD Seamus Healy is also running again. Healy used to take much of the old <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Party</a> vote in the town, but Labour is in better shape in the constituency than it was before with Killenaule councillor Michael “Chicken” Brennan running for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIGOYYDI75B63C5VPU64OMVUVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741245},"content":"Ultimately the last seat is likely to be a shoot-out between these four, with Goldsboro and Browne in the strongest positions to challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZ6ITX4UTRF5DKI54T3KX2R3KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542890},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Independent (1), Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Fianna Fáiler-turned-independent Mattie McGrath is favourite to return"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:50.772Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tipperary South constituency candidates list: Final seat likely to be battle between Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU","auth":{"1":"f08466ac8ac05155d27285cd16c088e383fce774390b3e138cd4c5bba7947dab"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-south-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"WZ4DKZVLX5FCXFYZRIRW2OLQUM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":177,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9ceff83f-97b3-4c58-b378-8f5e934559f8/versions/1730982326/media/c0ccc9b21116b333b47f9ae4c870185d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-north-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AXOTFCEGIBGZFPYFG5YTNGP3WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316582},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFAQZHVZYBC3RIDQS2Z5V7L2NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739350722},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYTPI3HAOBBWROIPSNPW75JBIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316583},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b>New constituency. Outgoing TDs for five-seat Tipperary constituency are <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-lowry/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Lowry</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alan-kelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Alan Kelly</a> (Lab), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jackie-cahill/\" target=\"_blank\">Jackie Cahill</a> (FF – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mattie-mcgrath/\" target=\"_blank\">Mattie McGrath</a> (Ind) and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-browne/\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Browne</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QMYJND2F5DNNNTCEXCVIIH2L4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739350724},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary-north-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Tipperary North constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTA5N35HWZC53HSIYSPLDFSK7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"QEJNWRQI6RGNZG5PMQNDJWPLQY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ARR56BZOLNBJVATGVLYVJQM4LQ"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"SHPCGUVBNBH5TH2OMDCTFDWBKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316584},"content":"The county of Tipperary has been split once again into two three-seaters, after several years as a single five-seat constituency. The move provides an extra seat for the county but squeezes candidates in each of the new constituencies, who now must win a much bigger percentage of the votes (a quota is 25 per cent in a three seater, just 16.6 per cent in a five seater) to get elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUTNSYTEB5HP5MPOQ4HR7EAT74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316585},"content":"In North Tipp, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> was rocked by the sudden recent announcement by sitting TD Jackie Cahill that he would not stand again. But it has – albeit at the far end of the constituency from Cahill’s base – a willing replacement in the shape of Roscrea councillor Michael Smith, a son of the long-time FF TD and minister of the same name. Cahill’s parliamentary assistant, Cllr Ryan O’Meara, was also selected to stand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6IXHEWIHRCOTEAKY6QQAZG2JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316586},"content":"Elsewhere, Michael Lowry will hold his seat – probably topping the poll for the seventh election in a row, an incredible achievement in anyone’s books. The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Party</a>’s Alan Kelly – deposed as leader by his own party before he ever fought a general election – has surprised many by sticking with Irish politics and running for the Dáil again. Local elections results suggest that Labour is in reasonably good health here and Kelly is a big beast; he is in a strong position to retain his seat. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> is absent as a serious player in this constituency, a legacy of past internal difficulties. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a>’s Phyll Bugler faces a tough task to take either the Fianna Fáil seat or to unseat Kelly. Lowry has eaten much of the Fine Gael vote here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFPBPSEDCFHO7I4QIDDQTUMLGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316587},"content":"<b>Possible outcome</b>: Independent (1), Labour (1), Fianna Fáil (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Local elections results suggest Labour is in reasonably good health here and Alan Kelly is a big beast"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:35.857Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tipperary North constituency candidates list: Michael Lowry will probably top the poll for the seventh election in a row","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I","auth":{"1":"c2f5dd02a069f1925109d2784cbee4e41c38ecac1ca713ece03fbdc2d8e85f16"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-north-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"W6C6AR6BZFHFFOCULPCSYURPB4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":195,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/73c93afd-1d2a-4e4d-9495-ba37545f5d82/versions/1730981601/media/3293add11f67b261f26032bc07119b32_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-sligo-leitrim-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IF7HDPABMJDBHBHU5SM5YKVOMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985182},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2SORIKMDVNB2VFP47F4JW74CYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587125},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NUOMO3HCFGR5JJEA2SU2GWEEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985183},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs:</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marian-harkin\" target=\"_blank\">Marian Harkin</a> (Ind); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-kenny\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Kenny</a> (SF); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marc-macsharry\" target=\"_blank\">Marc MacSharry</a> (Ind – retiring); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/frank-feighan\" target=\"_blank\">Frank Feighan</a> (FG)","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAQHS74ZPBCJXEJ2MW6I2JA37M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985184},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sligo-leitrim-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Sligo-Leitrim constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UZ3NGME5RAE5NQ5FZMMZQXRZI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"UPGBQL2WDVH6ZIEUKP32OK24DU","additional_properties":{"_id":"OK7LVCR5NREJTIIIC2XOMOOES4"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"ZJ63ODL4XFGDDBWFMB7VIK5FKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985185},"content":"Another constituency that is largely unchanged despite the radical surgery done elsewhere. The retirement of former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> TD (now independent) Marc MacSharry provides the only possibility for significant change. The three incumbents – Marian Harkin, Leitrim-based Martin Kenny and Frank Feighan – are all very solid and, barring some surprise, should be in a strong position to retain their seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWWT7KYRYFEYBAJ37SOUWSNLUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587130},"content":"Harkin surprised some people by announcing she would stand again as, during 2023, the expectation was that this popular Independent (formerly an MEP too) would be standing down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7SADLQQFVGFFC3OT3HXJMEB5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587131},"content":"Former MEP <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/chris-macmanus/\" target=\"_blank\">Chris McManus</a> from Sligo town won through at convention to become <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-f%C3%A9in\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s second candidate, but it’s hard to see a second seat for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5TQA37CUUBG4TNPWCDGHAG4IQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730902971455},"content":"Fianna Fáil is expected to retain a seat despite the exit of Marc MacSharry. Its new candidate, Cllr Edel MacSharry, is a cousin of Marc. She and former TD Eamon Scanlon, from Ballymote, comprise the ticket and between them will have more than enough votes to win a seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BA3YW3NUMZG55DCVMED2LYTMBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730822155381},"content":"It’s a good weathervane here of how impactful Independent Ireland will be in these elections. Cllr Michael Clarke is expected to poll respectfully but the presence of Harkin in the race will hamper his chances of election. Another interesting candidate is Independent Marie Casserly from Grange. A councillor since 2014, she is a former mayor but, again, will find it a challenge, given that Harkin is running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKCTGOKQGVDXPOZ3L5GUFFCJ2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985186},"content":"This is another constituency with minimal changes, despite radical surgery elsewhere. Not quite big enough to be a four seater between two counties, the constituency still contains a sliver of south Donegal around Ballyshannon, much to the unhappiness of Donegal people (it is another province after all).","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUUI2RZI2BE2NMFHPAYEEGI46A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730822155383},"content":"Sligo town has been developing in recent years, as a hub for tourism and industry. The technological university has grown in size and the hospital has also expanded. There are issues with transport, health and housing and the constituency’s reliance on tourism is always a big factor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L3I2ZDEYCRE7DNXHFOZ7BYZZWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730894130747},"content":"Prediction: Fianna Fáil (1), Sinn Féin (1), Fine Gael (1), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Edel MacSharry, cousin of Marc, should take a seat in this largely unchanged constituency"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:21.004Z","headlines":{"basic":"Sligo-Leitrim constituency candidates list: A good weathervane of how impactful Independent Ireland will be in 2024 election","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"US2R7VWL4JF6ZHOE6DY2DKIGBU","auth":{"1":"217ac9cabda5062222fb8122db70c8bef6afae8171050addc0cdf3451e0fc74e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/US2R7VWL4JF6ZHOE6DY2DKIGBU.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-sligo-leitrim-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}}],"count":588,"_id":"b745a81964126aeb89fb9e0c8c86e1b355ae177c3687445081e9a6f49f7b50c1"},"expires":1732952267006,"lastModified":1732951966437},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":40,\"tagSlug\":\"\\\"general-election\\\", -\\\"constituency-results\\\"\",\"themes\":\"\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"SXO27AF5VRA6JKSXYDQ7466ETA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":269,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/03e9f2c7-a6f1-4ae5-9197-c5788071680d/versions/1732906717/media/c48da5cd48a20934e0b44efda972e34c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/over-50-documented-incidents-of-violence-abuse-and-harassment-during-election-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7TCI2GIYQ5BAHM75YVH6K7X5TM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802277},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> campaign saw dozens of incidents of politically motivated violence, harassment and abuse, anti-extremism researchers found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGNHTA3SZNGZFMAYGEBYMLCM64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802278},"content":"Incidents included assaults on candidates, racist and misogynistic abuse, and vandalism of posters and constituency offices. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-garda-siochana\" target=\"_blank\">Gardaí</a> are investigating multiple incidents and at least one suspect has been charged.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3U4TM5RQ5BMXEKRIUOFUSWAX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802279},"content":"The incidents were documented as part of a joint investigation by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and the Hope and Courage Collective. In total they recorded 55 incidents in the five-week period leading up to Friday’s vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2W33IWGTNB47BTK6N7LWRKZKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802280},"content":"This compares with 36 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/08/election-campaign-marked-by-unprecedented-levels-of-vitriol-and-abuse/\" target=\"_blank\">incidents documented during the campaign for the local and European elections</a> in May and June which had about three times as many candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBR5BYULNBBTRF7V54ZTQ3NE6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802281},"content":"The research is based on social and news media reports. Researchers warned there may be other incidents which have been missed. The research did not record “general criticism or condemnation expressed against candidates or campaigns online”, the groups said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCL7ERJX2ZC5VFBPIZY326WTLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802282},"content":"Compared with the local and European election campaign, incidents during the general election campaign were more concentrated online. Ninety per cent of incidents featured social media in some way, “illustrating the central role that online platforms occupy in the hate, harassment and targeting of candidates”, the researchers’ report stated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VEXIK24ABH57GIASDO3QTTAR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802283},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJYZO6Z4BRGE7LJNLAK7AZ2HUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802284},"content":"While most abuse was confined to the internet, there were several serious incidents involving alleged real world violence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIDQN7JH2JANZFWQDUE656U7GA","additional_properties":{"_id":"UQD6W2YBRVDXZMYHOYIGUEQ4BI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CCX3NTBSIJGZ7FKJ4P74XWPQKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802285},"content":"This includes an assault on Green Party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-ogorman\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> while he was canvassing. A man has since pleaded guilty to assault. Another man was arrested after coffee was thrown over Labour MEP <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aodhan-o-riordain\" target=\"_blank\">Aodhán Ó Ríordáin</a> while he was campaigning in Clontarf, Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWQWL24C5NA6FGA7EWO4K6FBVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802286},"content":"Most recently, gardaí launched an investigation into allegations that far-right independent candidate Philip Dwyer attacked the father of a rival candidate in Bray, Co Wicklow before brandishing an extendable baton. Mr Dwyer has claimed he was the one who was attacked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETPNUYX2AFDA7CLTV7HXJHIR24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802287},"content":"Researchers also documented reports that a person allegedly threatened Social Democrat canvassers with a brick in Co Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M2KGN2C4YJF2NNMN7NWQEAMPXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802288},"content":"There were 13 incidents of intimidation or verbal abuse directed against candidates or their canvassers, some of which were then shared online where there was further abuse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDR5N5TXDRFXLD67FE3DMDIGUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802289},"content":"In one incident a man filmed himself following <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/pearse-doherty\" target=\"_blank\">Pearse Doherty</a> around Lifford, Co Donegal before “directing extreme slurs” against the Sinn Féin TD.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IDJ7L5E4QZB23H2BZMA76WIYMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802290},"content":"Fine Gael Senator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/john-mcgahon\" target=\"_blank\">John McGahon</a>, whose candidacy was embroiled in controversy relating to his assault of another man in 2018, was “verbally abused with various obscene terms” as he sat in his car in Co Louth while People Before Profit TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paul-murphy\" target=\"_blank\">Paul Murphy</a> was berated by a passerby in Dublin over the gender of his infant child.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GASRTVO7M5GJBPKQVJURAQ52SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802291},"content":"Posters belonging to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Paul Fitzsimons of the Irish Freedom Party were set alight in Dublin, and the constituency offices of Ms McDonald and Fianna Fáil TD Mary Butler were defaced with graffiti during the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUVQDKJYQNF5VLMZXWFAMZPCLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802292},"content":"Monica Peres Oikeh, a Green Party candidate in Co Cork, was targeted by “racist trolls” online and independent candidate Umar Al-Qadri was subject to anti-Muslim abuse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAJQSPLG6ZCDBJ2H3P25QRPTUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802293},"content":"Researchers also documented a trend of political candidates targeting their rivals with abuse, including calling them “traitors”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KRA6Y3SMTVDNBENF6HBJYULUOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802294},"content":"Twenty candidates running in the election directed the term “traitor” against Government politicians, members of the Opposition and President Michael D Higgins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QFW5U7XPWNEAHJJ4VNUMAKGOC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802295},"content":"In one post on X, a Dublin far-right candidate posted a photo of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, calling him “the most dangerous traitor politician of all” and claiming Mr Martin wished to create a “Gestapo”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WD6NRYM6MZGFXNWGBB6WKUDZVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732897802296},"content":"Use of the term traitor is common among far-right activists internationally to frame politicians “as enemies of the nation”, the researchers noted.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Gallagher"}},"name":"Conor Gallagher"}]},"description":{"basic":"Gardaí are investigating multiple incidents and at least one suspect has been charged"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Over 50 documented incidents of violence, abuse and harassment during election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5PM6MRSUQFD2NPRNWHS3U7ICXQ","auth":{"1":"ecc320b174b5084e3959a1bffc331b2f5dc129d00714bf81b2bafc2a14953301"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5PM6MRSUQFD2NPRNWHS3U7ICXQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Crime & Law"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/over-50-documented-incidents-of-violence-abuse-and-harassment-during-election-campaign/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"5S7OQS44CBAZ3LOZCXXJL25A4I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":412,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/fa305ff4-25ef-4639-91b0-970d12e7ca69/versions/1732882881/media/b409a89c768d13f4d2eb5a49749a0d32_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/how-to-watch-the-election-count-the-key-races-to-follow-this-weekend/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NY5FL5HT5BAEJMWBR3LBGDXQMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922213},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6YFDTJN2JC7NARO5JTPFGL5UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922214},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SP5S43VBOJFHJAVURZ7P6BALMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922215},"content":"With all votes now cast, and ballot boxes spilling open across the country from 9am, here’s what to watch for in the days ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUA7K2HSNRDV7MLWWHS2PBJCAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922216},"content":"Saturday morning","type":"header"},{"_id":"PVSRNP62I5EGTJBRLI6E3KAB7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922217},"content":"The only early data we have on how the vote went is The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4 exit poll and there’s more in Saturday’s paper and online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQCQFDG725EJDIOB7NHUBKKGEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922218},"content":"The first hard count data will come from tallies run in the count centres by the political parties – often an operation that is pooled in the larger count centres. This is a visual tally of the first preference votes as they are sorted by staff, and can be very accurate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZPV5XCYC5CDVML5JRHHLFVOM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297693},"content":"However, these efforts can fall flat, or simply disintegrate as parties lose interest either because their candidate is likely to win out, or not feature. This data is not routinely published, but it finds its way to journalists and will end up being published online or on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONZHM5VRYFALVIJWBB7ZJQQVW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922219},"content":"Kevin Humphreys, the former Labour TD, famously has a clutch of three boxes mixing gentrifying areas, areas popular with renters and affluent areas, giving him near-mythical forecasting power in his south Dublin area. He warns against extrapolating too much from these boxes in a general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PU4CB3TNNJHCBAZE5CMYHI2WHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922220},"content":"Later Saturday","type":"header"},{"_id":"QSSCVBAOSNG4FA2VAJL3FAY5EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922221},"content":"The first counts of three-seat constituencies with shorter ballot papers will come in, and it’s from here that people will start to be elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73REPKLPTVAL5P57IMRL2LFWWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297697},"content":"Things could tie up fast in the likes of Limerick County, where sitting TDs Patrick O’Donovan (Fine Gael), Niall Collins (Fianna Fáil) and Richard O’Donoghue (Independent Ireland) are expected to be re-elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O36MZXLKJ5EBXCOTYOT3RSNN3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297698},"content":"But they won’t all be straightforward – in Meath West, for example, there is only one strongly favoured seat, that of Peadar Tóibín of Aontú – Johnny Guirke (Sinn Féin) is favoured, but watch out for a battle royale between Aisling Dempsey (FF) and Linda Nelson Murray (FG). Independent Noel French and Ronan Moore of the Social Democrats may come into the reckoning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y6FHIYBC2NBGFOBF32VRCJQHLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297699},"content":"Cork South West will be fascinating, where party leaders Holly Cairns (Soc Dems) and Michael Collins (Ind) are bidding to hold seats alongside Christopher O’Sullivan (FF), with Fine Gael gunning for a seat here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QW4M27VOBARBHGPXFZENPJRS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297700},"content":"The new Wicklow-Wexford constituency, with just 10 candidates on the ballot, may be a very quick count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGMQBHYO5FAXDAX24PUFIBNJOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922222},"content":"Poll toppers with healthy surpluses can have a big impact on the race to fill seats behind them, but legendary surplus hogs such as Michael Ring have gone (Fine Gael is now running four candidates in Mayo), while even Fianna Fáil’s Willie O’Dea in Limerick City has a running mate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3JDONUUZ5BXLBJKXVBNMOLNXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297702},"content":"The Sinn Féin wave in 2020, with few second candidates in place to catch it, elected a lot of left-of-centre TDs, but that won’t be repeated, so that’s perhaps less of a factor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ5FL2F2VFBR5LWTMAKOCBWBPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297703},"content":"Nonetheless, keep an eye out for places where a surplus might come into contention; Wicklow, for example, where the direction of Simon Harris’s surplus will come into the reckoning as the day goes on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIETL457CZDWTLMVSSH4KZUUCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922223},"content":"Saturday night and into Sunday","type":"header"},{"_id":"FDFGL2UPCZC5TGAO5H3WUODBEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922224},"content":"It’s not one election, but 43 small elections. So, watch for local factors and internal battles among and within parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUJO7NNUDBFEBCQOP4VD2H3IXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297706},"content":"Fianna Fáil want to add to Cathal Crowe’s seat in Clare, where there is no love lost with party stablemate Timmy Dooley.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSWL7H4LGZDMNLNIQKBLDS5LZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297707},"content":"In Wexford, there is acrimony between Fine Gael’s two geographically bunched candidates vying to keep Paul Kehoe’s seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGINOSTVANBBBMCRG2O6BZDZKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297708},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are facing off in tight races everywhere; keep an eye on Dublin South Central and Dublin North West for who comes out on top, or if both are squeezed out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DPDXC55DORHTDEABYIEPRQOJWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297709},"content":"Gene pool Independents will be a headache for parties; Sinn Féin are up against it to keep seats in Laois and Kildare North, where the party’s former TDs Brian Stanley and Patricia Ryan are on the ballot, while former Fine Gaeler Gillian Toole, now an Independent, is battling for a seat against Fine Gael’s Sharon Tolan and others in Meath East.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LEKHMRUUGRAHJJYRZJ2NQOU6EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922225},"content":"Most party leaders should be safe – but not all. As mentioned, Cairns is not a safe seat in Cork South West. As the day wears on into the night and the early hours of Sunday, watch Roderic O’Gorman’s fortunes in the five-seat Dublin West. The Green Party leader will probably hold on – but if he, or his colleague Ossian Smyth in Dún Laoghaire, are in a battle, it presages a really tough day for the Greens.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U344NNWFW5E2XEYSH3Y6VJZKP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922226},"content":"The “Harris Hop” was supposed to cancel out Fine Gael’s swathe of retirements at this election, and they should hold in places, such as Leo Varadkar’s old seat in Dublin West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCA2FOXJJNF43KHROEZDDDSFUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297712},"content":"But watch Louth, where the party’s troubles with John McGahon are well publicised. Keep an eye on Cork North West, where Harris’s disastrous campaign trail encounter with care worker Charlotte in a Kanturk supermarket went down. It is likely to be a ding-dong between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for two of three seats. Watch Kerry too: this is where all Fine Gael’s chips in the constituency are on Billy O’Shea.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6UCXQMZO5CGFP7DDOMSLQ3NEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922227},"content":"Another one to watch is Sinn Féin’s 2020 poll toppers who have not built a national profile. Expect the vote to be down for Johnny Mythen (Wexford), Réada Cronin (Kildare North) and Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North), but will they be in a scrap, or will the late Sinn Féin rally secure their seats? Ditto for constituencies where Sinn Féin holds two seats: Donegal, Cavan-Monaghan, Louth and Dublin Mid West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZSYYTJB6LZBPPD7TY3D7PFF4HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922228},"content":"Sunday evening and into following days","type":"header"},{"_id":"LBMCOJTJVZAUTCQ2VAGGGNAISA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732834922229},"content":"As time wears on, the broad shape of the next Dáil will become clear. But with the electorate predicted to give an ambiguous answer about exactly what sort of government it wants, final seats will be massively important to clear – or obstruct – a path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVIZCHRZ6ZBLHKKSVEWPX5K7VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297716},"content":"The number of Independents will also be one to watch: see if they can break up party dominance in places such as Wicklow, or even return two in the likes of Wexford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDGEBHGOT5HH3MPX76SBJUS2LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879297717},"content":"Smaller parties will also be key. The Greens will have to hold their marginal seats in the likes of Dublin South Central, while Labour are targeting seats including Dublin South West, Fingal West and Cork South Central. The Soc Dems, similarly, have designs on Dublin Rathdown and Cork East, while Aontú want to win seats in the likes of Wexford and Cavan-Monaghan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"The first counts of three-seat constituencies with shorter ballot papers will come in later on Saturday, and it’s from here that people will start to be elected. But don’t expect it to be all straightforward"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How to watch the election count: The key races to follow this weekend","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RC36I5ZLXZCAFFLX35PYB5MCOU","auth":{"1":"aa1f43238a2dae0333e029da36715803ad60fcb14c6be1c3aea6d3d377a043d1"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RC36I5ZLXZCAFFLX35PYB5MCOU.JPG"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/how-to-watch-the-election-count-the-key-races-to-follow-this-weekend/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"MPOFMPO2RRHRDLWPDDCKFH65YY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":785,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/15ba9b29-b1a9-439d-b92e-98ededf0e992/versions/1732895177/media/63eb6ab040e41694dcb3d746f02d8f28_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/political-reporters-on-their-moments-of-the-election-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3QSRQB7ZIZBTRBWSUFKI5OS4KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432202},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZM6AJN5FQZB3PFCNQ7U4XZ4IOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432203},"content":"It has to be the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">encounter in Kanturk</a> between <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> and care worker Charlotte Fallon. I am in a very small minority (possibly of one) who thinks Harris wasn’t really that nasty to her. She was, after all, the one telling him he was a bad person. But the importance of these encounters gets inflated in the white heat of a campaign. Other moments – the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary comments on teachers</a> and the last <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/dubliners-and-farmers-an-unlikely-pair-in-resisting-radical-change/\" target=\"_blank\">Irish Times/Ipsos B & A opinion poll</a> – were all disastrous for Fine Gael, which says something about the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5CNMDHWRBE23AVL6XS3Q26IOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431714},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCDNT5ITVZCFLBOA2NOYNPOL7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432205},"content":"That <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/immigration/\" target=\"_blank\">immigration</a> played such a marginal role. In surveys throughout the year, it ranked at the top or nearly the top of the list of voters’ concerns. Yet it didn’t feature at the centre of the election debate at all. Perhaps that’s because the positions of the big parties have all migrated (so to speak) to a similar place; they are all promising to toughen up the existing rules but not change them fundamentally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ7R4M43O5EHHC6PGXDAV3ZCXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431716},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SLDF7PE2UBDQHK37YMJLKOUJTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432207},"content":"Can I say two? Dún Laoghaire, because it will tell us whether Fine Gael can make gains across the middle-class heartlands and if the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Greens</a> can survive to be a substantial player in the next Dáil, and perhaps, in the next government. Fine Gael are out for a second seat here through Barry Ward, while the Greens are struggling to hold Ossian Smyth’s seat. In Tipperary South the contest between Imelda Goldsboro of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and Martin Browne of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> will tell us about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a>’s chances of making gains – and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a>’s chances of holding those seats she won in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UUFF5BCQ5BOBA7KN2G3SHEERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431718},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SK2MY346KZGW5BLXRHERRBGIBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432209},"content":"The polls suggest the numbers are not there, or even nearly there, for a Sinn Féin-led coalition of the left, without either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. If the two parties combined are about twice the size of Sinn Féin, then they will form the basis of the next government, whether with one or two partners, and/or the support of Independents. Where things get a bit unpredictable is if Fine Gael has a very bad day and is substantially smaller than Fianna Fáil; does that make government formation harder, and could there be a push in Fine Gael to go into opposition? I don’t think that’s likely, though. Micheál Martin will not want to push Fine Gael into a position where government with Fianna Fáil is unpalatable, because he doesn’t want to have to contemplate a coalition with Sinn Féin. So at this stage, I think the most likely outcome is Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael form the basis of another coalition, but not alone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2VJ4PFAMRCOTBPPISMQNDQEBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432210},"content":"<b>– Pat Leahy</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XWVUTQ7DHFE6FBW636TUBEXYXM","additional_properties":{"_id":"743QOZJ72FGXRCHPAFTPA6ZTIU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3QSRQB7ZIZBTRBWSUFKI5OS4KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732889432211},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3HP5ZD75VDHVBXSXDIQCYDKFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431713},"content":"It was obviously Harris’s botched exchange with disabilities worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk. Others include the kerfuffle on the opening weekend over Michael O’Leary’s remarks about teachers at a campaign launch for Fine Gael’s Peter Burke; and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gerry-hutch/\" target=\"_blank\">Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch</a> rocking up to the city returning officer’s premises on a motorbike to lodge his paperwork to become a candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D5CNMDHWRBE23AVL6XS3Q26IOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431714},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VNZ3S4N6ENEPLNLIWR7STRHPZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431715},"content":"Like Pat’s answer, it has to be how immigration was such an apparent non-issue. That’s in contrast with the local and European elections when an handful of anti-immigration activists won council seats and the issue appeared to be front and centre of the political discourse much of the time. The heat has, at least temporarily, been taken out of the issue. In Monday’s Irish Times/Ipsos B & A opinion poll just 7 per cent of voters said it would influence their ballot box decision. I would be flabbergasted if any far-right candidates get over line once the counting is done.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ7R4M43O5EHHC6PGXDAV3ZCXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431716},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5W3JSO3MNFQRE4ZMQ5DQBM5EU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431717},"content":"Limerick City. Three of the four seats are highly likely to go to incumbents – veteran voter-winner Willie O’Dea of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael junior minister Kieran O’Donnell and Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Féin. But it is set to be scrap to the death for the last seat. Outgoing Green Party TD Brian Leddin’s seat is vulnerable to a series of competitors who did better than him in June’s mayoral election: Fianna Fáil’s Dee Ryan, Independent Frankie Daly, Sarah Beasley of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a>, Conor Sheehan of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> and Elisa O’Donovan of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a>. Ryan and Sheehan in particular are ones to watch. If either get over the line, it could indicate a good day for their respective parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UUFF5BCQ5BOBA7KN2G3SHEERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431718},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHUQENT2G5CEBBBOE7LNRBAXPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431719},"content":"It is difficult to see anything other than a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition going by the polls and their insistence they will not do a deal with Sinn Féin. Labour’s proposal for a post-election alliance of centre-left parties might be more likely to bear fruit if Fine Gael has a bad day and the Civil War parties need considerable reinforcements to form a coalition. If I had to call it, a more likely outcome is Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and a perhaps a handful of reliable Independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXRXYFHJDFBKDLOPADHHKJZY54","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431720},"content":"<b>– Cormac McQuinn</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSOW623JSPHN2WQOGXHQWSEJVM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CMEGVSRSG5HM7DG5IDG4SXVJSE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NTMBV5EDSBAD5FA6DHMYSOWRLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431721},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6B2NZYL7REYJJ2TYXHCYGOOBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431722},"content":"The last Irish Times/Ipsos poll of the campaign itself, which landed days after that disastrous interaction involving Harris and Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, was a huge moment. It showed a total evaporation of Fine Gael’s lead, which the party had been privately celebrating. Although politicians are blue in the face saying that they don’t pay attention to polls, it fundamentally shifted the dynamic of the campaign. It rallied Sinn Féin, emboldened Fianna Fáil and gave the smaller parties more to fight for, as they sensed their role would be ever more important in government formation negotiations if there was to be a deadlock.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWLFLHIKCNEIFPTT5FW5TCK3OU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431723},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"34ZUJ4P2TBEZXICKEOP5VIBFBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431724},"content":"It was the fact that politicians from all parties had so long to prepare for this election (given that they have been talking about it since January) and yet many of them struggled to really understand the mood of the electorate and what voters wanted. When it came to the big issue – housing – Government parties were basically promising more of the same, and majored instead on offering lots of goodies in the manifestos.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKONYZ5PUBCEVBTJ5WFGBWMV24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431725},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLBFIHZNKVH6NN3WMQ4DJCRAQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431726},"content":"Dublin Central, but the battle between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in Wicklow, Mayo and Dublin North West will be fascinating. I will be intrigued to see how Sinn Féin do in constituencies such as Carlow-Kilkenny, after their big hitter Kathleen Funchion became an MEP. Dublin Bay South has a fascinating mix of candidates, while Dublin Bay North could be a bellwether.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH5CWN7T5REP5J2HZKFDA22S7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431727},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOQLCQ24HBEA3N6GP4B6XKK3WQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431728},"content":"At this stage – and there is always space for a final shock – the most likely government is a mix of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and one or more smaller parties. The route for Sinn Féin is trickier on current polling. It’s clear Fine Gael is eyeing up the Labour Party. The Social Democrats say they would drive a hard bargain too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3YZCFTZUVCNBH3KAQP45FU7N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431729},"content":"<b>– Jennifer Bray</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6JFOYLAYFWWO6AYNSRHHNLQ3U","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPN356M4QRGM5J6ZD4ZCJFUMEM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"R4JHNCORFNBNTPTCLVFG4LOCWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431730},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GGGTLRU4ZGKRLF6MWZELHLD3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431731},"content":"It was undoubtedly the interaction between Simon Harris and Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk. It’s not an original answer, but it’s one of the campaign moments not only of the 2024 general election campaign, but of recent elections across the board. It didn’t cause the Fine Gael slump, but it captured it in a way that was immediately clippable and shareable, while Simon Harris’s more tightly manicured and slick (not to mention expensive) social media output fell by the wayside.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMUIIUZJCNDL3J2CRHMAHIXLRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431732},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"FX2OW3NQBFHUHCNGPLBLWL53JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431733},"content":"It was Fine Gael still not learning how to land a campaign effectively. It seems chronic at this stage – and again, they were fighting the last war. The party convinced itself that in 2020 it lost out by seeming ungenerous. In this election, despite a clear focus from voters on cost of living, a giveaway budget followed by a muddled campaign laden with promises seemed to fundamentally misjudge where the electorate was at.<b> </b>A late play for economic credibility in choppy waters further confused things. They ended up somewhere between overpromising and Keep the Recovery Going 2.0, which all hinged on the shine not coming off Harris.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESB5OEZS4RFSDG3ZSVR2NVYOXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431734},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUU57YZMZBCHTIXWLGVZUB6PD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431735},"content":"Dublin South Central. It has no Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael seat currently, with both those parties plus the Social Democrats and Labour targeting it. This is a left-leaning constituency that has lost more affluent areas in the redrawing of the constituencies. That suggests there could be a seat for Right to Change Joan Collins, a sitting TD, or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-alliance/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a>’s Hazel de Nortún, but Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh has a running mate too. The Greens have a chance of holding Patrick Costello’s seat, while it’s a Petri dish for the immigration politics vote too with anti-immigrant activist Phil Sutcliffe in the field, although his support of mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor might hurt him following the recent civil rape case ruling against McGregor. What makes this constituency so fascinating is it’s just so hard to call.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANS54Q4TZBGXPOZ2IGUMMCZQJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431736},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"26C2J6L4LJDB7PJXEJROXOZJVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431737},"content":"The most likely outcome is a government based on a Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition, but that’s a lot less likely than it was even a week ago. If they each 80 seats combined (short of the 88 seats needed for a majority in the next Dáil), the further north of that they go (aided if they transfer to each other), the easier that task gets. But if that gap gets too big for a rotating taoiseach arrangement, that brings its own problems. If this route isn’t available, there are a whole host of outcomes strewn with obstacles, but a Fianna Fáil-Sinn Féin government, a minority government, confidence and supply or – whisper it quietly – even another election will then have to be assessed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VOTOEOPWCZCOHKW6R4FF34JL7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867431739},"content":"<b>– Jack Horgan-Jones</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UU6VAMIIYN63YKBJ2AOMXFKV3U","additional_properties":{"_id":"XNZRTVZRDVFSPPRTOVFKY32IIY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LVFSINWHJNGKLA4MVZOXIQWTKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957134},"content":"<b>What was your moment of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQUB4LS52BESLO6AEE4T2OU7HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957135},"content":"This campaign did not really have a big moment. The Kanturk kerfuffle did stand out and it did put Fine Gael on the back foot. But was it a momentum shifter? The decline in Fine Gael support was well under way before that and it might have accelerated it, or emphasised it, a little.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2XF6IQHRG5FRXLGXDFRF2PE5UI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957136},"content":"<b>What was the biggest surprise of the campaign?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RU565P2OZFTBNCB47VEWOXGNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957137},"content":"It is how fickle everything can be, even in a short period of time. Five months ago immigration dominated the local and European elections but it has been hardly more than a background issue this time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCT6TRETLFC65EKXR3SQYNJA2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957138},"content":"<b>What is the key constituency you will be watching?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTREY2EZ7JDHRIIRBQK2JHOLA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957139},"content":"Galway East. It will tell a lot about how the three big parties are performing outside Dublin. The constituency has gained a seat and is now a four-seater. All three parties have targeted that extra seat. Sinn Féin’s Louis O’Hara almost won here in 2020 and might sneak the seat this time. Fine Gael is running three strong candidates this time and expects to win two. Expectation is running too in Fianna Fáil where minister of State Anne Rabbitte has a strong running mate, Albert Dolan, the 25-year old chair of Galway County Council. It’s a bellwether constituency for sure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OI565KY6RH5FAVWLZMGZLXONU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957140},"content":"<b>What do you think will be the make-up of the next government?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"J3DRP4NVUFFO3FG2SN4JTRAIRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957141},"content":"A trickle of sweat appears on my brow when I am asked this question. For Sinn Féin to have a very good day it needs to put clear water between itself and, on the other side, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. It is now abundantly clear they will transfer heavily to each other and that will give them an advantage when it comes to determining the last seats in some constituencies. Sinn Féin’s call on supporters to transfer to People Before Profit and the Social Democrats is the party taking a two-way bet that those two parties will, in turn, return the favour and transfer to Sinn Féin, especially in Dublin. My sense is that Fianna Fáil could end up with about 50 seats, Sinn Féin with about 40, and Fine Gael a few seats shy of the 40-seat mark but my margin of error is plus or minus 10 seats! Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael look the most likely government partners out of this election, but relying on the support of others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3LBWST6YFATNB3V56E3U4DG7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880957142},"content":"<b>– Harry McGee</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jennifer Bray"}},"name":"Jennifer Bray"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"Simon Harris’s encounter with care worker Charlotte Fallon stood out as a pivotal moment in a campaign for which the political parties seemed oddly unprepared"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Political reporters on their moments of the election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"JAJFPQA4PFBDNA3GJEOGZ36KQA","auth":{"1":"92a47f189e2c7d9720677ec8b40a90a2b5dc8f742d43475895b1750c74ff7ffb"},"focal_point":{"x":934,"y":528},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/JAJFPQA4PFBDNA3GJEOGZ36KQA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/political-reporters-on-their-moments-of-the-election-campaign/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"4K52ZMIYAVFB3M4ZFK7EBFVZRU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":873,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9cda900c-0d2f-45a0-8b78-8019172c2522/versions/1732913617/media/40bd15dcb2e509a6cf222d57d3e344b1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/the-general-election-campaign-the-highs-the-lows-and-the-outright-clangers/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OGIJWSJ5WJASBN5JHVHU7FY2ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406103},"content":"Filth","type":"header"},{"_id":"JPMSPCDKT5HGRAHIDHLFVOSXQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406104},"content":"Eh, any interesting pictures from the election trail to spice up de collume?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNQM5ZFEZRFALMDDHRGKJHMONE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406105},"content":"It’s been a dull enough <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">campaign</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DFVMAZBJZBDBBX5GK6SXQN4R4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406106},"content":"We have a good one of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-healy-rae\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Healy-Rae</a> hammering his nuts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7J6GP55XQBBZJIEM6EHJM6BAFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406107},"content":"I beg your pardon?","type":"text"},{"_id":"FUOTY5IGAZHY5I2GI7NRLNM4ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406108},"content":"Yeah, the photographer caught him at it – standing out in the open on an old stone bridge in Kerry. Cars passing and everything, hammering away at his nuts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GORUIRIKSZGGXG6RUDZSJ6VTVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406109},"content":"Excuse me. This is The Irish Times.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQ6N7Q2GX5EANGYZQMDD5AD6UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406110},"content":"He just needed something quick for his lunch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHXPTMYRTJGW5HNIJUAR2DSDBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406111},"content":"Moving on. Anything else?","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6BEZR2DTZEIVH3PBTW254D7RU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406112},"content":"We have <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> ridin’ a buffalo. Pictures and video.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEH6FM5Y5BC7TGDR2FEQ3ZEDN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406113},"content":"Pass.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRP33W2CMZCIZIQDGZZKDQ3NDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406114},"content":"What about a nice shot of Michael Collins of Independent Ireland flaunting his chest hair during the 10- way leaders’ debate free for all?","type":"text"},{"_id":"JOGBCAC5OJFH3CFWCETDSRE2YY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406115},"content":"Better not. Sure it’ll drive the laydeez wild.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3QPQJDJIFBQJFUF7LODEOBBQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406116},"content":"Well, could we imagine the picture <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> painted at her final election press conference outside Government Buildings?","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOIA7IZ6FNEFXNETQ3ATQVZGI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406117},"content":"She was asked what parties Sinn Féin might consider as possible partners. Is she making “cow eyes” at any in particular?","type":"text"},{"_id":"HGOCUWCNDBBNZKCT64Y5DZBV6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406118},"content":"“No, I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she giggled. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause. We’re not at the flirtatious stage quite yet. We have to, we have to get to first base before we pass it, if that’s okay.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"27JPFGXY3BHENNZWMKWRZIKHJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406119},"content":"If Sinn Féin win enough seats, government formation talks should be interesting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSILW3IGENBUPAYTJ5Q5AOBUNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406120},"content":"What’s in a name?","type":"header"},{"_id":"4IU6WAEHGFHF7PWXJWZ6BAGNBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406121},"content":"We’ll soon find out. True to form, parties played the political offspring card to exploit that all-important name recognition advantage in constituencies, selecting new blood with old names to run for the family firm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IY5XARJTYJEO7K7HW6YWPHPJGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406122},"content":"Here’s one from Louth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSDUPNF2BNEXRKOMGYDWPHB72M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406123},"content":"“The name’s McGahon. Something McGahon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFLY5F27MBHOVIDQHZQDITVY4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406124},"content":"James, John, Jack, Jim?","type":"text"},{"_id":"KP6Z6W7CTZCVXMUDSFE3PLEAB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406125},"content":"“The name’s McGahon. Just McGahon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTPFAZG6H5FKFID5APVFUW3S7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406126},"content":"It’s actually John, but the big political name in the ether around Dundalk is that of his late uncle Brendan who was a Fine Gael TD in the area and nationally known for his trenchant views on law and order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ES6YQ6DR2ZDSTOMTHEW6AYBTU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406127},"content":"The party was happy to have the McGahon name on the ballot paper; it would give the outgoing Senator a head start in the race.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B44KWOY2DNAJ7LUAWTIKFI3DHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406128},"content":"Then details of a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2024/07/02/high-court-jury-awards-man-39000-against-senator-john-mcgahon-for-assault-and-battery/\" target=\"_blank\">violent incident from his recent past resurfaced</a> when the Sunday Times published photographs showing the extent of facial injuries suffered by Monaghan farmer Breen White who was involved in a fracas with McGahon outside a pub in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6SKZRO2DZA4DEAPGT7NTRFW3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406129},"content":"The Senator was cleared of assault following a four-day trial at Dundalk Circuit Court but a jury in a civil action earlier this year found him 65 per cent liable, ordering him to pay €39,000 damages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFOQ2RBDAFAHZKVLGZ3XKW5NMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406130},"content":"The graphic photographs appeared on the morning of Fine Gael’s manifesto launch in Tipperary, seriously denting McGahon’s election chances and adding further to the woes of Simon Harris’s stuttering campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDRZMU56DNDBVDAYA6ZCARJYJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406131},"content":"The Taoiseach doggedly defended his candidate’s presence on the ticket but as the days went on he began distancing himself from John’s campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDTDLZWGX5GGJDYHOV3NRPV7UQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406132},"content":"Best entrance (timing is everything)","type":"header"},{"_id":"XMO6YO6U75HCFMD4ZZLUFWNVEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406134},"content":"The Social Democrats want nothing to do with the Labour Party in the post-election mating dance. Despite constant questions about the possibility of some sort of arrangement – or even a merger – between the two, candidates staunchly rejected even the merest suggestion of such an abomination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTPSICJTVBB6LESASSX25SPOFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406135},"content":"And then, early on election day no less, what did party leader Holly Cairns do?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLRSPWSUVZG2JH6OPMH5G3REDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406136},"content":"She went into labour.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIDTDF6QTZDBZOLCQD22TMWAPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406137},"content":"It was the happiest event of the campaign – signalling as it did the end of one of the dreariest elections in recent memory and the birth of Holly’s first child, a baby girl.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RC7ZPWNQP5F5ZKCLWMDWI22UQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406138},"content":"Deputy Cairns and her partner Barry posted a lovely picture of Holly and her new arrival on Instagram writing: “She’s here. We’re completely in love with her.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GYZDK6IHJEEZETAX46SMPXKRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406139},"content":"Congratulations to all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDOFQ2O3PZABNOFQYKJQQIUOAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406140},"content":"Location, location, location","type":"header"},{"_id":"GQI77TCX3ZER7EAF4UOZYOWNHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406142},"content":"Posters, and where to put them, is a perennial topic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62IS5OWBJNA6RMVYDSLH75MEYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406143},"content":"Up on lamposts everywhere or everything pinned on to centralised notice boards?","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFN6ZF4YQJF6XPAMEJFXO52OSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406144},"content":"An admobile provides a versatile answer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDMD6FKXFJCHDKFR4WJBTXKKAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406145},"content":"Gerard The Monk Hutch – rival criminal gang bosses are reputed to have a price on his head – adopted a moving target approach with his van tootling around the less-leafier areas of Dublin Central to the general bemusement of onlookers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AK23YELWTVHYTDA2YAM66HONB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406146},"content":"He occasionally parked it in high visibility areas for maximum exposure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYN6H5WYYVEEPIFEJ6ZZF3JXG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406147},"content":"One such spot was outside the former Regency Hotel on the busy Drumcondra Road. This was the place where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kinahan-cartel\" target=\"_blank\">Kinahan</a> gangster David Byrne was shot dead during a boxing tournament weigh-in, sparking a deadly escalation in the violent feud between the Hutch and Kinahan criminal gangs and the candidate’s flight to a Spanish bolt-hole.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RBSZ4KMFVDM5JTO4GXLWPEIRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406148},"content":"Hutch, who divides his time between his Spanish bolt-holes and luxury Clontarf home in the Dublin Bay North constituency, wants to see more gardaí on the streets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y35VM3B4WZCZ7NRENZ7WZWDNLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406149},"content":"He arrived back in Ireland from Lanzarote on the morning of the Fianna Fáil manifesto launch, out on bail of €100,000 after he was arrested as part of a Spanish money-laundering investigation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSTCTGPOKNCIFGDPYZTDNXPYGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406150},"content":"Hutch’s slogan steals from Sinn Féin’s main selling point: “We need a change and I’m your man.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3VBC6VOOJARNITZ4LRZTZYSRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406151},"content":"Apparently young fellas in Dublin Central have been robbing his posters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D62ABNFHAREOPDU7KP7NDU2NIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406152},"content":"There’s never a guard around when you need one. Thank God.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZITL7R7OYRCEHKXOEDS3HIQJMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406153},"content":"Cllr Kevin Daly, an Independent candidate in Dublin Rathdown, had a much more arresting slogan on his posters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B465HKINI5H5JENG2V7334LKPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406154},"content":"But then, Kevin knows how to get a message across. A few years ago he got into hot water over a “sleigh car” which was being driven around Stepaside with a big boxy contraption and a real Christmas tree on the roof, along with tidings for a very happy Christmas from “Cllr Kevin Daly, working with Shane Ross TD. Like Santa we deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WRP7XELZCVGNTMXSXHVU6UJ4NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406155},"content":"The Road Safety Authority took a dim view and then minister for transport Shane Ross, who has endorsed Daly’s campaign this year, retired the sleigh from active service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAMD7BZWDFH6HL6S7H5GRNBORY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406156},"content":"Cllr Daly had an election message specially tailored for his South County Dublin voter base: “Homes for our middle class children in our area.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUNJCKU7RNC4DJFQB4R3LONVTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406157},"content":"Clanger Central","type":"header"},{"_id":"6TIKXMXBGRFNLBMXKCUU3763SM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406159},"content":"In 2007 Fianna Fáil went into the election as the governing party but with big trouble brewing on the economy front and then taoiseach Bertie Ahern up to his neck in tribunal woes. The campaign got off to an awful shambles of a start.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAT2CEO4U5CPRI6SRVFNYQOUCI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406160},"content":"Election headquarters was quickly dubbed Meltdown Manor. But with a strong leaders’ debate performance from Bertie Ahern and a decisive steadying role from Brian Cowen, the party pulled off a famous victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTES7GBC7NCEXORKSNQ6DLQLEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406161},"content":"This year, Fine Gael started its campaign in great shape, with a new, hugely popular young leader at the helm and the party outstripping its main rivals in the opinion polls.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNB4TWKTWJGSJJMA5ZMTVWFSG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406162},"content":"Steady as she goes and no surprises and Simon Harris looked set to deliver a famous victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFXQ2LMRVBB4JKQJZHDPIZWSVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406163},"content":"When all of a sudden, after an election build-up which went on for months, Fine Gael veered off the path of certainty and straight into Clanger Central.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RZ2QQW7Y45ADPH466BQF2L3WUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406164},"content":"While Simon Harris was showcasing a “new energy” by haring around the country in an effort to shake every voter’s hand before polling day, the wheels were slowly coming off the wagon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5BGKUMXNVDH5NS2D6ZYPHMRJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406165},"content":"This was Meltdown Manor in reverse. Fianna Fáil had time to reverse the rot and activate Cowen. Fine Gael’s unforced errors hit hard in the final stage of the campaign when prudent Paschal Donohoe was finally activated, but was it too late?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ATGTG7OBR5AHPPJFW5QNLNRVUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406166},"content":"Sinn Féin, meanwhile, after a disappointing showing in the local elections and internal party scandals causing turmoil, powered back up the opinion polls overtaking Fine Gael by a small margin and neck and neck with Fianna Fáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZRWC4VMOZF7LMNNXWOJNYEJI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406167},"content":"Tweedledee and Tweedledum and TweedleLou in the reckoning now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAW7YPIJKRCARK4VDVTQAAMSNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406168},"content":"Paschal The Rock Donohoe","type":"header"},{"_id":"U2AWSHS7X5GYTF3PMFW4P4QICU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406169},"content":"Speaking of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe was the only senior Fine Gael politician who was true to his word when he repeatedly insisted he was not going to jump ship and quit politics before the election. A host of his colleagues were blue in the face saying the same thing before they upped and left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UY6NFKB7IZCMLN7G6NX7PL6SFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406170},"content":"He went out to bat for former TD Noel Rock, who returned to contest Dublin South West when Róisín Shortall’s departure from national politics offered a possible way back to the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR6OAXDHQBEZ7OQM6QQLFZVJ6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406171},"content":"In a toe-curling video which even topped the one where Tánaiste Micheál Martin showed off his election shoes, Paschal looked earnestly into the camera and said: “So when I was a younger man The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, was a real hero of mine. Whether it was Summer Slam, WrestleMania, Jumanji, Fast and the Furious – I had to give Baywatch a miss – he was always somebody I really admired. But now, there is only one Rock in my life, the man I want to support, and that is Noel Rock, the man here beside me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJFW37QOCJGOVM2OF2HIE2UCEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406172},"content":"Barftastic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDRG575D3RAMNG5XZMJLMSJRQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406173},"content":"A reader got in touch about Paschal reminiscing about loving The Rock in Jumanji when he “was a younger man”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJIDK4ONCZGINOPLCUGXMX65SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406174},"content":"Johnny told us “after a quick bit of research I found that Jumanji was released seven years ago, which would have made Paschal 43 years at the time. Talk about complicated gyrations to force the word ‘Rock’ into a promo video, he must have been awake all night trying to make that one fit.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBPHJ7CGAFD6LCAWG5FTTAJNKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406175},"content":"The Sh*t Stirrer Supreme","type":"header"},{"_id":"RUI2LLJNXRGYTCMJG64NFOPVZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406176},"content":"Government Minister Peter Burke thought it was a great wheeze to have Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary launch his campaign in Longford-Westmeath. In the course of the usual O’Leary knockabout, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/10/fine-gael-td-distances-himself-from-ryanair-boss-derisory-remarks-about-teachers-at-campaign-event/\" target=\"_blank\">budget airline’s Chief Exhibitionist Officer slagged off teachers</a> while his audience, clearly there for the laughs, guffawed along.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3PT4RWB35G57OHB5LB766HIAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406177},"content":"“I wouldn’t generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done,” said O’Leary, prompting a major fit of the vapours among teachers and delighted political opponents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMN6BPTFEVE2JHFR4YQQYJIPQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406178},"content":"With Fine Gael in pole position, the main objective was to get through the campaign without committing any major gaffes or taking unnecessary risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIKKQ7DGGVGHBF3O53KIOSQ2AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406179},"content":"And then Peter invites sh*t stirrer supreme to be the star-turn at his big launch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYJXN66UVVGZXFOD3RU7SDFVV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406180},"content":"Did nobody think to say “I wouldn’t generally employ Michael O’Leary to go out and not insult anyone.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZIPYKEDAVCI5FVIV727GLITRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406181},"content":"They aren’t laughing now.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HMRW5OGXJAYXGPL6FKQEIGEZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406182},"content":"Handbags at dawn","type":"header"},{"_id":"TGZZLZPJCNFX7D4XG2M6OMNHKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406183},"content":"This was a difficult election for the big two. Joined at the hip since 2016 when Fianna Fáil agreed to shore up a Fine Gael government in a ground-breaking confidence and supply agreement and then sharing power in the 33rd Dáil, marketing themselves as very different political packages was always going to be a tricky task.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQXXQKOJXRFRHCEBNCG5J64CWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406184},"content":"They were sniping at each other well before the campaign began, with Fianna Fáil accusing its Government partner of dissing their leader Micheál Martin to the political correspondents behind his back. Describing him as cranky and a bit too long in the tooth for the young man’s game of top-rank politics, apparently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGFHHPQMO5EBJPIQUIAJM3WISQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406185},"content":"Voters aren’t stupid and they began asking how the two groups went from saying they were working wonderfully well together in Government to tearing lumps out of each other’s track records and policies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7N6NJVNTPJD7NFB4AY73UNUGMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406186},"content":"The carry-on was dismissed as nothing more than “handbags” between candidates jockeying for seats. As proper confrontations go, these handbags were more cheap knock-off than designer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFD3ITFYOVF2BBZMJKJC5OHGTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406187},"content":"Except, perhaps, for the epic roaring match between Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton on Virgin Media’s Tonight Show. Chambers of Commerce deserves the lion’s share of the blame for losing his cool early doors and bellowing over his Cabinet colleague when she tried to take issue with tax figures in the FF manifesto.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUSR5VZDORCR5H5KJHHT5JLG5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406188},"content":"The delicious highlight of this unedifying display was the sight of Sinn Féin’s finance spokesman – the usually very shouty but now very smiley Pearse Doherty – sitting between the warring pair with a big happy head on him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6ZVQKXRCRDNPKDJPOY5WWPE74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406189},"content":"Jump starts and sneaky starts","type":"header"},{"_id":"OTB7P3IUAREHRKTADKP6K6VL2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406191},"content":"Roderic O’Gorman discommoded his Coalition betters in October when he jumped the gun on the election date by saying the public needed clarity on its timing. He said he would be telling fellow leaders Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin “my preference is for a November election, for November 29th. I think that gives us the opportunity to get those final pieces of legislation through.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZOMZSJR5BAHRG7OULQIPEXQU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406192},"content":"They were disgusted with him, even though everyone knew that was going to be the date and the other two were just milking the situation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD3D4KTVWRFYVFWEJNZF6BUXAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406193},"content":"Then Micheál stole a march on Simon by doing an interview in early November and naming the date. TV3 rushed out an advance clip from its 5.30pm news bulletin for social media. Whereupon Simon belted out to RTÉ to reannounce the date on the Six One news.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDIDHMCXNBBAFDQVB2IMP3B6TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406194},"content":"Who needs banana skins?","type":"header"},{"_id":"4JBF7HQRUJFFNOAUGU2LZX76DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406196},"content":"Labour’s Ged Nash slipped on a post-Halloween pumpkin skin when canvassing in Drogheda. Didn’t see that one coming.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7VLQDHBYREQHJTWBJGEZBARNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406197},"content":"The Kanturk Disaster","type":"header"},{"_id":"C2LAU3JL4BAYPB5AU7AZXHX2YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406198},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris went down the more traditional route, coming a cropper on a few banana skins as the finishing line approached.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2CZKJRNVZAQFFTTNOT3K3OHDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406199},"content":"But it was an incident, forever to be known as The Kanturk Disaster, which halted the already slowing Harris juggernaut in its tracks. His testy and uncharacteristically dismissive reaction to care worker Charlotte Fallon and her question about equal pay for colleagues outside the HSE was filmed and posted on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6EFO2D5QBDJHABL6MO2MLRYIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406200},"content":"The footage did no credit to a clearly tired Taoiseach and it was viewed over a million times. Simon Harris, who looked haunted after this misstep, spent the rest of his campaign apologising – never a good look.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTIJQ5HXQJC6BDVYVATBZ6BCP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902406201},"content":"Will the electorate forgive him?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Miriam Lord"}},"name":"Miriam Lord"}]},"description":{"basic":"Miriam Lord: From the grand entrance of a baby girl for Holly Cairns to slagging off teachers and annoying the RSA, the 2024 campaign had its share of highlights"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"From handbags at dawn to the Kanturk Disaster: the campaign’s highs, lows, and outright clangers ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"S27YO5DKHEZIEHJDVUY6CSM5SY","auth":{"1":"9f12450da2489a2a30b68d0a361c1401095afdbccbd6ee1055d5697888366a40"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/S27YO5DKHEZIEHJDVUY6CSM5SY.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/the-general-election-campaign-the-highs-the-lows-and-the-outright-clangers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"LJCL777CLBH3RNACWEGDOUBMR4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":345,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/caf53af4-3a9d-428f-8835-8a75cb666d62/versions/1732796899/media/89ab29582fce897e4169fb0c1ca08d81_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/local-politicians-are-overworked-underpaid-and-unrepresentative/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UNHINM6OMFDRBOSYOZY5GDC7MQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314164},"content":"The question of where Irish government happens matters in its delivery to an electorate demanding greater public services and infrastructure to service an expanding society, economy and population. Yet Ireland is one of the most centralised states in Europe and its local government one of the weakest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHT66OOZ2VH47C5YVSB27YTTZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314165},"content":"This is paradoxical because <a href=\"https://www.forsa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MorePowerReport.pdf\">comparisons</a> with similar states show many of the electorates big issues, such as housing, taxation, health, social welfare, childcare and transport, could be more effectively – and democratically – delivered at local level.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS25B3ZDSJD4NO6JONH25NMCCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314166},"content":"A 2016 measure of local autonomy ranked Ireland last of 39 countries in Europe, indicating a severe governance and democratic deficit. We spend a <a href=\"https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41400727.html\">comparatively tiny amount</a> at local level and raise even less in revenue. Eight per cent of State revenue is spent locally compared to an EU average of 23 per cent, while Ireland ranks last in EU local revenue raising.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRFGP3Z4GJENXBAQMF4MWVGLN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314167},"content":"Ireland has 31 local authority areas with about 165,000 citizens per authority. Compare this to Denmark’s 98 with 60,000 citizens each and Portugal’s 308 with 34,000. Put another way, Ireland’s councillors represent 5,196 citizens per councillor, compared to 600 in Belgium, 620 in Spain and 412 in Finland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4V65QVHBFFUZC74XLTRZMUZXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314168},"content":"As a result, Ireland’s councillors are overworked and underpaid. They are also mostly white, male and better off. That makes them increasingly <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/04/13/overworked-older-and-mostly-male-ireland-has-europes-weakest-local-government/\">unrepresentative</a> of a younger, more diverse population in which most women work outside the home and require childcare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76ZMTA3BIZFIHGGPZEWJISOOFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"KI4HQWHCMVBWZI24KEKAW5FOO4"},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"PVA2Y6FHGNAKDOJXFBVNLZZMBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314169},"content":"Figures like these emerge from substantial comparative <a href=\"https://citizensassembly.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/report_dublincitizensassembly_final_lowres.pdf\">research </a>on the State’s local government. It is now associated with considerable activism by council organisations and trade unions representing people who work there. Their case was supported in a cross-party Seanad <a href=\"https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/33/seanad_public_consultation_committee/reports/2024/2024-10-10_report-on-the-future-of-local-democracy_en.pdf\">report </a>on the future of local democracy last month. After hearing from local representatives, executives, citizens and experts, the report calls for a reimagined local democracy in Ireland. It wants a local democratic taskforce appointed within three months of the new government taking office. It should tackle the reform and strengthening of local government to prevent the relentless process by which it is transformed into a mere local administration of central government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGHQSJB23ZDEXF237P7LMZ5HPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314170},"content":"A valuable accompanying report on local government functions from the Oireachtas library and research service tracks how many of them were removed from 1993 to 2024 in housing, roads, planning, health, fire services, waste management and education. This came on top of an already tightly circumscribed system controlled since the 1930s by executive managers appointed by and responsible to ministers. Councils have legally defined reserved powers, unlike many continental ones with a general responsibility for their area. As the report says: “While it is the norm in many countries for local government to be responsible for education, social welfare, health, economic development, and policing in Ireland many of these services are provided by central government departments or by public or state agencies.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWPVDZK6KZGT7HXACIAS7CG6JU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314171},"content":"This further <a href=\"https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-handbook-of-irish-politics-9780198823834?cc=no&lang=en&#\">hollowing out</a> of an already weak local democracy was part of the austerity response to the 2008-2012 financial crisis. That its powers should be restored and even transformed was argued in a manifesto by the <a href=\"https://ailg.ie/ailg-launches-general-election-manifesto-to-strengthen-local-government-in-ireland/\">Association of Irish Local Government</a> during the campaign. They secured support from most political parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AOGTNJTU6BAZDIVPMG4WZXC5DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314172},"content":"Yet the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/promises-promises-what-do-the-election-2024-parties-stand-for-use-this-tool-to-compare-their-manifestos/\">party manifestos</a> vary widely on the priority afforded to local government. The Labour Party is most detailed and specific, while Sinn Féin, the Green Party and the Social Democrats make issue and function specific commitments to it. So does Fianna Fáil in a more generalised way, whereas Fine Gael stands over the centralisation it led since 2011.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2GQZHIC25CFDNBUQCHCYAMO5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314173},"content":"Irish government and bureaucratic mindsets are so centralised they cannot see how blind they are to the advantages of multilevel governance in planning for an expanding society demanding greater public services. More local democracy and local government better shared with the centre is not a silver bullet; but it would release greater citizen engagement, access and transparency with housing, health and care services. It would provide a legitimate basis for enlarging the tax base. But that would require a cultural revolution in such mindsets and practices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWFJAGZ3NRC23DBBA56SSQDDYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314174},"content":"This blindness is akin to government unwillingness to accept Ireland is a tax haven for multinational companies; to the preference for market driven solutions to public problems; to the failure to initiate large infrastructure planning in an expanding economy and society; and a reluctance to include a shared or united Ireland in such plans. Comparable experience from Europe is often obscured by an instinctive reliance on practices in Britain and Northern Ireland, which suffer from similar weaknesses. That new Ireland should be decentred.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N62D5JDVHJE7FOAI273UDDCHJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732794314175},"content":"In the bargaining around the formation of the next government there should be room for such a strategic shift in governance. It would be welcome to see stronger local government and democracy become a red line for coalition formation by those who take it most seriously. It is an issue that badly needs political leverage.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Paul Gillespie"}},"name":"Paul Gillespie"}]},"description":{"basic":"Worldview: Improving local democracy should be a priority in talks on the formation of the next government"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Local politicians are overworked, underpaid and unrepresentative","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YMH7EH4KN5H37KERDDX4KUI7GY","auth":{"1":"1637b7172f2b66c8621524e9442fb2434c84d6c8ff8b0c394afd6464e72c9b3e"},"focal_point":{"x":1514,"y":946},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YMH7EH4KN5H37KERDDX4KUI7GY.JPG"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/local-politicians-are-overworked-underpaid-and-unrepresentative/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"QLK66NJI45ARPGE2IB5W5DGUBY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":238,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/4e7b3583-cb5d-4c06-a303-65ded0a464d5/versions/1732861417/media/570d472c1f0fe940e4bda1b61cac1496_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732789358483},"content":"The Irish Times has you well covered with full coverage of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024</a> results across the weekend and beyond, as the makeup of the 34th Dáil is revealed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXLB4UUTFNGBXNU47BSEOZTENU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316278},"content":"We are likely in for a long weekend before we have a clear idea the 174 TDs who will make up the next Dáil but there are some key times when matters should become clearer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJLR3OSFBRHUDERRBIPQ354F3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316280},"content":"<b>Friday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"T6CKJNGNZZHZ7FHCHQNPG3U3CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316281},"content":"<b>10pm:</b> Polls in Election 2024 closed at 10pm and The Irish Times exit poll was published, indicating that the three largest parties - <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>- are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QX44WEKP5EG7OXECNTLX6XS5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732928073140},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A today for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD are as follows: <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>21.1 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> 19.5 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a><b> </b>21 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party </a>4 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour </a>5 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>5.8<b> </b>per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">Solidarity-People Before Profit</a><b> </b>3.1 per cent,<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\"> Aontú</a> 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6<b> </b>per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SO33UVSB3NFMRCPRYRIZMYMQSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732928073141},"content":"Read full details of the exit poll <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMNY4HZ4MFAOPIMTZFSAAVD4VI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316283},"content":"<b>10.30/11pm:</b> Our political team discusses the exit poll findings in a special edition of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/\" target=\"_blank\">Inside Politics podcast</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2I4AZS64JASZNLFWT3QC5BEZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316284},"content":"<b>Saturday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"WUQVFJXVZNEBZGE7VEJVQISCTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424753},"content":"<b>8am Saturday: </b>Subscribers to our <b>Inside Politics newsletter</b> (you can <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\" target=\"_blank\">sign-up here</a>) will receive an election special edition newsletter with extra details from The Irish Times <b>exit poll.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZBDQFIWBZFWHK43HDB33HLSTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732809757810},"content":"<b>9am: </b>Counting begins in all 43 constituencies. Our rolling live coverage will feature up-to-the-minute news, analysis and reaction from when the first tallies emerge, to when counts are completed and seats filled. We will publish every count from every constituency in our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/results-hub/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024 Results Hub</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7MPGDGMYNF4HDN43FJLQG6I4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424755},"content":"Our politics team will provide analysis of the emerging results online, on our podcasts and via video while our columnists, including Justine McCarthy and Diarmaid Ferriter, will share their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R2W6EAW4AVDOVG7PJYO7RR767I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424743},"content":"<b>Late afternoon/evening: </b>Details of first counts should start emerging on Saturday afternoon with first seats filled later on that afternoon and into the evening. Depending on the individual returning officers, counts in some constituencies may run into early on Sunday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XMEKZWIQRRHYNAXRRD3UPCDQFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424744},"content":"<b>Sunday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"C5KSFMIPTFCAFNKMA5SJGUCX24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424745},"content":"Counting will resume on Sunday morning and continue for most for the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7OXRAQ2PFDFLKLYKCXRVG3J3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424757},"content":"Our rolling live coverage will continue to cover the remaining counts and more analysis and opinion as the results become clear. In 2020, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cavan-monaghan/\" target=\"_blank\">Cavan-Monaghan</a> was the last constituency to complete counting with the final two seats filled shortly before midnight on the second day of counting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3L4PRI5NRF77JKFZJPKOZOUXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424758},"content":"We will publish profiles of each TD as they are elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKTGXHCDKNEERIFGAFD5LBQVD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316296},"content":"<b>Monday</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"URI72BCNSVAYJILLFMZF5RNSCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316297},"content":"In print, we will have a 12-page special general election supplement with news, analysis and charts showing all declared results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PAPUZMHXFFC7NKSODEO7V5LZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316298},"content":"<b>Follow the election count on social media</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"J4ISJLVSSJDSZMQQPPHVMI3PFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807424762},"content":"We will be posting rolling updates on our main social media accounts througout the weekend. Follow us on your preferred social platform to make sure you don’t miss a thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AQ4AIVCVBC5DI4V3YWXDRCATY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732800316299},"content":"Follow the election results on:","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Our political team will offer news, insight, analysis and opinion as the count unfolds"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T01:01:01.135Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election 2024: How The Irish Times will cover the results and key times to watch out for ","native":"How The Irish Times will cover the results and key times to watch out for"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU","auth":{"1":"32570f4fcf39d5d01c9c3484a4a06f896fdcee2dc309e018e6e66c50848786b6"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HSTUOAVPEVG6NKIVSSZT3TFZZU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"63QDIXFJ3NDYVBKSK6HHBALV6A","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/","content_elements":[{"_id":"364BIOFKLJA4ZF2LMM2EHXKRII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232180},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/\">results of the general election 2024 exit poll </a>suggest <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael </a>and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> will be in the driving seat to re-establish their coalition – though which party, or parties, or Independents, that might accompany them is likely to remain unclear for some time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"642VW623DVERZLIG2UW6HYUQDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232181},"content":"If the results are borne out when the actual votes are counted Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are likely to approach 75-80 seats between them, assuming a decent seat bonus, and a strong transfer between the two parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4XBXXRBBVCQPEEKVHOHAKMVQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232182},"content":"Those transfers will assume a high degree of importance as the counts unfold in coming days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB3C2OUU35BHDGZCK24733MVAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232183},"content":"Naturally, supporters of both parties transferred at higher rates to running mates from the same party. For Fine Gael voters it was at a rate of 37 per cent to other Fine Gael candidates. Fianna Fáil candidates were the second preference choice of 39 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EALAZKKOOFG4HA44DDIFH3EGMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232184},"content":"But once they have voted for their own party, they are transferring to their government partners in large numbers. The poll – conducted by Ipsos/B&A on Friday for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, finds that among Fine Gael voters 32 per cent said their second preference votes went to Fianna Fáil, while 30 per cent of Fianna Fáil voters said they transferred to Fine Gael.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LM43DUEAWZCCVGNZQS76SRSDAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232185},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> voters transferred at a rate of 48 per cent to second candidates from the same party. The next highest second preference votes from Sinn Féin supporters was to Independents. But the party is having a harder job attracting transfers from other parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBZUEXWXPVEITCSDF4M6M3HZF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232186},"content":"The highest second preference transfer rates between arch-rivals Labour and the Social Democrats were to each other. According to the exit poll some 22 per cent of second preferences from Labour voters went to the Social Democrats. Second preferences from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>supporters went to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour</a> at a rate of 23 per cent. Perhaps their voters are not as hostile to each other as the parties’ elected representatives sometimes<b> </b>seem to be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RLQJPFKFCBDWFHGP7MJZ5BEPQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232187},"content":"The results of the exit poll suggest Fine Gael’s campaign – which stuttered for much of the last three weeks – may have recovered in the final days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LEWO3VP7XJDBNKCTDMMWXXV3EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232188},"content":"While 21 per cent would represent the evaporation of the so-called ‘Harris Hop’ that saw the party reach as high as 27 per cent support levels in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/19/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-september-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A</a> poll in September, it is likely to be greeted with relief by the party leadership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUDVX4LMSRCBFJQ3QJIVLY5TAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232189},"content":"There were fears in the party during the past week that a collapse in the party’s vote might be under way – so while it is not the result that it anticipated or hoped for at the beginning of the campaign, the party will know it could have been worse.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNRHZ6CYVBATRFDMZ2EAF5YDGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232190},"content":"Frankly, Fine Gael had a poor election campaign. It was on the defensive from the first weekend after Ryanair boss<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\"> Michael O’Leary’s controversial remarks </a>about teachers at a campaign launch for Fine Gael minister Peter Burke. For reasons best known to itself it persisted with John McGahon as a candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBPJQZTRRBCR7BWUMAVYKEGXKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232191},"content":"Then there was the Taoiseach Simon Harris’ blunder where he appeared dismissive in a campaign trail exchange with disabilities worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork. An apology from Mr Harris followed but the moment was seized upon by his political opponents and Fine Gael was on damage limitation for days. It was probably the standout moment of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"637V6WF57JE7ZOWR7KOLH4YYRU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4WMHHDRUUNBL7HA4HBUE6BBRLY"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-45369","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"RBFS5R3T2FCKDCCW62F6JNPWDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232192},"content":"But perhaps more damaging was a sort of strategic incoherence in Fine Gael’s message. The party embarked on a series of costly promises in the first half of the campaign, including the abolition of the means test for the carers’ allowance (which civil servants estimate could escalate to some €2 billion a year), the abolition of university fees, a €1,000 grant for every baby, double child benefit every August, etc.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WILVFIDGINHT7B6HPQC73DQQHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232193},"content":"These were an understandable reaction to public concern on the cost of living. But they sat awkwardly with the fears of the possible impact of the new Trump administration on corporation tax revenues here – and the claims that only Fine Gael had the instincts of prudence necessary for the potentially difficult times ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTE356R7ORDAVKE4A5KS6C33UU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232194},"content":"In the end, the tactic of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/fine-gael-turns-to-prudent-paschal-as-polling-day-looms/\" target=\"_blank\">putting Paschal Donohoe out front </a>for every day of the last week may have helped turn things around.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J4VHXOKTDVFT7HNZPASYLX4GRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232195},"content":"Fianna Fáil took a narrow lead in opinion polls published over the last week, so will be disappointed to come in third – if that is borne out by the results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIBVRMJPTJG75A6B2WFPQVU22A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232196},"content":"Party leader Micheál Martin – who had a solid, if unspectacular, campaign – consistently argues that Fianna Fáil outperforms opinion polls. The party will hope its greater number of incumbent candidates than Fine Gael and the possibility of getting transfers from its Coalition partner will push it over 20 per cent and ahead of its rivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJNPH56Y7FBOREKRQBAFHSV6X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232197},"content":"For Sinn Féin there will be relief that the string of controversies it faced in the build up to the election campaign appear not to have overly damaged the party’s current support levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IR32OFOD5G4NC5JKH5LC3BNZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"G6BO37SLCBCBNKKWCCEJE4T5CE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"M4LTF2IXYBH3JBIYYW4O5LSQTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232198},"content":"The exit poll result is a far cry from the 36 per cent the party had in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2022/07/14/coalition-support-slumps-in-irish-times-poll-as-cost-of-living-bites/\" target=\"_blank\">The Irish Times poll from July 2022</a>, but it is considerably better than the just under 12 per cent of first preference share the party got in June’s local election. Mary Lou McDonald was a dynamo on the campaign trail. But in a series of difficult moments in interviews and debates, she also clearly conveyed the party’s shortcomings – the difficulty of outlining exactly what “change” would mean in real terms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PREG2MAVINGAPGSN2GS7PNMAAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232199},"content":"However, if the exit poll proves correct, it’s hard to see how the party has a route to government. It could well finish first in the popular vote for the second time in a row, but face another five years in opposition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQNW6OGAWFCFVP6D2KSVCLVWUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232200},"content":"The next Dáil is set to have more Independent TDs returned – but the tsunami of new independent TDs predicted by some is unlikely on the basis of these numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FO25KIZNJVCVLEWWA3ZSLAX73M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232201},"content":"There were 21 Independents elected in 2020 on just over 13 per cent of the vote so the 12.7 per cent, plus the 2.2 per cent for new party Independent Ireland in the exit poll would indicate that their numbers will grow. But the Independent Ireland showing – though surely many of its most prominent members will return to the next Dáil – will be a disappointment to the founders who believed they were set to become a new force in Irish politics. Not on the basis of these numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LT47DUSG4BE33IWQMS7H6OXF2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232202},"content":"The three centre left parties, the Green Party, Labour and the Social Democrats, are all bunched on between 4 and 5.8 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RY6O6S436VF2JKB6KEATXY2UXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232203},"content":"The Green Party is down substantially from the 7 per cent it got in the 2020 general election, but if the exit poll result is correct, it may hold more seats than might have been expected. Like all small parties though, it will be on a knife edge in many constituencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3LISB5LQORDM5LKBZVHQZ5BFJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232204},"content":"The Social Democrats are ahead of arch rivals Labour – which will delight them. But observers will doubtless point out that their combined support of nearly 11 per cent would make them the clear second party of opposition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQAUDFHR5RDCLHVGDOKF5S4GJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232205},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">People Before Profit</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\">Solidarity</a> is close enough to the 2.6 per cent of the vote it got in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3V6B62FAGBCMPBIKYB6HFFKDJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232206},"content":"Peadar Tóibín’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\">Aontú</a> had an excellent campaign and looks on course to substantially improve on its 2020 vote share of just under 2 per cent, with 3.6 per cent in the exit poll. That gives it a real shot of increasing its Dáil numbers – but it’s impossible to predict the individual constituency fortunes of any of the small parties from these big national numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FI6RZIDUQJHRBJ2YEQWHFP6PWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923232207},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sinn Féin could well finish first in the popular vote for the second time in a row, but face another five years in opposition"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T00:04:58.73Z","headlines":{"basic":"Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI","auth":{"1":"1d9c930c8a67396404719766bccb9f7d237191befa0a1c0b6b8d63deb0a04e07"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"XRRD5YWUF5F2PKK7FYZCURMVEM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-live-updates-voting-begins-at-polling-stations-around-the-country/","content_elements":[{"_id":"G757OC2DQVHXZHWM32PH3NYU5I","additional_properties":{"_id":"5YYXQKGXRRCSFNOU5VQ3NEY3DU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732902949827},"id":"timestamp-73418","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DQBFHPUTTZHUVISIXDYUZO2JV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732903618094},"content":"Collective Action for Palestine will be at the count centre at the RDS on Saturday and other groups will be at count centres around Ireland this weekend, <b>Ronan McGreevy reports</b>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7HOB3HONJAJ3HWUTINN3DXF5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732903618095},"content":"They claim to represent large parts of Irish society and will be telling elected politicians that they must impose sanctions on Israel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYQRXTLGZVCXPJG656CFHYH64I","additional_properties":{"_id":"OQ7HWQMZ7JBTTNTZL2TVSPH2TM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732904699764},"id":"timestamp-31126","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EMAXTO6ZOJHQXOMHJOPS4FYY2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070536},"content":"Across Dublin city constituencies, the average turnout was 30.8 per cent at 4.30pm, <b>Jade Wilson reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UEOALXG4RCEXO2LNGSJN7R3XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070537},"content":"The average turnout in Kildare North at 3.30pm was 28 per cent. In Kildare South, it was 26.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG6KNVQDZNFYJLZESTRIN22LXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070538},"content":"Turnout across urban Mayo by 4pm was as high as 34 per cent in some polling stations, with a low of 26 per cent at others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LFSMH27XRNAWHFNBYLSSLVP3RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070539},"content":"In rural Mayo, turnout was highest at 39 per cent in one polling station, though most were between 26 per cent to 30 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIHY5ABHDFD45MQDS6Q7EZC2XM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906070540},"content":"Returning officers did not have comparison information for the last general election to report at this point in the day. It’s understood they may have this data to share after the 8pm percentage count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2IX63HW2FDWVNKFH653UTHJUY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VB34TAWVQRDYRBNOR2BH4VB3VE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732906080193},"id":"timestamp-27582","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MTHYXCKVHBAVPJIVLZFK3K73AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615441},"content":"Turnout in Dublin County’s local authority areas (Fingal, South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown) was at an average of 34 per cent by 5pm, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RDR24QXEQNAHPGTT37HYULN3XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615443},"content":"Shortly after 5pm, turnout across Cork City, was between 33 per cent to a high of 48 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WIVOTH64QVHGTEFHHN2MSFUHUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615444},"content":"In Cork County, it was between 32.9 per cent and 38 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHHAQQAUT5HV7DVOU7NNWC7JKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615445},"content":"Limerick City and Limerick County had a turnout just over 30 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYFQRVO2KVA3LFM6DNZT5S6BJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615446},"content":"In Dundalk, turnout after 5pm was between 29 to 39 per cent rurally, whilst in urban Dundalk it was between 23 to 38 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KT73HBX36BHXNNYDFMHHJ6ALMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615447},"content":"Turnout in Cavan after 6pm was above 30 per cent in some polling stations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHAOP2CDIJDXJAN7F2WV3RTPNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732906615448},"content":"Many polling stations say their next data will be ready at 8pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6UVYMLGOQFE75PA4MKEZ25KLNA","additional_properties":{"_id":"YUY7APWTU5GTDKXTSBCTHLHMV4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732909457893},"id":"timestamp-49577","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"J45H4QDYTBCKDMJGPSJFGCPWPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909554999},"content":"Some ballot papers in the Limerick City constituency accidentally featured candidates’ names in reverse alphabetical order, according to reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAIUE5MPSZC4NNTSJJLHUHTMCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555000},"content":"The error could possibly render the result in the constituency void as electoral law states that candidates’ names should be listed in alphabetical order, <a href=\"https://www.limerickpost.ie/2024/11/29/ballot-faux-pas-could-scupper-election-result-in-limerick-city-constituency/#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\">according to the Limerick Post</a>. On some ballot papers today, Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Féin featured first rather than last.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z3MTT5NPTRF23EDFUPUVLW7ENI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555001},"content":"In the past, some candidates have changed their names or used their Irish names to push themselves to the top of the ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3SB2F22NVFMZIGYWDJUIGRDMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732909555002},"content":"Éamon Ó Cuív previously dropped the Ó in his surname for electoral purposes. Research published by UCD following the 2011 general election found being first on the ballot paper is worth 544 first preference votes in an average constituency, or 1.27 per cent of the vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFZE7XTYJZENRIPG4TNVQSDYJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"3KW5FBRVQ5HHJI5OQ4X3G2V234"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732909566200},"id":"timestamp-57185","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A5HNLOYFIBGFXCURNFQZT5AV2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732910922719},"content":"In Mayo turnout at 7pm ranged from 60 per cent in rural Murrisk to 36.7 per cent in Castlebar primary school, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"U67ASEOIVVDB7P7QVMKLA2USSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732910922720},"content":"We are expecting more turnout figures shortly after 8pm. The Irish Times will publish the exit poll at 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGNWFOIKOBGBHFD3OVJUPXOZPM","additional_properties":{"_id":"2L5XTBADANHJVBNXUVN4JPCDQE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732911729937},"id":"timestamp-95974","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5IXMP7PSYNHSXBGZJMUSTDA3NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912797198},"content":"Remember if you’re voting tonight to park safely. Even on election day, the clampers are still on duty.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7IRPK5I6RE4BMYZUWHB2IBYNQ","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TRZ3ZTBXYZB7VMFFDYTFNCHUYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"YRT3CND3UVHR7PXUMN6NXTTE6Q"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732912953496},"id":"timestamp-99327","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EJ5QZVS2R5E3DCW6HTNZG5QHZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913089061},"content":"Anyone trapped in a count centre this weekend (or indeed next week) will enjoy writer Richy Craven’s novel idea for a Rom Com.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4BVR3ZY2NALHLZHSVWJ2UTGYM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"OWCJCECMF5BGJODI2HIXXI3M6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"EI2CXRB4F5CZXLUZTL2EIVKWDA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732913685396},"id":"timestamp-55998","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"HMMX4FMNK5CKRMSQCA6PBDQWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913898957},"content":"Turnout figures as of 8pm are coming in from Dublin, Galway and Cavan, <b>Sarah Slater reports.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZLWWGAMNVHKJEKLKZKJENH4IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914000524},"content":"In Dublin, voter turnout had reached 51 per cent at 8pm across seven constituencies: Dublin Fingal West, Dublin Fingal East, Dublin West, Dublin Mid West, Dublin South West, Dublin Rathdown and Dún Laoghaire, according to the returning officer there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RGVB7YB3ZBDJCIVMSJZHT7ZZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913898959},"content":"In Galway city, voter turnout was ranging from 42 per cent to 54 per cent just after 8pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVLGJ6PFIFFWVEE6I36DBTVTEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914000526},"content":"In Cavan county, turnout in Ballyjamesduff reached 54 per cent, while in Cootehill it rose from 27 per cent at 4pm to 40 per cent at 6.30pm. Cavan town stood at 41.3 per cent, Bailieborough was at 54 per cent and Virginia was at 51.12 per cent at 6.30pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOTW6XUKURHCRA2HFBOCIIHASA","additional_properties":{"_id":"TY4MLUV4UBHCFERSMWJPX6PUNU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732914015707},"id":"timestamp-266","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"Y33DC547URDLFITGRZMGPHDYJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914274530},"content":"We will be publishing an exit poll at 10pm on the button which will give the first real indication as to how the country has voted today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HYDEPWC3RCFHDFKXZET2AISUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732914274531},"content":"The poll is a joint project of The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and the Department of Political Science at Trinity College Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYSEMVLBCZDUBJQCIZELJPLOZA","additional_properties":{"_id":"CR7LXC56HJBELBD22EJFMH2FTI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732914284850},"id":"timestamp-64000","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"H7CAWZAY4NAQLPJ32ZT3FXGU4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732915392174},"content":"In Cork South West the turnout figures at 8pm stood at 55.4 per cent, while it was at 50.3 per cent in Cork East and 57.4 per cent in Cork North West.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OGXMV3GBBRHXJDVKYW4X7W5PQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732915392175},"content":"In Monaghan town at 8.30pm the turnout was 52.8 per cent; in Clones it rose to 53 per cent; and in Castleblayney it stood at 38 per cent at 7pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZJE25UKJVCUFK7U7SU2BTZHLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"26YHLVV23RHCNDCXYIDQHTFN7A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732915401553},"id":"timestamp-46521","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ROMHY3KMUNBHBGIKJQWGO2I4VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139672},"content":"How accurate are exit polls? Well the exit poll at the last general election got Fianna Fáil’s 22.2 per cent first preference vote exactly right.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2IXIQIAH5FQ5DOWX5IL4EMRTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139673},"content":"Of the other two biggest parties, it slightly overestimated Fine Gael’s vote, giving the party 22.4 per cent (after the votes were counted it had 20.9 per cent) and it slightly underestimated Sinn Féin, giving the party 22.3 per cent, 2.2 per cent less than its 24.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZAFJ3SAZRCLXKVJOTUYHW7TSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917139674},"content":"This year’s exit poll will be published here at 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILQC23OJSCAK7JMM6S6XYIXK5U","additional_properties":{"_id":"6AXZYCVGAFEWTL4OESIEDDFBG4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ENUDP4LZGFET5GW4ICQTTHSVOY","additional_properties":{"_id":"4JERWL2IZVEADEJB6IF66AYEIM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732919809303},"id":"timestamp-57592","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"XKDJMEHEIZBOJFWY46SLWNZGIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889778},"content":"Limerick ballot box update","type":"header"},{"_id":"OEGA55QRWRHKFDTGX3QPQCDK7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889779},"content":"More from <b>David Raleigh</b> on the ballots in Limerick city on which candidates’ names appeared in reverse alphabetical order.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HQLZ3EOYVCZDEK7PTQMH4P5EY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889780},"content":"Sinn Féin TD candidate Maurice Quinlivan said: “The fact ‘they’ can’t get basic things right, like the alphabetical order of the candidates is an absolute scandal, and it is simply not good enough - this is a ridiculous situation to be in.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABGJZQ6YANBUJHGKC4MDF666SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889781},"content":"Speaking to The Irish Times, Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea said he did not believe the error would influence the outcome as “most voters look for the photographs” of those standing. “I think it should be ok,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXRVLK3IDRDYXHVQRM4JU7EXJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889782},"content":"“I did notice that I had to look way down the paper to see my own name and it was only when it was pointed to me that I realised what had happened.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QDMMLES6VBVDDX7TPXTR42TWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889783},"content":"“But if the outcome is very close [for some candidates] then the outcome could be challenged in court,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BK6CX5DWCNHKNEDSHNZWUWCU4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889784},"content":"A spokesperson for the Limerick city returning officer said that they were “aware of the issue” and that it would be addressed at the count centre on Saturday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZKBJD7SANC4VIFCRN54KPHVPU","additional_properties":{"_id":"XQNL5LYKUBFYRJFZUDAET44HCA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921034129},"id":"timestamp-81208","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"L7OTNEZXIFFQRKNN6SH4ZJMM2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921889786},"content":"UCD Professor of Political Economy Aidan Regan points out the exit poll is more evidence of a decline in the strength of the traditional Civil War parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PXL63RN3QNCLZCWAPYL2UQNHD4","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"WCZXLKUIJVDX3FIQ4D22KQ2XRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"7IHVRH6OD5GWVMBIT7J57CNCAA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921899310},"id":"timestamp-95077","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"3OTI4I2QHVD2PG7JFCCXL6OB4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732922925493},"content":"Listen: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation?","type":"header"},{"_id":"5JGQFFMPPNBXHLQ7GSHGAZUORE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732922925494},"content":"Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to share the results of The Irish Times exit poll for the 2024 general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YN7F5UYIRHAZOXMABTHE54RYI","additional_properties":{"_id":"C76AYGQF7FC3DGC6MFIEKNEU4E"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-8562","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NBWIRBVZABBYLNULS4ANFUMBAU","additional_properties":{"_id":"XAG63RW4URG25N6L72ONODB4ME"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863650833},"id":"timestamp-13289","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5X72FZTDPBEQ5G3V5PBOQ4OTQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382755},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">Polling stations</a> have opened across the 43 constituencies in the State and voting will continue until 10pm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULVSNVD55BAQZH5PBIQVPABQYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382756},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people will be eligible to vote. That is up 423,000 voters since the 2020 election with over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TQMVOGHZ5EWVKNNH4RVF33AOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382757},"content":"If the turnout is decent we could see more people casting their vote than at any point in the history of the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMGBUB5ELJCZZGVCR4ET6QEUY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382758},"content":"Once the clock strikes 10pm, the ballot boxes will be sealed and securely transported to the 32 count centres where they will say until 9am tomorrow when the magic – and the madness – of an Irish election count will get under way in earnest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYP2XRVSG5CALPJCNVJMVZSNQY","additional_properties":{"_id":"RCXLSAOD7ZGNPNQCI6JTXG3KJ4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863739840},"id":"timestamp-10013","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2Y5IIZY7IJEWPBYG7JDEHCHT74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382760},"content":"Today will be a long enough day with not a huge amount happening – at least in terms of canvassing – but we will be with you to cover it all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SUH46Q64ZJD4FLXUYG7LTLLY7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382761},"content":"While we might be in the calm before the political storm right now, things will change at 10pm when the first results of an Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD exit poll conducted by Ipsos B&A will be released. That might give us an early and very tentative sign as to what will happen next and who will form the next Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAWRKRUYFJCLRLPVFBRLU7RSII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382762},"content":"It won’t be definitive mind you. As the counts go on – and on and on and on – throughout tomorrow transfers and second, third and fourth preferences will come into play in a big way and until the last seat is filled we probably won’t be sure who are next Taoiseach will be and what party they will be from.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F7DCK477KRCZFN4PPWGKGFZ4XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732864382763},"content":"It is a long process for sure but isn’t that what makes it all exciting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2L66JD5KJEUPGTMB5AUKXGASE","additional_properties":{"_id":"G7KPUJYUYFA6TNWZZ3U6MOTTRU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732864782143},"id":"timestamp-32819","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UZECM6XOBZCTFDLIPXRA2TO6OY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732865077487},"content":"How do you vote? What do you need? Where should you go? We have all – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/\" target=\"_blank\">or at least some</a> – of your election questions answered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RAE65K5OJBFXHETO2XT7VKKGIE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UDJPDDAGCJD4HOOV3DUG75KWIQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732865085207},"id":"timestamp-64234","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UYSVXEU5UBEQRCIF3OQ6U42LNU","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4I44JQDQJZHDJINUHOEEW2IP3I","additional_properties":{"_id":"B2ZFVJZMZJERTNQ56UXGC7JUH4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732866065602},"id":"timestamp-27231","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"RN2XP5EWBFEUVFGIVRPAFCE6VE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831482},"content":"“Identifying target seats in Irish general election is an art more than a science. Unless there is a huge surge for one or two parties – as happened in 1992, 2011 and again in 2020 – gains and losses happen at the margins.” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/\" target=\"_blank\">This piece </a>from <b>Harry McGee</b> is well worth a few minutes of your day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVLKHLVD4BGG7CY6D7KQR4C6AY","additional_properties":{"_id":"GDWJWY2GDVBBTHZHHGZ7YZJPTY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732866764993},"id":"timestamp-31603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UBSUO3YD2NDUDOP4JSOPH2BJVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831484},"content":"“The people of Ireland will vote for freedom.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKB6OFMJFVDQHJ3MO33ZAXHUD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831485},"content":"That is Elon Musk’s view anyways, for what it’s worth. He took to the platform formerly known as Twitter overnight to share it. He also shared a video of a lot of people walking around flying the tricolour to a soundtrack of stirring music and chants of “Get them out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBRPHREVY5FWTG6KTEHOED5IPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732867831486},"content":"Now you know.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MHSV5B3HJCYRF57ERZW6XL3LU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4UEIK4RCPVE4THD67NRVBXEI6M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732867840212},"id":"timestamp-12880","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BR3IQCNLDBALVPNT7JKRKSXRWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732868908504},"content":"Still undecided? That’s okay, we have you covered on that score too. We’re not going to tell you who to vote for, like, but t<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/election-2024-how-do-your-views-match-with-election-candidates-in-your-area-use-this-tool-to-find-out/\" target=\"_blank\">he WhichCandidate voting aid tool </a>might help you to find out who you agree with on a range of policies","type":"text"},{"_id":"99b36e44-04d2-4a86-b384-cd5c4fbf90d0","additional_properties":{"_id":"YTEDZSBNQRBC7HYR75Y6WSJCY4"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"OA543LYQSZE4RLFZ3E2GRUXADY","additional_properties":{"_id":"CB4BWXVIXRALLDFI5HU7DVHB2A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732869027748},"id":"timestamp-59739","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BEA7OYI2KBEGLDIUFUAEZ3ADIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895305},"content":"Our voting system is many things but uncomplicated is not one of them. How does it work?<b> Sarah Burns </b>has some answers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEPGHREF6JBJXOJSYI7UBIGAUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"HH56JDV3CFDN5LBLZITIUHN7P4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732869208013},"id":"timestamp-60077","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PIPMOATDYFDKDBSIYCU4YDK23I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895307},"content":"Simon Harris has aid he was “feeling really good today” as he arrived with his family at Delgany National School in Co Wicklow to vote just before 7.30am.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G5D67DNALNAIFAFFDWRCD2ALAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895308},"content":"“I’m feeling really hopeful, hopeful in terms of the election, but hopeful for the future of our country,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7Y5VM5XUBDY3MYRUXZ2SEMQ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895309},"content":"“I wanted to vote early because I now want to head across our country today, continuing to encourage everyone to get out and have their say in this election.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAUIDW2FK5E7LIYUFHXRFKCPBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895310},"content":"Asked whether he was glad the campaign was over, the Taoiseach said he had enjoyed the campaign and making a pitch for his vision for the country’s future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5LMWQZ3G4RAGBAR22WK4CVQPB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895311},"content":"He said he would be working until polls close at 10pm and is expected to travel to counties Carlow, Laois, Monaghan and Tipperary, as well as Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M3SPVZUY3VBW7LLCHMVTFY6ABM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NVK6W75X6BDH5JF7CXFYVFJW2Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732871757350},"id":"timestamp-32217","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CXDCANP7WFAPVMLB6SKQSIQF6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871895313},"content":"And in case you miss it, this is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/\" target=\"_blank\">how we will be covering the count.</a> It’s an all hands on deck kind of affair.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GFN3VR3YRBBFHNHOLRMHVENUM","additional_properties":{"_id":"6PAGZ25AR5DJVG2VQR2H62RKHM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732871904535},"id":"timestamp-3090","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"P7NPHJWNSK6HXO3UPGSU4FIXHE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UV4MF3WGTRBV5P5Q672R376LZ4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BFG6TXIJUVEU7MRYXTUTAR4SUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"YD5J7TYSABCDNLAVCTXSWZUZGQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732872207628},"id":"timestamp-51225","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G7KCASHRWZHWFANMKRQS5WFSWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607566},"content":"Don’t write up Louth, up the Dubs, up Mayo","type":"header"},{"_id":"PNBJTSYE3BGVXB2LPRM6MADHKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607567},"content":"An Coimisiún Toghcháin’s head of electoral operations Tim Carey has warned voters not to write anything but numbers on their ballot papers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJHRAFZAFJBEZFRV3MKF7NEJ2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607568},"content":"Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland he reminded voters to “start with the number one and then work your way down the ballot with as much or as few candidates as you want. Don’t write up Louth, up the Dubs, up Mayo, don’t comment on one of the politicians or anything like that because if you do your vote may not be counted.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NTH4VRBY7FFA7BA33QL2VH74DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607569},"content":"He also warned people against taking selfies in the booth. “Take a selfie outside the polling station by the sign, but not inside the polling station.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNBJTSYE3BGVXB2LPRM6MADHKA_1","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607570},"content":"Care said people should also make sure their ballot is properly stamped at the polling stations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OO2H64THSFEYNFFPAMEQ67EYLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732872607571},"content":"“If that is not done, and in a very small percentage of cases it is not because they are busy or they just forget, your vote won’t count – it is actually an invalid vote,” he said. “So, make sure it is stamped.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T47TDMD7DIS6ZDY2OKHGNVQHJM","additional_properties":{"_id":"AHGUYNMBQRHGJGCGKPPX4U2CQ4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DK3XB64VCNCBNLALK54RIT23XE","additional_properties":{"_id":"EFUSQR6QNVGNBLZVEHLZFJKWF4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732876532241},"id":"timestamp-28553","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CGYPK7MMYRBPVN7UZSGPBJLQ7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794373},"content":"The Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said he is “cautiously hopeful” of the outcome of what he called a “close fought” election battle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYEUUXHP2VATNHRLWCR2RW3NQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794374},"content":"He said his Fianna Fáil party had a “stronger team” than they had in the 2020 election, when they came back with 38 seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MO7JFF54IRGNJM22PDXR7XHDFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794375},"content":"Asked will he sleep on Friday night and before count day, he said “oh I will yeah”. Asked if he has any rituals on count day, Mr Martin said “I take it easy”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KF5BS44KMBEK5HO6TWCNVS2VXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794376},"content":"“I’ll have a very good breakfast tomorrow morning, and I tell everyone not to come near me until about midday,” he said in Cork. I don’t want to hear a tally from the 44th box, no point. I can go over all that later.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCO2PMTZ25FQ5IR5OXELIHRJQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794377},"content":"“Actually, I’m very relaxed on count day and the only challenge is to make sure that I can keep the noise out. I will probably go into town and do a few things, go to Douglas market maybe. Then in around midday, 1pm maybe, depending when the tally will be finished, head to the count centre, and it’s very familiar ground for me, Nemo Rangers, and I’ll enjoy that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3V6OLSGYVBRDMEHPZSUEOUY2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794378},"content":"“Maybe that’ll be a good omen,” he said, referring to the fact that his son Micheal Aodh plays football for Nemo Rangers GAA club.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JG3BGLQIWVAPJL3WDU2HB45EP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"4J3BZM4XVVFTPEV3QGUAEY2LEQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732876861448},"id":"timestamp-10510","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AX7DTGEMVM5TWME5E5DYYYU5XI","additional_properties":{"_id":"UTEF4PHNXBBGLFRU44ZFDQMLGI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TW2WU4NUFFBLZOVZDKMQMY4Z3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"4KEBAN4MEBARPOL5QKKUAEOUSA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732877280096},"id":"timestamp-62193","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"22G6VQ3D3NGRXGMNAUFJSSUWRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877794382},"content":"There is some talk of turnout coming in. It is very early in the day and across the country between 3 and 5 per cent of the electorate have already cast their ballots. According to some reports, Dublin has been slightly busier that it was at this point in the 2020 election. Still very early days mind you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"562I7ZIJ5RCPFI3BYY2PXPUIKA","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZPBJHDJ6FRCXFJJLKXECUR6OLE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732879624229},"id":"timestamp-56898","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UPGMPEHV75GUDDPHKYI37Y4FYM","additional_properties":{"_id":"EC3JOPPXJRCYZNQDWPKFADEWWM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XY3SFO6VNRCC5KN54QJLLZ2SKA","additional_properties":{"_id":"75T2S4PV5ZCZXMQ3WBGBHHQG5M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880136040},"id":"timestamp-88339","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5W6HFHYK25FF5CGT3F5JROIDMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394480},"content":"The Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said today is not the day to talk about the exact make-up of any future Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOB5O4DVMFHOTOUJ2WY4HSXT6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394481},"content":"<b>Barry Roche </b>reports that when he was asked if he would be happy to be a rotating Taoiseach after the election he said “we’re not getting into that today. The people are voting today. Let’s have respect for the people.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IO7IR27HEFDMZCXBLVY6R7ARB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394482},"content":"He said he was “fighting to be Taoiseach, I’m campaigning to be Taoiseach after the next election, but nothing is certain until every vote is counted. And then there is the aftermath of election in terms of what happens within Dáil Éireann itself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"REEP63WDAZD4DBEK24FCN5T4PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394483},"content":"So there is a lot of hard work ahead, but certainly I did have a good feeling in the last two to three days in terms of the response that I was getting after the debates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTXNUGMRQRH6VBXX43SMMBUBLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732880394484},"content":"He said the decision is “now in the hands of the people. We can’t be predicting anything now, at this stage, other than that, we fought a positive campaign. We’ve got a good response.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZILRB7GBVAOFHHEL7CVODDBBI","additional_properties":{"_id":"D64GIVLWJBEQ3OTDW7A2HAZBZU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880405081},"id":"timestamp-44220","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6MD54PS4MFBFHBH74UYERHQ6JI","additional_properties":{"_id":"5HFHMDOLENFIRHQTZKHPIXMTS4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880415758},"id":"timestamp-29966","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"KQ7E5B4BMBBAXC5KDUJ4IN3HIM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"KHEKXSV7KNFP5D7M6VSRLAWKGI","additional_properties":{"_id":"BVFMJX62W5AIHADVVUPV4DFONU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732880977983},"id":"timestamp-41921","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BXS2D7FRAFBZ7P2PFPRLCVEIFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197459},"content":"<b>Jade Wilson </b>has a fresh update on turnout in Dublin and Kildare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43Z5YSRK2NAMDOTIFX4DG62HCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197460},"content":"As of 9.30am this morning, voting constituencies across Dublin city had an average turnout of 3.68 per cent, with the exact turnouts for each constituency in the area below.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5TQ6A5KH5CYLEQBIQ7MVEB7YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197461},"content":"Dublin North West: 3.8 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"TWN7RW5T5VA4LEVJA5NWYLTLN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197462},"content":"Dublin Bay North: 2.4 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NTG5ZAR7JCXXMKS7WRRD6QQRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197463},"content":"Dublin Central: 4.5 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"MNXXF6K6VBAKJGCUZKLS4I6ND4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197464},"content":"Dublin Bay South: 5.15 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIWZNUX2R5CATMFFYVFM4A7CN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197465},"content":"Dublin South Central: 2.55 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"2IHVOGX435BMNPGFXKBKMUXJNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197466},"content":"Across Kildare North and South at the same time, there was an average turnout between 5 per cent and 6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LM5ZDY2KX5CGVIG4VLCC2X7XTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197467},"content":"The next check with returning officers will be at around 12.30pm, we’re told.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XNOYSPDOVABDHOBVBTRPX6VUE","additional_properties":{"_id":"6QG4UFQBGVCPNNB4TOJYM4VCQE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732881237818},"id":"timestamp-63195","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"FOHYYHSRZ5MIZXEWR7DJ5TCJ7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"DEH5NOV3NBFBPPK3VJ6GLTZOQI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VJO6XTM72JBNNCKMZKRDSTJJTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OBEMFFE6KBGONAMI6ZDLTPMOCY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732882092607},"id":"timestamp-87062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SKREDAEYHBGCBFN4OMEUHEXC7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197471},"content":"Have you ever wondering what overseas journalists make of our somewhat complicated voting system?","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBIOQ73D3ZGRXFLJOGEPDJ63HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732883197472},"content":"And how are international media organisations covering the elections here? <b>Sarah Burns</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/29/im-sort-of-bracing-myself-for-the-days-of-counting-ahead-foreign-journalists-views-on-the-general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">has been finding out.</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"43L3EYNO5FAWDA5MEMBEOIQAFU","additional_properties":{"_id":"AWZ3HKDVM5D6XHJCTQ4PYE6UPE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732883208963},"id":"timestamp-79534","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PUJSNEY5DZE7DF5SQIFG2CKDV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541906},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has cast her vote in at the Deaf Village in Cabra.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B64UVOCPARCRLCQP7L22BXF4DA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541907},"content":"“We’ve lost count of the number of conversations that we’ve had with people with disabilities, children waiting and waiting for services, and that is really hard and really unacceptable, but we need to mark today with a note of optimism and hope and confidence and ambition, because today is election day,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WA3T4KW25F6FLHRYE6BEZWJCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541908},"content":"“And the great beauty of this, and it’s a moment of almost, of actual unique equality for every citizen, because your vote holds exactly the same weight, whether you’re down on your luck and you’re struggling, or if you’re a multi millionaire, your vote carries equal weight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YD3JCKMVSFF6NFIAO55RWMRDU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541909},"content":"“So this is the moment where people can really shape the next Government, and we need a new Government, but really have your say on an equal basis. So I always think that that’s a really positive thing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4VUBOPMFTZE7LC2H7DMXCZ2JOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"CFXUMT6U5FDSPEG2P24AK2RBEM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884459724},"id":"timestamp-54460","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GFXLVTS64JG65KNDW76C6WCZUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541911},"content":"Some more turnout news from<b> Jade Wilson</b>, this time from Cavan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6GLWBDZTVEV3PGWQ4X5LWIAWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541912},"content":"At Bailieborough count centre, the turnout at 10am was 6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMPKDV44ENFZXD544QEHIWBMWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541913},"content":"In Ballyjamesduff, it was 8 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2JDSXI4S3VBPZD5WIDMIGFCKJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541914},"content":"By 11am, turnout at St Clare’s count centre in Cavan was 9.17 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5DTUFJJD5GT7LIIKEA363JQBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732884541915},"content":"And the turnout for Virginia in Co Cavan at 12pm is 14.14 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CESLIUJNRFHVPN5NGPWOGFJOO4","additional_properties":{"_id":"GOGBNB3FJ5CI5G7EQ5LWDTQK34"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884554229},"id":"timestamp-16062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"S6RQIKCZHBEVJIOSPBW2UEHAVY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FWIQPUMF2RC6LCNZZBTCTCIX3M"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZHF7GUML4NDNJBLUOSLRD7OOAI","additional_properties":{"_id":"BHK3YZTTMFGKZAPBI6AMNMWEHE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884681595},"id":"timestamp-94982","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"C6M7E5F2SFHA3CN3RL6DWI33MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543083},"content":"The President, Michael D Higgins cast his vote in the Phoenix Park this morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ZJVBGFXBRE77OSJXOY2BQL5SE","subtype":"instagram","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4BC6C74PEZEENPRBOA62TW6BMA","additional_properties":{"_id":"JVIZNHDDDBEGRNGFULA6ITAJVY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884758842},"id":"timestamp-82544","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AVZ2SYXQTBHNLCAVSNB47TH7YU","additional_properties":{"_id":"TUNXU76JFNCCJKVDCV5ACOT66E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732884842480},"id":"timestamp-43879","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"T4HULRO7PBHUZCODQPMANMPT3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543087},"content":"We have some very good news from the leader of one party which we really must share while stressing it should not be taken as an indication of any bias on our part.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPKRKCTZMJDCJDLYW2BU5CSAII","subtype":"instagram","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"7Z66KWBIEZH55PVFPQL462JMZY","additional_properties":{"_id":"C5RWUG6HLBEBVHACOGY36AKN5I"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732885546473},"id":"timestamp-83194","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"F7DGBL4DQNDCDIOHET6QBKBP6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543090},"content":"More news on turnouts around the country from <b>Jade Wilson.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3YLMZIQONGEJLRNI5TYT5LYSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543091},"content":"Turnout across polling stations in Galway West is currently 8 per cent to 14 per cent at, while Galway East count centres have turnouts of 11 per cent to 16 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMMZRU5ZENAQDDT5LAAMA3L5IU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543092},"content":"Turnout in rural Mayo polling stations is currently 9 to 18 per cent, and between 9 and 12.3 per cent in urban Mayo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCMRMMJJ3JFUXLCGQ7XHMFR6EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543093},"content":"In Dundalk, some of the rural polling stations are now seeing over 20 per cent turnout.","type":"text"},{"_id":"74WWWEHG45B3XCYEK5BZBHZR6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543094},"content":"Kilcurry polling station has a turnout of 28 per cent, and Sheelagh has 22 per cent so far.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZUDJ5VXCFEEFKJGPJLEPM6QBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543095},"content":"In urban Dundalk, turnout is currently between 12.5-15 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QULW4ZWV6BGW3NA75TV75N2LF4","additional_properties":{"_id":"WEBU2QF6TNAD3LOQPQE5UW2HME"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732886270993},"id":"timestamp-66382","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SWWQ6JT77BFKXLD44VRXI7RP2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886543097},"content":"In the Sandymount area of Dublin Bay South constituency the turn out was at 20 per cent by 12.30pm. Officials say is “well above” the turnout rate at the same time for the local and European elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPA5S5MYQ5AYDLE65LMBODO5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"7DSFDZXKGVBNZAG4HIQVYWCNMY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732886556104},"id":"timestamp-3427","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MUV3FLU57RDZ3JSUA3N3GIA7IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861468},"content":"<b>Harry McGee </b>has done a breakdown of how the election might shake up for some parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAWX7BOASJFKRC52FJTLUP67YM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861469},"content":"<b>GREEN PARTY</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YLFEAUVQVVEL3J2CZKIIDNR4RA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861470},"content":"It’s a battle for survival for the Green Party. It has no strong targets and all its potential gains are long shots. Only two of its TDs, Catherine Martin and Roderic O’Gorman look safe. It is in real trouble in five constituencies and will be in battles in another five.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5GEFQLD4NECDDYFGAJM2FCEJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861471},"content":"POSSIBLE GAINS","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFEYFSLCEFG23FW7HBLZDCZFGM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"Z27G5EBGIZB6JHXEW2WFSODN2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861473},"content":"SERIOUS RISK OF LOSS","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUINJGLQY5HUDJKJRDAY54R6KA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"3KIBR46GGJFXJIZBT3N6OYA6ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732888861475},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"C25XVUC4SNANRNCSFC3BIOBXNE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"75BDHU5PB5CFRMOB4LVCCL66ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"6MPVICSIFNF5PLKA2KJZQ53HNQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732889671100},"id":"timestamp-30899","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UJBC6Q6M5ZHTLHHCL5WHQVWZSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745030},"content":"The number of people in homeless accommodation in the State has reached another record high and is now at almost 15,000 people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YD7FWG5YM5HJZKC4BYQOARLGZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745031},"content":"There were 14,966 people homeless in October, consisting of 10,321 adults and 4,645 children under the age of 18, from 2,161 families.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GC6NAGCXPRA5FMXQZK5DO5UT2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745032},"content":"It amounts to an increase of 1.4 per cent on the 14,760 people accessing emergency accommodation in September.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKMF4BTE6VE3PBOAPZ2AXT7ZZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745033},"content":"The homelessness figures have increased year on year by 13.5 per cent. There were 13,179 people in homelessness in October last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KG4T3OAYRBGBFDRDXAXI4PNUUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745034},"content":"Opposition parties, especially Sinn Féin, had called for the figures to be published in advance of the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AXY6HEDWRJDMPOMTK7532NICME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745035},"content":"However, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien said the publication of the figures were the sole responsibility of his department.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SIVC36OFZCPJE7SNPGPCYZPVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745036},"content":"The homelessness figures for the previous month are normally published by the Department of Housing on the last Friday of the following month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MEARX7YEJEE5EXCOHZRY45GL4","additional_properties":{"_id":"EIR43F2ZBFES5PPJC3X6SJCLVU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732889995581},"id":"timestamp-25399","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OQ7USWEASVAKDA52OWA6GHPWBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745038},"content":"Sinn Féin’s housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin has said that ‘the latest rise in homeless numbers confirms why a change of Government is needed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VBYIIE3YBJBWPOVNXNZSPA2NO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745039},"content":"“Once again, the number of adults, children, single people, and families without a home has increased. And this just weeks after the Government announced its record giveaway budget. The latest rise in homeless numbers confirms why we need a change of Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXQIVN44WRBLPNUPZEEOYUBIZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745040},"content":"“As people go to the polls throughout today, they should ask themselves do they want another five years of rising homelessness. Because that is what they will get it Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael go back into Government,” he continued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMLFDLNZ5JET5NUOYFPENZ7CXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745041},"content":"We will report any other responses as they come in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLR4YL34QNAGHD6XCE56M3SAR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"55DDVGUECZF2HDPYNPZF6GBLU4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732891051632},"id":"timestamp-22692","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"INM3JKWPBFGYXEFQUXJOOUS25U","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TKDIZSK6NJCUHHW7PCQZEKNSYA","additional_properties":{"_id":"YAQ2WXVTPVDIDJNUDREDGOS3VQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732891924500},"id":"timestamp-97674","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"TWFKZRMZ6NGNNGOYT4X4GLJRQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745045},"content":"More from <b>Harry McGee</b> on how the smaller parties might do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IN2L5V573ZCWFN6MD4XFUGL2IY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745046},"content":"<b>SOCIAL DEMOCRATS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VWQ6RXYXORFHJE7KC5LOCEE56Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745047},"content":"The party is polling very strongly and looks like it will make gains. It has three strong targets, and another seven constituencies where it might gain on a very good day. Could be the dark horse among the smaller parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SW7BJOYKKBDVXACHZ5BJ2YEMSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745048},"content":"MAIN TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"4D3ZTUUYCVHGRM5SFA3FLYO7OQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"NRWC2BM4IJF7TMRX5GRU3XFCMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745050},"content":"POSSIBLE TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"27XYCRY6JJF2VEQWN2DF6FMLMM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"VC3UTVS3UNC5XHVWGB4IZISVVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745052},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"CY3FS42ZGVFJLGZOIBZSHF5YQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745053},"content":"Dublin North West: Róisín Shortall’s retirement leaves a big gap and Rory Hearne has his work cut out to retain it. But he is high profile and with his party showing 12 per cent support levels in Dublin in The Irish Times poll, he will be in the mix.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NORXGP7DWFGWROW3BHAUPT4XWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745054},"content":"Dublin Central: Another high profile figure, Gary Gannon, faces stiff competition in an unpredictable constituency where transfers will be everything. He looks like he might just survive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VCEWK5ARBRASDIL5MNFE57LKOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745055},"content":"<b>SOLIDARITY-PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BYQ5MH6ZBFRRJOLQ3J4BZDH34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745056},"content":"MAIN TARGET","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PBOODW4O5A7JLJA4APRACSRZQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"BWKCJ55ZPZEYNBHEVMY5FFXISE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745058},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"NRPB47NTLFFVTA6BNK5TSAT5PA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"BDY26GJPLFFQZDZXN3ATV324YI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745060},"content":"<b>AONTÚ:</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I23GBSI77BDZZBKAUOV7AAE35E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745061},"content":"MAIN TARGETS:","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RBBJ4IF4BEW3EODCHPMKLDLTY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7KR24XVDIFDVTFDUUNYX32IJVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"UQUAF4VD4BDXRAKN77ZPKLMKJA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732893511743},"id":"timestamp-94450","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JPEBXE7FPBDBRHUJGW7IRPWELQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745064},"content":"The smaller parties are targeting specific constituencies for gains, and also to shore up support where their existing seats are under pressure, writes <b>Harry McGee.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XYOGQPKRFHNHM47SXQCYIHTDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745065},"content":"<b>LABOUR</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2M7AAV3JGJDLHHJM4BFD6VHOLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745066},"content":"MAIN TARGETS","type":"text"},{"_id":"A45RMKAOANBNTPENOHZ3GQVZ2Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"27CZBYAMKJCP3AS65WGHUP5X2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745068},"content":"POSSIBLE GAINS","type":"text"},{"_id":"DSPRUSHIZFHVZCOAOLVWSJ644M","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"KC5P4CT6NZBXTGHY4JHGQ4TYWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732893745070},"content":"POTENTIAL LOSSES","type":"text"},{"_id":"IIJCDK7SU5D4LM6X626RMXKRZE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7NAY6L26FFGXRFR2UGDNTGI6YA","additional_properties":{"_id":"TKKH7SJUIVBY3G3L4PNIGTCLGU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732893762243},"id":"timestamp-85049","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"DPTUPIF7WVCQ3FU37XAUOBKA7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732895474764},"content":"A really interesting read from <b>Olivia O’Leary </b>a woman who knows a thing or two about Irish elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWIOW7NKMVBJJMS4X3QHIJSZHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732895474765},"content":"There’s a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/30/olivia-oleary-if-this-election-campaign-has-proven-anything-its-that-voters-are-not-eejits/\" target=\"_blank\">great deal to be said for keeping it simple. </a>The British journalist and excellent communicator, Andrew Marr, once advised journalists to put no more than four figures in an opinion piece. More than that and you lost the reader. And if this election campaign was dull, it was partly because it was weighed down with too many complex numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I5SHLC4XJGLPODJDJMKKVXC2M","additional_properties":{"_id":"5NQMWRDVBBEGLOCWTVRZW2G6UU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732897231234},"id":"timestamp-47196","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GXJVWSGZHRAQPFFSLH553JQFQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874085},"content":"The timing is coincidental but the latest Eurobarometer poll may auger well for the re-election of the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RR6Q5NK7HVAJHIFOHNJJIK4GXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874086},"content":"The European Commission undertakes surveys across the 27 member states on a regular basis to ascertain the mood of the Continent in general.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PG2BLLEO75DJHLJXS36JUL2HSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874087},"content":"The survey shows that Irish people are generally more contented with their lot than their European equivalents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVGU7GAPCBEZPCIKNXEMDKIORY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874088},"content":"Some 82 per cent rate their financial situation as being good in comparison with 73 per cent in Europe in general.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUTISE2Z5BHURCLQVDIOWOAIKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874089},"content":"Similarly, 79 per cent of Irish people are happy with their job situation compared to 68 per cent across Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECPEXTFXXRCVPEXOF6H3L277G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874090},"content":"Irish people are generally satisfied with the state of the economy with 71 per cent saying the economic situation is good and 28 per cent bad.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPAUMQZ4NRHYTGT3LCDLW3U7NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874091},"content":"The survey also reveals strong support for the EU’s actions against Russia with 90 per cent of Irish people agreeing on sanctions against the country because of its invasion of Ukraine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5LO6CAOXJE2DPIGJQJREQKG4E","additional_properties":{"_id":"OPMM46OVKNBVHLGKJNL4YTO5OQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732898915222},"id":"timestamp-53689","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"D3QD3GRFGBEB5DDJFLHEYVRFAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874093},"content":"Holly Cairns, who was first elected to Cork County Council in 2019 by a single vote, will be hoping that things aren’t quite as tight this time around as she won’t be able to vote for herself after giving birth to a little girl this morning at Cork University Maternity Hospital, <b>writes Barry Roche.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUPQI4P6PRAMRH6UGB2LNTPSQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874094},"content":"“Holly went into the hospital for a check up on Thursday evening and stayed in and her baby girl was born early this morning – she is registered to vote in her home polling station outside Skibbereen so she won’t be able to vote today,” said a Social Democrats source.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY6CJI3ACBDOZG3LCAJ32BOQ6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874095},"content":"“It would be a two-hour journey and just not feasible with a newly born baby and unfortunately there is no facility for voting in hospitals like there is in nursing homes, so she won’t be able to cast her vote this time around.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTFDL6MG5JEK3MCG6DLJA4SCPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874096},"content":"Holly was on the campaign trail right until to the time she went into CUMH, filming a campaign video for Social Democrats Cork South Central candidate Padraig Rice from the grounds of the maternity hospital in Wilton in the heart of the five seat constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"742NMCE7W5BP5MVQBFZSH5OW6M","additional_properties":{"_id":"LTFLZHYCSVGMVKADZ5N5JKPK4E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732898982833},"id":"timestamp-18929","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"QCN5I6622BDMDDF6BJOX6RNTCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874098},"content":"Various different names have been put forward on X as to what Holly Cairns might call her baby girl given the auspicious day she was born.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DT2QK3VCWZBZ7JGUK63VVY5IQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874099},"content":"Electra was one, Victoria another, Candace and maybe even Poll-y.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYOXCU5SDRC77BTJ46EBE4CAEE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ZJACMITQ7NHCFGNTUQEQZ2FOZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"NEGGDM3235HVVLAXIITOVABUCM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732900121928},"id":"timestamp-98110","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"Z7UZ5EPN6JGATLV355A3RWWTVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874118},"content":"The Tonight Show presenters Claire Brock and Ciara Doherty have both announced their departure from the station.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKNZPEOAEFA25EWYEDKNBJCVZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732902681467},"content":"The Virgin Media show, which was a fixture for a lot of political junkies, was cut down to from four to two days a week just before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOYZ3CQLXBGZHKS47QRI2S4YDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874117},"content":"The station also pleaded poverty in its decision to not host a leaders’ debate. Station controller Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin blamed the failure of the Government to help","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TVCDHBBDZCJVMX27BMBO5FE2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874119},"content":"Ms Doherty, who has been with the broadcaster for 14 years, said she has decided “to move on from late nights and early mornings to begin a new adventure”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEC3Q3QPI5CBHN3S4UAM7AXOYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732900874120},"content":"Claire Brock said she had been “fortunate to have enjoyed incredible opportunities with the very best team of colleagues”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTX6JQD6R5FYNMNY3E45NJFF24","additional_properties":{"_id":"G57KLY2GDBGTTJ5FZ52IC7L4O4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732916258853},"id":"timestamp-60236","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JFKTSDS54JGOZNSPOMRB5TC2A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762077},"content":"Exit Poll will give strong indication of how the electorate has voted","type":"header"},{"_id":"XPMCWAHZHRC5RKX63FCD5Y2ENI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762078},"content":"We are nearing the time of when the exit poll results are published. We are going live with them at 10pm sharp. The poll was commissioned by The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and Trinity College and 5,000 people have been surveyed across all 43 constituencies during the course of the day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWI7IDZDKJFJ7DPI3S35DW4BXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762079},"content":"Our last opinion poll published on Monday put the three parties within a hair’s breadth of one another with Fianna Fáil at 21 per cent, Sinn Féin at 20, and Fine Gael at 19, all within the margin of error.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4KQX4IBBZC6TLHFVKE2BF32DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762080},"content":"Has anything occurred in the past week to move the needle to or from any of the parties?","type":"text"},{"_id":"UR4LO4AEVFGLFADTW2DAN2NJLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762081},"content":"Was the leaders’ debate on RTÉ deliberative?","type":"text"},{"_id":"YX76JSYB45C2XPPIG27UFL5A4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762082},"content":"Did Simon Harris put what he described as the “bumps along the way” behind him?","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNK6SURPRNDKNL2YXG6ADK7OXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762083},"content":"If they are still locked together, it is going to be intriguing. It will mean that no two combinations can come close to a majority. The pathway to power for Sinn Féin will be tricky in that instance. The other interesting thing (but this will only become apparent when the count starts tomorrow) will be transfers. Will Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil transfer to each other in the numbers that their strategists are predicting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5TQNCQPSFRBT7M57ULJJY5VXG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916762084},"content":"This poll has such a large sample that the margin of error is small. We have not finalised the number yet but it will be around 1.6 per cent. In 2020, a similar exercised gave a very close approximation of the final out-turn for each of the larger parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EACDQ2OZWLQTWSJZHFTHYGRTF4","additional_properties":{"_id":"YBK6ONTQBZAEZJE2YOJ5PMNEYU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CVSBCHUWR5BVFKYULTVCFYU4HE","additional_properties":{"_id":"AQETCAAS4ZFGRGN6HLKAPXPPW4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6RXL46KHZZD3FLJIDSY4FGTSOE","additional_properties":{"_id":"UINBV5SFKNACVOHQUHDTZQTERI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917250714},"id":"timestamp-24691","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BQL4V7UWURFZ7COJJWICUIJP4E","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"25UTZQWK3VHJLMABLMPJBCROAY","additional_properties":{"_id":"4SLKDTZA4JBWLFHPLJY56HGJWM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917269418},"id":"timestamp-77421","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PS4TCXKY6JE23GQKTCWZXNCMQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136757},"content":"A very tense and close election with three lead parties within 1.6 per cent of each other","type":"header"},{"_id":"AIMIMXVXS5AE5PDS5GQEK3RRPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136758},"content":"The three lead parties are at a near deadlock according to the findings of the exit poll conducted by Ipsos/B&A on behalf of The Irish Times, RTE, TG4 and Trinity College.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJSLHLL63JDENN2V7ZTUFDTCGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136759},"content":"For the second election in a row, Sinn Féin looks like it will be the most popular party with 21.1 per cent, a whisker above Fine Gael, which is at 21.0 per cent according to the findings. Fianna Fáil is a further 1.5 per cent back at 19.5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLN3IV3LBJECFEAQHNEDNOPUWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136760},"content":"The number of voter who were sampled today across the 43 constituencies was 5,018. The margin of error is 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RFXG5663BBNJLKVT3RS4QLR6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136761},"content":"Of the other parties, the Social Democrats have come out best, marginally ahead of the Labour Party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GO5BWEOFRZG53DTIW5BZHX252A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136762},"content":"Their support levels are, according to the poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJ3GUNW2H5FR5MXFZIHS2BTXFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136763},"content":"Social Democrats: 5.8 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTYADHTHFVBA3CLH4PZPECLOGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136764},"content":"Labour 5 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WW5WXVYCBCVPFRRL2ZHBJANWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136765},"content":"Green Party 4 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKGLNYDQUNHVDG7BIPOA6QKQUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136766},"content":"Aontu 3.6 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"7T7UCD222ZBIBF65IUGBYYSKH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136767},"content":"People Before Profit 3.1 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEPVO46KGNGZJHR3FQLCMWRGBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136768},"content":"Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYGI6NEUVFEZPBPALF6JGCBPAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136769},"content":"Independents 12.7 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXAJISUH4RA6NFZVCSYEBOFM3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136770},"content":"Others 1.9 per cent","type":"text"},{"_id":"6HQNAS5NXBALZP4OZDBEMCSR4U","additional_properties":{"_id":"7KTFZKRXRRD5XMVI4TJY6UHGHQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732917951734},"id":"timestamp-53776","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A7KGJPUNLVDF7CRFQUCLJJLVSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136772},"content":"Jennifer Bray gives her take on The Late Late Show","type":"header"},{"_id":"RMUHGBEJGFGWTBJMJ3FLQQCQBE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"GRDB3QIOCNGSZPY3YQJCA2T5KA","additional_properties":{"_id":"PL2SIMAYSNEA5LVJVMHKVKC7FI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918048089},"id":"timestamp-90356","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"J6H6PSJL6ZHDFCQ5COLX4IMNNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136775},"content":"So what does it mean?","type":"header"},{"_id":"5VM52IYVG5DH5ECUKUCTHQ72OY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136776},"content":"Well the people have spoken but I think it’s going to take a while for us to figure out what they have said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I56NBHF7WRELVMKKLJREHY42S4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136777},"content":"The three larger parties are still more or less prised together. Just a word of caution, in the exit poll in 2020, the actual outturn did differ a little, so one or more of the three big parties may have its support levels overstated or understated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YI62LUCT2ZFLJBIFV5WPHR5S4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136778},"content":"If the results are borne out, Fianna Fáil will be the most disappointed. It seemed to have been the only party that had stayed above the fray but it clearly did not have momentum. Micheál Martin was said to have had a good campaign but it has not translated into a greater level of support.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWI5FHLAPBBT3FGHJYUTG5YA4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136779},"content":"In context, it’s a good result for Sinn Féin. Not compared to a year ago. But definitely compared to five months ago when it tanked in the local and European elections. It has managed to put those - and the series of scandals involving senior figures in the party - behind it and recovered to compete with the other two.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3QFBILSSBFMZP7BY3B5VM5ROQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136780},"content":"Fine Gael will be disappointed compared to a month ago. But happy compared to three days ago when Simon Harris, after swatting away all foes for months, seemed to have impaled himself on his sword.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XQBYVYTZ7ZAJ7GK7OO2B6DJKXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136781},"content":"Is there a path to government on these figures. Not for Sinn Féin as a lead party of a left alliance. Not for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil as a coalition setting off to do the second difficult album. There will be a lot of talking and a lot of creativity needed, if these results are borne out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDSA3FMJRFEPNGORROVWNXH5TU","additional_properties":{"_id":"5DDTFCSBAFFE7J2GHBJNMFLHAI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918737049},"id":"timestamp-41916","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"EDTQQIAZ6BFNTMN2E73SS457ZY","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"JVRL6HJVNBFXXBTKCD3R6URJUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"7BEHID3MKNH7NDWRMEN5OBAGAA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732918842978},"id":"timestamp-29462","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NJFSTT7RDZAA3MSQYLVDNVAXKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136785},"content":"What does it mean for the smaller parties and Independents?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RKNIMEKZ5RBDXGNC2ZI4DUMBT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136786},"content":"There is a clear winner among the smaller parties and that is the Social Democrats with a 5.8 per cent showing. Depending on how it attracts transfers (and it is transfer friendly) the party could see its seat numbers creep into double figures. Likewise, Labour will be content enough with its showing of 5 per cent. It’s an increase on its 2020 election result of 4.4 per cent, if borne out, and could deliver extra seats for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6V5ZRPLLRE6FMR522ULSWZP6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136787},"content":"Another smaller party which will be thrilled is Aontú which has 3.6 per cent, according to the poll. People Before Profit has also marginally increased its support levels from 2.6 per cent to 3.1 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXKYQWMNZFHNLJG7DA4PZ4EK7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136788},"content":"And the Greens? It is at 4 per cent, down 3 per cent from 2020. That means it could lose half its seats or more. But it’s not as calamitous for the party as 2011, when its support levels dipped below 2 per cent and it lost all its seats as well as the right to receive State financing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS2WCJHJKNHM7NNQDU3YRTXSSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136789},"content":"The Independent Alliance has 2.2 which suggests it did not attract the kind of support it set out to do. The figure for Independents is 12.7 which is close to the 2020 figures. It suggests there might not be a big increase in their number.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGPLC33JWBCMHEYMIKXNAFWWVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"IVKZBDPNJZEX3F4SYFS6BCSEVM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732919666612},"id":"timestamp-35173","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ELEHSMMRGJHXPK2ABZJH56TOWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136791},"content":"Where are the Second Preferences Going?","type":"header"},{"_id":"SFFEGE4FKBBQBLLZG66LFJ44MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136792},"content":"There is a slight bias toward the two Government parties over Sinn Féin. Again Fianna Fáil will be disappointed as it looked from other polls this week that it might be more popular than the other two parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FB5UYZDWSZHJDBEA2E3SV6FD5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136793},"content":"How will that translate into seats? It’s hard to say. If there is a disciplined transfer between the two Coalition parties they could get a seat bonus. But Sinn Féin’s clever endorsement of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit could allow it to close that obvious gap a lot, especially in the capital.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QN7BZ6ZYGJHUVKWX7WDK6FDNCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136794},"content":"Second preferences","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4J3FFQXIRE6ZOA3BDASQGWLAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136795},"content":"Fianna Fáil 20","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBENUUFD6JAMPJ4VYYHHXMDNKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136796},"content":"Fine Gael 20","type":"text"},{"_id":"VDRI32FDURHZDIC5THXA4PL37U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136797},"content":"Sinn Féin 17","type":"text"},{"_id":"2I3QAYFXJ5AUTEZT644NHGZO4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136798},"content":"Social Democrats 5","type":"text"},{"_id":"NLHESEOU3BERHA2R42WKMVMERA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136799},"content":"Labour 5","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFK6QZGN3RHLLKC6QGTUBJ2ZYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136800},"content":"PBP-Solidarity 4","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZWLLOF6MBEI7DCNRBFS7E6YAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136801},"content":"Greens 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VL3FIMEOBCT3EC4ONWAM3BTTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136802},"content":"Aontú 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZKVBBKHSENFXJGJIPDYXZGJHLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136803},"content":"Ind Ireland 3","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQ6VOHCPC5FB5GQTXBNWTIWLKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136804},"content":"Independent 14","type":"text"},{"_id":"AILY4H5GGBE55KEWD4RU32O3O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136805},"content":"Other parties 2","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5J5Q676FRHMBHPCAOOFU5RZQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136806},"content":"Here are two tweets from Cormac McQuinn where he looks at the transfer patterns between parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5V4F2HYTMZBD3PIUL4ASIVTPMI","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"6TQHYFLOARBXRPP7SYYQSK4YIM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"CVQMTJRLVVAVDBM7IDDUCUG45A","additional_properties":{"_id":"JAAOOHCARJB3HKIB725SJ72QUY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732921514861},"id":"timestamp-2038","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A7NIXYS4QBELVGY7VJJP5OEO74","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136810},"content":"Reaction from the larger parties","type":"header"},{"_id":"GEWLSTRPSZE7HGJPTQUDKAHNI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136811},"content":"Senior figures from the three largest parties have been giving their reaction to the exit poll on RTÉ.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMHXHI2MJJHHZLLHNFJGVLQBYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136812},"content":"Jack Chambers of Fianna Fáil said the three parties were all within the margin of error or each other.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZL7Q6TNJBFFXFYTUPYPTYLGAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136813},"content":"“I think there’s a three way race now to see who become the largest party, and we have to see how that manifests tomorrow morning when the ballot boxes are opened.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWWE5N7WM5H5VKBEZMMWM4P5WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136814},"content":"He also cited geographical and constituency issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPKK2XW5XNH3HOB7SHWDGRKIXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136815},"content":"Chambers said that the wider context was a further fragmentation of Irish politics with the vote split across many small parties and independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYO5EVDIYBALTAD5M3MJCTMLUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136816},"content":"Damien English of Fine Gael said his party had put in a “very solid performance” and that seemed to be borne out by the findings of the exit poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBAZ2ZYFJRB7LGOAMNRDK2TJ6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136817},"content":"“Bearing in mind that we set out with 17 sitting TDs it’s a very positive solid result.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB3KU5GXIJEYRASHDLEL7RWZ6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136818},"content":"Sinn Féin director of elections Matt Carthy said the truth was the the combined support of the two main Government parties had fallen 6 per cent on their 2020 performance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"53QPGIAWRFCW3F53QC6QLRJIZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136819},"content":"“I think any anybody looking at the trajectory of the political discourse, particularly since last June’s local elections - when Sinn Fein’s obituary had been written - will have to acknowledge that quite an amount of people came out to vote against the outgoing government. They came out to vote for change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7L4PFFMLVFW3PQ6N5FILV5GWE","additional_properties":{"_id":"DRCWZSGGFNAJROBF6Q55CCSDA4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732922034759},"id":"timestamp-6858","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"PPVDEXDW3JE23KOTHOHDFAHJKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136821},"content":"Reaction on Social Media","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUJKHS742FG73JW6HW5WWHMUQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732923136822},"content":"Here is a selection of the reaction to the exit poll that has featured on social media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHEEISSWVVDVRAQ4E7Y6TJVEQM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"2DUH53XE45HGBN4S2KJB27D3LY","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"AIOHVG6ZK5DIFNLCLYUR7ABVOE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"E5VXRFKW5NELNJB64YXYQMJGZM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ACFK5ZKY2JHTPH3PD5CMJ5TQZU","additional_properties":{"_id":"S7HTMIXCLBB4JNGWWK5N5EG6IU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732923404971},"id":"timestamp-6738","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NLK3KBHMWNAELLIDJ5FGV5QCTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462975},"content":"Exit Poll: None of three larger parties have gained: two have made lossses","type":"header"},{"_id":"64EF2CTKSVAGLA3HANHS5CYV5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462976},"content":"A very interesting statistic for me is that all three larger parties are either even or down compared to 2020. Fianna Fáíl at 19.5 per cent will be down almost 2.7 per cent, if the election matches the exit poll results. Sinn Féin is down 3.4 per cent compared to 2020. And Fine Gael is marginally up, from 20.9 per cent to 21 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSACTOV7QZG2LMCIHEY4KQYBKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462977},"content":"All of those figures are subject to change once counting begins tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZBV2OPLHRBRBGTHWIF27E2COE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462978},"content":"A long day beckons on Saturday (and on Sunday). We will be with you ever step of the way!","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4DWSXMV7REANC7W4PJP5YYWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462979},"content":"Here is a sample of what we are covering tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KL7QCN67WVB57PNN7UXARNNIQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462980},"content":"<b>8am: </b>Subscribers to our <b>Inside Politics newsletter</b> (you can <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\">sign-up here</a>) will receive an election special edition newsletter with extra details from The Irish Times <b>exit poll.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPUESTATGBGOZNHZGMKNMSMDZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462981},"content":"<b>9am: </b>Counting begins in all 43 constituencies. In the last general election in 2020, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/galway-east/\">Galway East</a> was the first constituency to report full results.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N66THNWTIJG2FL3SGYU5PHIP4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462982},"content":"Our rolling live coverage will feature up-to-the-minute updates, analysis and reaction as tallies emerge, counts are completed and seats filled. We will also provide detailed results for each of the 43 constituencies, along with graphics showing how the country and each constituency voted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4F2DGOENTVEZ7DPAY62TL2VVOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462983},"content":"Our politics team will provide analysis of the emerging results online, on our podcasts and via video while our columnists, including Justine McCarthy and Diarmaid Ferriter, will share their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJUEPQ2DHVCO7H6SALUCYLRESQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462984},"content":"<b>Late afternoon/evening: </b>Details of first counts should start emerging on Saturday afternoon with first seats filled later on that afternoon and into the evening. Depending on the individual returning officers, counts in some constituencies may run into early on Sunday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJOBG5KGBZEE3M5AFAMLZLLTUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462985},"content":"More details on our extenisive coverage over the weekend can be <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-2024-how-the-irish-times-will-cover-the-results-and-key-times-to-watch-out-for/\" target=\"_blank\">found here.</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2RLFLPVDBEX3KNWGDBRW72JGI","additional_properties":{"_id":"W52DHGOA55D2PJV6GLMG3MIQKQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VQ4UV5PMQJDNNIB7OYX5TTCN6M","additional_properties":{"_id":"ST57GPF6MNEPZGDCJQEHYPWHCE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732924591309},"id":"timestamp-50848","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MMYEUZRNSREBHLHJH5SFVHODVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462988},"content":"Further Reading and Listening as Live Coverage winds down","type":"header"},{"_id":"RO3XESOSA5BCRM5QJVYDJQO2FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462989},"content":"Thank you for staying with The Irish Times live coverage of polling day, and the excitement of the exit poll tonight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46PCWWCXTBBLRAI6OW5VXAFXDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462990},"content":"We will leave you with two further excellent piece of analysis. The first is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/\" target=\"_blank\">tonight’s special Election Daily podcast </a>with Hugh Linehan and Pat Leahy, which parses the results and implications of the poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHV75FSAHRCSLGILBMKLCOMYX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462991},"content":"The second is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/30/election-2024-exit-poll-analysis-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-will-be-in-driving-seat-to-re-establish-coalition/\" target=\"_blank\">Pat’s analysis for the The Irish Times on the poll findings</a> and how it might translate into government formation: that’s if the findings are borne out by the reality of the count.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2ZYE4ODZFG45K43PBYK7S27E4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732925462992},"content":"And if that was not enough, there is also this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/\" target=\"_blank\">excellent piece of analysis from John McManus</a> on how non-eventful the election campaign was (agree) and how tedious the count will be (disagree).","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JXIS5R4WRCJBGHTXYBCKYTAE4","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"6XFUH4FATZHJFPMKPXZZBYYVEU","additional_properties":{"_id":"MRGKV7DZK5E4ZLXILSWZXTUBKA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732863420000},"id":"timestamp-19809","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"VG4J5NXG2RFDZLMHI6QX7UWAVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917899514},"content":"Voting is over in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">2024 general election</a> and our exit poll shows that there is little to separate between the three largest parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DSVYZ2X4VHBLNR4OZRDDRX6MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732921605633},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among over 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6PP2FJWAVEZ5BASAYSH3SDXDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811316274},"content":"Key Reads","type":"header"},{"_id":"6CS2RAAF75FVLDALUK66AYHO4I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Sarah Slater"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"The 2024 general election is set to be mighty close - with the largest parties all duking it out, according to our exit poll"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T00:03:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024: Analysis and reaction as exit poll shows tight race, but what do these results mean?","native":""},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Ireland votes - as it happened"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"},"live":{"text":"inactive"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU","auth":{"1":"56a51fc50533a7c0870294191408289e9344f62b416c68999d734f33be6e7b56"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DIVGAD2FFVE2VNQRZXJEPWJOYU.gif"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"live-story","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-live-updates-voting-begins-at-polling-stations-around-the-country/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"KGCS5A5B4JAKBNTR52PDVQ7FOM","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NDBENUZ4ABG6VONBMAXX5S3ZIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774666},"content":"Pat Leahy joins Hugh Linehan to share the results of The Irish Times exit poll for the 2024 general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNBID7SXVFGRNLTWFHJQCUNDS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774667},"content":"The three largest parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote in general election 2024, according to the results of an exit poll tonight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDRTCJI6MRHO7BLI7XDTXRXRAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774668},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A today for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, and released just after polls closed, are as follows: Sinn Féin 21.1 per cent, Fianna Fáil 19.5 per cent, Fine Gael 21 per cent, the Green Party 4 per cent, Labour 5 per cent, the Social Democrats 5.8 per cent, Solidarity-People Before Profit 3.1 per cent, Aontú 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6 per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6N2BSGWEVGE7EDYVUPFGAQPUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774669},"content":"If the findings of the exit poll are borne out when the votes are counted tomorrow, it suggests that a return of a coalition based around Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is likely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLYWGFSMLJCXDCOB22OBCL3LZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732920774670},"content":"If the results of the counts taking place around the country tomorrow bear out the exit poll findings, it will be the second time in a row that Sinn Fein has won the largest share of the vote – but is left without an obvious path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZSVUBHRNZDU7K7ZAWPS6EVZDU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:47:38.093Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election Daily: What do the exit poll numbers mean for government formation? ","native":""},"label":{},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5PT4YVDMKJAOBC2KJT64C7FJFE","auth":{"1":"96c744f0de43474b7b03f6a02dcc73a19bb091ea2e18dea4daeb2bbe161b353e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5PT4YVDMKJAOBC2KJT64C7FJFE.jpeg"},"podcast":{"embed":{"config":{"duration":874.752,"episodeTitle":"Poll shows Social Democrats leading among smaller parties","imageUrl":"https://assets.pippa.io/shows/6155db9059a3fa00137f30a9/1724428043858-64129b41-4dcc-4687-9699-c230593c36a2.jpeg","showTitle":"ELECTION DAILY - Inside Politics ","streamUrl":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/streams/6155db9059a3fa00137f30a9/episodes/674a37cfd67d53d9b3b23bf2.mp3"}}}},"subtype":"podcast","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Inside Politics Podcast"},{"name":"Podcasts"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-listen-to-analysis-of-the-exit-poll/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/podcasts/inside-politics","additional_properties":{"original":{"Podcast":{"podcast_logo":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CBU6KWVAFFFKBFRT2I653TLHIE.png"}}},"name":"Inside Politics Podcast"}}}},{"_id":"HXIUSUJVHBB7JGN52PFKO7X2YI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":101,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3ea414b7-16bb-4f73-920e-31d086d86a20/versions/1732888959/media/172075772f5846d5b0039f5399b2cd01_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/people/2024/11/29/snap-election-how-irish-times-photographers-captured-campaign-life-through-a-lens/","content_elements":[{"_id":"LCNIEMF7RBBWZNS7M6QVUQ7DNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643337},"content":"It may have been the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election campaign</a> that put the small town of Kanturk in northwest Co Cork on the map, but voters all over the state have now had their say in Election 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULBQVPIPQFFNRP5BZAXQDLJBVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643338},"content":"Campaigns matter. Irish politicians are accessible to the public in a way that is unimaginable in other countries. And election campaigns here provide an even greater opportunity for voters to get up close and personal with their prospective representatives.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JUEG7PSSRCVRNL2BCF3JPNQRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FBAPSYGPZZBMFEZZGK4UZOK33U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MYV3EVK6OVBMLH2JILIPGUB3QM","additional_properties":{"_id":"3DUG62POZREIDBBG2LCOBRN36Q"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BUJITFXF55DIJGCREPVV62DCS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Irish Times photographers stuck close to the candidates in recent weeks, ready to record any unguarded moments during all those ever-so-carefully choreographed public appearances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLPCI7PGZFC2BBJRCYDIKZYM7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643340},"content":"Roman emperor Julius Caesar is said to have bragged: “Veni, vidi, vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”). Our photographers are a modest bunch but they came, they saw and they captured the character of candidates from all parties and none.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWLAHULQANFOVDE2GHJRN35ZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZCOA2WJC4RBLXMMOFGOZJPIVO4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TZTOVOKZX5HZTCKQM5ILHT34K4","additional_properties":{"_id":"RB3UOZR6BBEAPKRA4ZSG7ZX7AA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"5CNINGBWSRADPBAB5CGRLW5PGM","additional_properties":{"_id":"AZDH7B4WSZH75FXXQQNA5MGWQI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EP73PBDFLVCPLNNH2UR2GHPAXY","additional_properties":{"_id":"32MVBSLH4BG3DGLXHOJLFF2FQY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"W4CGJGLIBBG3BOB5BTFUKDNUQA","additional_properties":{"_id":"DD5KTZ7HFFHWJLV4IOMTW7ABE4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WN7YXNGFQJDJNIL6JLJOEYW6IE","additional_properties":{"_id":"VXERQ6FF3ZG75P3W3TYC7T4QAY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4Q6TEGX4WRBDXFJ4YZ3Z2DGKI4","additional_properties":{"_id":"QKFXKXC5W5CEHKUDZTHTERV5QY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PTKJ4RR5PFFU7HWPDRDZCIFUQU","additional_properties":{},"content":"This selection of their standout images sums up a fast-paced campaign in which thousands of doorbells were pressed, many hands shaken and, as always, lots of promises were made by incumbents and newcomers alike.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CISSSOPHXRFJHOGWRUWURIIWQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732886643343},"content":"All campaigns have their highs and lows. For the candidates, the anxieties, uncertainty and excitement of this campaign have concluded. The people have spoken.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"The focus is on candidates’ candid moments in this selection of pictures from around the country"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:05:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Snap election: How Irish Times photographers captured campaign life through a lens ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"KOG74UPLKBFXVJD6SFXGBJYBUQ","auth":{"1":"5f99ff35acd36e7b1c61132b517451b2d28447fb067299aa1e2ea8eff2348ea5"},"focal_point":{"x":2113,"y":1258},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/KOG74UPLKBFXVJD6SFXGBJYBUQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"People"},{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Life & 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>are on course for a tight finish in their share of the vote in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\">general election 2024</a>, according to the results of an exit poll Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3FKZJAIJJGYHC2X6HEWN5QLQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941363},"content":"The results of the poll, conducted by Ipsos/B&A on Friday for The Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD, and released just after polls closed, are as follows: <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin </a>21.1 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> 19.5 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a><b> </b>21 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party </a>4 per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour </a>5 per cent, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats </a>5.8<b> </b>per cent, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a><b> </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">Solidarity</a> 3.1 per cent,<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\"> Aontú</a> 3.6 per cent, Independents/others 14.6<b> </b>per cent and Independent Ireland 2.2 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCRDHXYZUZFTBLP3DD4XBFVSYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917669917},"content":"If the exit poll findings are borne out when the votes are counted, it suggests that a return of a coalition based around <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a> is likely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4XQOEY6JRCXLLLDSZ7TE4FOL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732917669918},"content":"If the results of the counts taking place around the country, starting on Saturday morning, bear out the exit poll findings, it will be the second time in a row that Sinn Féin has won the largest share of the vote – but is left without an obvious path to government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZWXRU5PXNEEDBG7ITYI23RWVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941365},"content":"The poll, however, offers no clarity about which of the smaller parties or Independents might help the two big parties to make up the numbers to form a stable majority in the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4CXPHNY6VHU3DATFMOLB5G3VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941366},"content":"Government formation may be strongly influenced by whether Labour, the Green Party, the Social Democrats and perhaps some left-leaning Independents – though the Social Democrats have been distinctly cool on the idea during the campaign – carry through on suggestions to agree a common red-green platform before any coalition talks with the big parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6W37ZABM5BAUTLPT5THZ7OIGLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941368},"content":"Either way, with the new Dáil not due to meet until December 18th, it seems there is little likelihood of a new government until well into the new year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GA2IC4WGGZFBVFE44JQZYKCLIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941369},"content":"The exit poll was conducted among 5,018 voters at more than 200 locations nationwide, as they left polling stations. It has a margin of error of 1.4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IR32OFOD5G4NC5JKH5LC3BNZM","additional_properties":{"_id":"FXWBHQEEWFHATGLUVFIHFJIKDA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6CLG2KEBURGGDGJH67JFW5NYV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732912941370},"content":"The poll is a joint project of The Irish Times, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte/\" target=\"_blank\">RTÉ</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tg4/\" target=\"_blank\">TG4 </a>and the department of political science at<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/trinity-college-dublin-tcd/\" target=\"_blank\"> Trinity College Dublin</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NETEQZFDBDKHE6PUP7BJVYU7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732918890679},"content":"The poll also asked respondents about their second preferences on the ballot paper. The results suggest that expectations of a strong transfer between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will be borne out – a factor which should help the two parties boost their seat numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6H7LDUUAT5CRBM34YCKXYC4CR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732918890680},"content":"If the parties achieve the support level suggested by the poll when votes are counted in the coming days, and with a strong transfer between the two parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are likely to approach the 80 seat barrier. A majority in the new Dáil is 88 seats, so if the two big parties combined break 80 seats, it means a coalition with one of the smaller parties – perhaps with additional support from some Independent TDs – could command a Dáil majority. On the basis of the poll results, that seems the most likely route to forming a government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQFVQJABHJHFZMI3YDRP6HDSU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876332},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people, the largest number to date, were eligible to vote, an increase of 423,000 voters since the 2020 election. There were more than 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the deadline closed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDHS3H5NZFEVRGI6KHLLVYHJJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876333},"content":"Reports of turnout across the 43 constituencies were mixed all day on Friday, though many polling stations reported a low turnout in the early evening.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGDLPN7EZBB5TIVSGXJVR5ETNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"BV2GVRSFCZG67IVVUJOQXGLZAQ"},"content":"Analysis: Exit poll suggests Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be in driving seat to re-establish coalition","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5573CMMVBVF2DGCIENF4LLWMP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876334},"content":"There were reports of polling stations becoming busier in the evening but by 8pm average turnout in the seven Dublin county constituencies stood at 51 per cent; it was 49.1 per cent across the two Galway constituencies; and the average was 54.3 per cent across the three county constituencies in Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PONNIIFIORAQLLHBOP7XJ7R7X4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876335},"content":"Overall turnout is likely to be down on the just under 63 per cent recorded in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G6DWNXIGUJA57N2M6J7QBFUKKM","additional_properties":{"_id":"B6G6BS4Z5RH5DP5KW7V2VWZITI"},"content":"As it happened: Friday's vote and exit poll ","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"R4OQMXZ6JREXLD6BRDYHJFQLZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732916876336},"content":"After the polling stations closed at 10pm, ballot boxes were sealed to be securely transported to the 32 count centres. They will be opened at 9am on Saturday morning and counting the votes will commence, with first tallies expected by midmorning in many places while the results of first counts should begin to emerge in the afternoon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2WHOPE7FZEPREPD7ND37OLTWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732913702199},"content":"<b>Note:</b> <i>There will be a special </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/newsletters/inside-politics-newsletter/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Inside Politics newsletter</i></a><i> Saturday morning with additional details from the exit poll</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDQPPDNWNBGULKEWX55PVXTIZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":"ALIYX45Z65D4TPTBXRAQAFFJCU"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-55849","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"If the findings are borne out a return of a coalition based around Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil looks likely"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T22:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024 exit poll: Sinn Féin, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on course for photo finish ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI","auth":{"1":"2c1a2169fc2f6fdb28fd59afbb5ab8bbc96bd8517c01248ce0727713afd25f12"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T5HAJLXTDRHPNC25KW4GG2HCAI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/election-2024-exit-poll-photo-finish-with-sinn-fein-on-211-fine-gael-21-fianna-fail-195/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"C45FCNGQV5HMJITA7NYM374UOA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":286,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/cebf91b1-4b0f-42ec-8213-810934c49daf/versions/1732883646/media/8641571cb400426b316cf6be97fbd42d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/","content_elements":[{"_id":"RB7TVPFD2FEQ7GUBGVOM3PVB4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546538},"content":"It’s hard to pick a highlight of this most dull of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">election campaigns</a>. It only sparked into life – albeit briefly – twice. The first occasion was when <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-o-leary/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary</a>, the Ryanair boss who is not seeking election to anything, slagged off teachers whilst helping launch the campaign of his local <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> TD. His trademark off-the-cuff trolling was taken both literally and seriously by a political and media class that really should have known better.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CGIAZQIAFGTBNF4NI67F56RYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546539},"content":"The second brief flare-up followed <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> ticking off disability worker <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/27/a-dull-election-campaign-failed-to-shake-apathetic-electorate-out-of-its-slumber/\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte Fallon</a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/27/a-dull-election-campaign-failed-to-shake-apathetic-electorate-out-of-its-slumber/\" target=\"_blank\"> in a supermarket</a> whilst the cameras were rolling. This and his subsequent grovelling passed for a defining moment of the campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVCRGBMTGBE4FLWX4I7J52GTGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546540},"content":"Apart from these two utterly non-seismic political moments, the three weeks have dragged by in a yawn-inducing succession of manifesto launches, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/leaders-election-debate-analysis-clear-winner-emerges-from-slow-bicycle-race/\" target=\"_blank\">TV debates</a> and halfhearted “gotcha” journalism. But such is the price of democracy and we are lucky to have it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDMUB4G2IRARNNJNXFPROWENCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546541},"content":"Anyway, opinion polls show that people’s voting intentions are pretty much where they stood before the campaign started; most of them feel they are being presented with a choice as to who they want to be the third leg of the next <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>-Fine Gael coalition: the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Greens</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> or some assortment of Independents. The real takeaway from polls is that many people cannot see a better alternative or even the need for one. It would be a stretch to say they are happy with the outgoing Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOEUEEDULFE7FPWIB5KUL6V25I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546543},"content":"In truth, most just want it to be over. It could and should all be over within a few minutes of the polls closing on Friday but instead it will drag on over the weekend – at least – in a uniquely Irish form of political theatre known as “the counts”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N74TGSA6MNEC7KO4YRX3PU5Q4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546545},"content":"Over the next few days, something in the region of 3.5 million ballot papers will be sorted, counted and recounted by hand. If we are lucky it might all be over early next week. If not, it could be weeks before it’s finally done and the last recount competed. Thankfully, the equally tedious business of government formation will have got going before this, but it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that it could be affected by the last vote recounted on the last day by hand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26VOAY7PG5HW5ISZUVFPMQI4H4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546547},"content":"So why do we as a nation put ourselves through this when we could know the result within hours of the polls closing and crack on with forming the government?","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRTRIHYUMZET3EZU7DUR2BAQEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546548},"content":"It’s certainly not a lack of suitable or affordable technology. Electronic voting is widely used and the cost of the machines incidental for a rich country such as ours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MK4LPOK7TZGZBEWG6XTUNQKDNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546549},"content":"Fans of the manual counts argue that in some intangible way the spectacle enhances the public trust in democracy by letting the public see – if they can be bothered – their votes manually counted in a public forum. Others say that it is a ritual deeply embedded in our political and wider culture; part of what makes us who we are, etc. This argument has the merit of not pretending that there is any rational reason for counting votes by hand. But at the same time, you can’t help feeling that if it is a drama, it as an amateur production put on for the benefit and enjoyment of the actors rather than the audience. But what harm? Don’t they deserve their fun after the hard work they put in on the election trail? Maybe, but it’s just more evidence of our natural tendency to a lack of seriousness in public life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FW6JWIGLJJGZHOMMZYVA4LZ654","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546551},"content":"The most compelling explanation for the continued use of manual counts is that the political parties still want them. In fact, they want them so much that they all went along with a farcical traducing of the integrity of electronic voting that saw more than <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\">7,000 voting machines costing more than</a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\"> €50 million bought in 2004 </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/e-voting-machines-to-be-scrapped-1.722896?\" target=\"_blank\">being scrapped in 2012 for €70,000</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TX5KJOSO6VCI5CEZO7SRBEL7MU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546552},"content":"The reason for this incident of national idiocy seems to be the extraordinary wealth of information that parties glean from observing the counts. Party members – either separately or together – closely observe the opening of ballot boxes and the sorting and counting of votes by hand in the count centres. The information they gather – when combined with other data – is extremely valuable and put to use in subsequent elections. It’s unclear whether this information could or would be available with electronic voting but if it was, presumably every party would get the same details. Then there is data protection regulation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LZURDJPWJNCWLKXKCLCJYBD4NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732724546554},"content":"As things stand, the only direct benefit the average voter seems to get from all this is that if they live somewhere that the tallies show leans very heavily in favour of one party, then you don’t get as many random politicians calling to the door.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"John McManus"}},"name":"John McManus"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election counts are an amateur production put on for the benefit and enjoyment of the actors rather than the audience"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T15:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"As if the election campaign wasn’t tedious enough, brace yourself for ‘the counts’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UBDO7LLIMVHXH3F25NT7ZABOF4","auth":{"1":"bcd46fa9e584df6d40e79c22a1d813897514e3cafda903f3ab850a848c8b837d"},"focal_point":{"x":3840,"y":1479},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UBDO7LLIMVHXH3F25NT7ZABOF4.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2024/11/29/as-if-the-election-campaign-wasnt-tedious-enough-brace-yourself-for-the-counts/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"VLGJDMUTMJHYFII2PS6B5QWAHQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":360,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/78c20fde-9b0f-4562-a0ca-3a7bfe2a7888/versions/1732873071/media/257dfaacaef06fae1739569d6a944806_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2024/11/30/olivia-oleary-if-this-election-campaign-has-proven-anything-its-that-voters-are-not-eejits/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PT2OVAQLLRAHXLZPXSHSIFCBMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980894},"content":"There’s a great deal to be said for keeping it simple. The British journalist and excellent communicator, Andrew Marr, once advised journalists to put no more than four figures in an opinion piece. More than that and you lost the reader. And if this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election campaign</a> was dull, it was partly because it was weighed down with too many complex numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QAQ247JE4BCM7H5Y2NYC7QVS6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883799},"content":"Maybe that’s what happens when there’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/11/20/which-party-has-the-best-plan-for-the-apple-billions/\" target=\"_blank\">more money available </a>than we have ever had before. But it felt for three weeks that a new budget in the form of manifestos was launched every day – and then mini-budgets in specialist areas were squeezed in as well. After a while, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/costing-the-manifestos-making-sense-of-billions-being-thrown-out-by-the-parties-to-win-your-vote/\" target=\"_blank\">many of us got lost in the blizzard of numbers and money promises</a>. That’s not to suggest that people didn’t engage: for instance, t<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/five-key-moments-from-the-leaders-debate-you-brought-the-crash-and-you-brought-austerity/\" target=\"_blank\">he number who viewed the political debates </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/26/five-key-moments-from-the-leaders-debate-you-brought-the-crash-and-you-brought-austerity/\" target=\"_blank\"> was high</a>. But we’ve learned to be sceptical. It’s not that long since the economy collapsed under political mismanagement, so we know that the lavish promises will have to be<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/11/23/the-potential-threats-to-ireland-now-come-in-four-guises/\" target=\"_blank\"> withdrawn if Trump slashes US corporate taxes </a>and starts a tariff war. We’re not eejits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOLZD24HFJCHNIN7I22Y6BDOJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980895},"content":"There’s also the danger that too much detail clogging up the message means that the message gets ignored, while moments like <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a>’s encounter with careworker <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte Fallon</a> are remembered. Of course they are. Her understandable anger at how carers are treated, and his turning away from her, was an emotional moment caught on camera that went viral, that engaged people in a way that columns of figures never could. During an election campaign, the voter is supreme. You don’t turn your back on a voter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"99b36e44-04d2-4a86-b384-cd5c4fbf90d0","additional_properties":{"_id":"URJOS2GEHJFDHKBRF6LW4LSG3A"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"TYEMOVBETRAHNOPDAWN5T3OQZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980896},"content":"Harris’s lack of experience as a party leader showed in this bumpy campaign, as did the loss of some of the older, wiser heads in the party, such as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heather-humphreys/\" target=\"_blank\">Heather Humphreys</a> or <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/richard-bruton/\" target=\"_blank\">Richard Bruton</a>. They might have pointed out to Minister <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peter-burke/\" target=\"_blank\">Peter Burke</a> that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-o-leary/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael O’Leary</a> knows a lot about running an airline, but <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/michael-oleary-doubles-down-on-teacher-comments-after-pile-on-saying-he-was-making-serious-point/\" target=\"_blank\">asking him to launch your election campaign</a> was a bit like asking your seven year old to drive the school bus. And they might have advised that a crazy TikTok Taoiseach rush around all 43 constituencies had to be balanced against the danger of a tired leader making mistakes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"446DXJGZ4BGFNLYYKQTTDUEADI","additional_properties":{"_id":"FMTEWGPEORAH5MXQLHRLD6IKRU"},"content":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"523NOFM3G5ELHEIYWESXPOBVSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980897},"content":"But amid the fog of numbers early on in the campaign came a voice of experience that set out in one clear sentence what his campaign was about. It was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> who said the battle was between parties that were pro-enterprise and pro-Europe and those that were not. He said it again in both television debates, neatly placing himself and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> and other possible coalition partners on one side of the divide, and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> on the other.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDIBB7K6BVBCPP7BJO7QVJ2VWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883803},"content":"Martin pointed to the fact that<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein\" target=\"_blank\"> Sinn Féin </a>has voted against most referendums relating to Europe, and claimed that its tax policies would create problems for many Irish indigenous industries, never mind their effect on foreign direct investment decisions. You mightn’t agree with him, and Sinn Féin wouldn’t, but at least his claim had the virtue of clarity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LXZ6QD7DFHTRNYJB7XP5WJCUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980898},"content":"In fairness, as the campaign went on, Sinn Féin focused more and more on the simple message of “change”.<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\"> Mary Lou McDonald</a> is a doughty campaigner and watching pictures of her on the stump in my hometown of Carlow this week, she showed the easy way she has with people, particularly with young people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLXI4XPEQBBG7PPDQRW2XENUQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883805},"content":"One political activist, not Sinn Féin, told me last year about doing visits to new voters in the senior classes of local schools. Having explained why it was important to vote and how the voting system worked, she finally asked if they had made their minds up as to how they would vote. To a woman and man, they almost all said Sinn Féin. She gave up going to schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTSNJSI75ZHWRKBK7JUWVMMZFA","additional_properties":{"_id":"VFNEJQYTGZBRTBDG3NRFR5BH7Q"},"content":"Key election 2024 battles: maps show where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin hope to gain - and may lose - seats","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MZJR6OX2IRB47PDE4FWQIFVRHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980899},"content":"We’ll be finding out on Saturday morning if that young vote came out yesterday and if it went Sinn Féin’s way. We’ll be finding out too what happened to the immigration issue, which arose so often during the campaign, and whether it contributed to that solid bank of support for Independents – 20 per cent in recent polls, equal to the support for each of the three main parties. The Independents are a disparate group, ranging from left to right. But will there emerge from them enough TDs, together with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peadar-toibin/\" target=\"_blank\">Peadar Tóibín</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a>, to form a solid conservative bloc in the Dáil, a bloc that has the sort of views on immigration that can increasingly be found in other countries in Europe?","type":"text"},{"_id":"4W3B7DS52RFCXI2QEV4X6YPYXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732875883807},"content":"In most European countries, the ultranationalist party is also the most right-wing party – take Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party, and indeed the Conservative Party in Britain; or Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party in France; or Geert Wilders’ Dutch People’s Party for Freedom in the Netherlands. Sinn Féin has long boasted that it is the most radical nationalist party in Ireland, but that it is left wing and has therefore left no space for the growth of an ultranationalist right-wing party here. Maybe that’s about to change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANVX4NQ5BVDH3MVX6G6KNQJ3A4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980900},"content":"In his commentary on last Sunday’s Sunday Independent Ireland Thinks poll, Kevin Cunningham, managing director of Ireland Thinks, pointed to the 2 per cent rise in<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu\" target=\"_blank\"> Aontú</a>’s vote to 5 per cent and the 3 per cent rise in Independents to a hefty 19 per cent. He said that the rise of Independents and the potential rise of Aontú seems to be a function of a simple gap in the political market for those who both don’t like the current Government and hold more conservative views. “For the first time in our history, there isn’t a Fianna Fáil or a Fine Gael on the opposition benches offering a home to disaffected voters on the right.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7FZ6MQ33BELPIUMFO7VNQ6O64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823980901},"content":"Could it be that those disaffected voters are finding a new home?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NQ4ORPPNZFZ5GRTNKYP4IMF5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732871462467},"content":"<i>Olivia O’Leary is a journalist, writer and current affairs presenter</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TXQBAJRLVAPPKEIWTTEG5AHRE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olivia O'Leary"}},"name":"Olivia O'Leary"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Everything will be revealed over the course of this weekend. But in the meantime, we learned a few things during this bumpy campaign"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T14:57:19.808Z","headlines":{"basic":"If this election campaign has proven anything, it’s that voters are not eejits","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s performance, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing/\" target=\"_blank\">housing</a>, the Irish<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/economy/\" target=\"_blank\"> economy</a> as well as just how long counting will go on for are the dominant issues raised by foreign journalists covering the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> this weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5T5AIBYFFBCJ3NBGKOQHSI3IA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193181},"content":"With counting to begin on Saturday, international media have travelled to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a> over recent days to report on the campaign while others are located here permanently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XISKYD2JBNANFC6GHOU7ZF6U54","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193182},"content":"Jude Webber, Ireland correspondent for The Financial Times, moved to the capital three years ago and this will be her first time covering an Irish general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SETPA6BKVRFPTOY3RPYFTFQK3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193183},"content":"Webber, who was based in Latin America for over 20 years, said: “There’s an interest obviously in knowing who the next Taoiseach is going to be and there’s a particular interest at the moment, especially in our paper, in how Ireland has all this <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/apple-tax\" target=\"_blank\">money</a> and what on earth are they going to do with it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNJADYNONNHKJDP3BCTHW2E6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":"XMOVJCBD6ZA5VKL44IVORZGO4I"},"content":"General election 2024: Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil in near dead heat at end of campaign","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HDATDDWKA5BDHDKOBSXRVA3D6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193184},"content":"“That’s the interest, and the exposure of Ireland to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump</a>, tax cuts and tariffs and what happens if the good times stop rolling basically.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CJDRC27FNBTJF32NQP6TRL2MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193185},"content":"Webber said foreign media are “always fascinated” by the prospect of Sinn Féin having a successful election while the decision of Gerard Hutch to run “caught all of our eyes”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K62AO77DPNFJNJWWO2WEZJCPJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193186},"content":"“Sinn Féin is also interesting because what does that mean about a united Ireland is the inevitable question,” she said. “If Sinn Féin were to do really well in the election on Friday, I can guarantee that I will be asked ‘what does this mean for a united Ireland and are we closer to a united Ireland?’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYCZK2OLZBDARPNYL3B6KUSAFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193187},"content":"Webber said what surprised her most about the local and European elections in June was “just how long it is”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T4IHNSCGVFGP7BEK424G7PQDHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193188},"content":"She points out the first past the post electoral system is in place in the UK with results known a lot quicker compared to the Irish system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV).","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFPCWAKMCVASJM76EL3A2LJNEM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CRA3KI3OQNEMNCIB5Y52QJAKRA"},"content":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WFW5CQTZQREVFKOFTJ2PCLDRGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193189},"content":"“I’m sort of bracing myself for the days of counting ahead,” said Webber.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUEVQZPR2RBE3DBW7VYVCAOA5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193190},"content":"Pontus Mattson, a journalist with Swedish Radio who is usually based in London, travelled over to Dublin earlier this week to cover the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMANYLXNWRAG5NT3S7RO4772U4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193191},"content":"He said housing appears to be the prominent theme of the campaign, with immigration also featuring but said “it looks like it’s going to be roughly the same parties who are winning, there’s not very much at stake”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"23LXAZKQENHONJFFKX5K533DYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193192},"content":"Mattson notes that in Sweden they use a proportional representation system for voting but do not have transferable votes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UIKBSULFNG3TBWH35PFOCA3KA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193193},"content":"“You only have one vote and it’s counted,” he said. “Often you know the result the next morning, if it’s not very tight, then there can be recounts and so forth. Often you know the same night.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"USZRGM7ZC5A6HCIIMLPIEMWGQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193194},"content":"He said the Irish system of PR-STV is “very democratic” despite counting going on for longer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HYXSU4LOBDNXMXKMI3SLELOD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193195},"content":"“The first past the post British system is not very democratic,” he said. “The Labour Party have 64 per cent of seats but they only have 32 per cent of the votes. It’s a bit strange so I think it’s good in a way that you don’t waste votes, you can give preference to a second or third candidate.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4YJR7L3EBC6FE5PNTZCXNUTS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193196},"content":"Paraic O’Brien, foreign correspondent with Channel 4 News, is originally from Ballinasloe, Co Galway but has been based in the UK for 27 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3UCFGBC3ANDHHPUXPCACZH5SKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193197},"content":"He travelled back to Ireland this week to report on the election and said much of the focus has been around housing and the role of Independents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHKPYJQ2CNGJTICEGRNGBKVR4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193198},"content":"“Somebody described Friday to me as ‘Independent’s Day’ in terms of how well Independent candidates will do and we’ve been trying to understand why that is, why there are so many Independents running this time,” he said. “It makes Ireland quite unique in Europe having this number of Independents ... Every Independent has their own story and their reason for running.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TD4UTAVVNZEPPNWME2HUY3ZNEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193199},"content":"O’Brien said there is a lot of interest in Britain around Sinn Féin “because of their history and their past” and the “extent to which they’ve reinvented themselves”. He also said he enjoys coming home to report on Irish politics because of “how accessible the senior leadership is, especially during the course of a campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4WT4PSXPRDWPE7JHBGWR6AVT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732874193200},"content":"“You don’t get that to the same extent in England, it’s all much more locked down and regulated and hard to get proper face time with senior politicians on the road,” he said. “But in Ireland, that’s much easier and long may it last.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"General election: International media ‘always fascinated’ by Sinn Féin’s performance with housing and economy also a focus"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘I’m sort of bracing myself for the days of counting ahead’: Foreign journalists’ views on the general election","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ","auth":{"1":"249139a5c8cae89f3d8e835bf9c6cc2d173fc6feb5151fc0135d97e7d9a51479"},"focal_point":{"x":1075,"y":600},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/RY7VS6OFNBIAZEV4D4H3HGHOJQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/im-sort-of-bracing-myself-for-the-days-of-counting-ahead-foreign-journalists-views-on-the-general-election/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ZABYJV47KRE3NEFPLAGYA6BUWU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732185791951},"content":"The 2024 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> to decide what will be the largest <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail/\" target=\"_blank\">Dáil </a>in the history of the State takes place on November 29th. Following recommendations from the Electoral Commission, the number of Dáil seats has increased by 14, bringing the total number of seats to 174. As well as this, the number of constituencies has increased from 39 to 43. The increased number of seats and constituencies sees more than 650 candidates on the ballot - an average of more than 15 candidates per constituency. 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candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"3TLHO4ERHBAIJNZ6NPEH77FQ64","additional_properties":{"_id":"GPLNJGA2HJBQZC3WOBNZ4V65OU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LYQ35GJQFNCY3HGRJDAFWQVER4","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"XDUJRMVFFJFMTESVX4VW73LZMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732217744302},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-carlow-kilkenny-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Carlow-Kilkenny</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRZS7V6YCNBNBCEEO4QN6DL3WI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732200128977},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cavan-monaghan-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Cavan-Monaghan</a> 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wicklow-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Wicklow</a> candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"EZDET6KOOJHYHIY2KQGLU6ONJA","additional_properties":{"_id":"UIS66V3IYVBD5KAWY2DCZZ6BKQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y7PLNBV6URB2FIMQSIYS2JLVVU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"RLTDLKC7ANA33HO3EAQDN3RMIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622080},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Wicklow</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BFYTJYUJ3NB35HSAGWKM36F4LU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622081},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/wicklow-wexford-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Wicklow-Wexford</a> candidates","type":"header"},{"_id":"MBVAJZUREBDAPLM2UGEG6VGSQI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TRAPCDV3FRAI5I6LGRNNGTKHHQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BW723E77LJDBFM3NTQU33BYQYM","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"YSINACW2WBDLZH7LP5P5GAH7BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208622084},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-wexford-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Constituency Profile: Wicklow-Wexford</a>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Find out who is in the running to represent your area using this online resource"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T11:48:23.977Z","headlines":{"basic":"Who are the candidates in my constituency? A general election guide","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ","auth":{"1":"f88eadc63d844d7a922af4da8a0b714d624750878271b0ad78d9363f3a18d3ac"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5HYIPDKKHVCPNKWMYSWNLPFOXQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"5SCWSOQHOZGAZAAQHINQVGZMJM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":338,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/2c9b1989-fdcb-4f29-b2a3-eaaa8c3e9250/versions/1732804399/media/18db062e334762bca690449cb99cbc5a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/general-election-housing-cost-of-living-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-campaign-latest/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VRLJ5XD5GNHLFISOQXSUHGRJE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829847},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis\" target=\"_blank\">Housing</a> and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cos\" target=\"_blank\">cost of living</a> were the dominant issues raised by voters across the country before the 2024 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GRD4TZHOWVBGJMNN7ZIKRHL3KI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829849},"content":"Over recent weeks, The Irish Times has run a series of Meet the Voters articles, hearing from various sections of Irish society, across the country, on their thoughts before polling day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M42FUM6DEBFK7PPUXQVBG4G5RQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829850},"content":"Housing was at the forefront of many people’s minds, young and old, with property prices continuing to accelerate over the past year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVYB5WCFQ5GQXJNPMFWSQICDAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829851},"content":"At Boxx Barbers in Finglas, north Dublin, Shaun Reid (29) <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/16/out-with-the-voters-the-view-from-the-barbershop/\" target=\"_blank\">explained that he was living at home</a> with his parents. He and his partner have four children between them and was minded to vote for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> because of the housing crisis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6MXJKGLCNEZLP777FWCPWJMBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829852},"content":"“It’s another opportunity for change,” he said. “I’m saving with my partner for a house. You are looking at the housing crisis and you are getting less motivated as the prices go up. You look further out from Finglas and houses are going up there as well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOZMSCM325CXJNTCMQMEJT7YPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829853},"content":"“It’s a hard situation for anyone in power. I’d rather give the opportunity to Sinn Féin because they haven’t had the chance. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> have had the chance and it has not worked out well for them.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4WIXGMLCIZBGZJTI64OPYHBRHI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TRFR4CTP65CZHN2QBUUTOG5C5Y"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PRYZCAR5ZVGONK7GZAAGXBMQMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829854},"content":"A similar picture was painted by DCU student Amber Kane (18), who lives with her mother, sister and grandparents. The accounting and finance student said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/12/out-with-the-voters-housing-among-biggest-concerns-for-students/\" target=\"_blank\">housing instability was now becoming intergenerational</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYAQTNTFUZCDRBLLST6II3S2IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829855},"content":"“Even then it’s like my mam can’t get a house, and we can’t either,” she said. “I can’t see in the near future how I’d ever get a house. Obviously we started a college course, we want to have a career and job, but you’re putting all the effort in and you don’t know what you’re going to get back out. That’s really frustrating.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYDVAX23MVG5PPHYU75PGWMMQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829856},"content":"In Kilkenny city, Paula Fleming, a special needs assistant and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/emigration-is-exercising-kilkenny-voters-its-like-were-going-back-to-the-1980s-only-its-housing-now-not-lack-of-jobs/\" target=\"_blank\">member of the Nore Dragon Paddlers group</a>, said: “All three of my children are in their 20s, all graduated from college during the pandemic but yet can’t afford to buy or even rent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYZLGI34ANG4PJM6KX3KKF6VVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829857},"content":"“I went to London in the 1980s to work ... and came back in 1999, but never thought I would see my children in the same boat.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJEXYMX4AZD5BAVTB25K7CNOHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829858},"content":"The cost of living was another prominent topic for voters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TCLXIB6MRCBBPR26PHRQSDJ3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829859},"content":"At a greyhound meeting in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Joe Gaffney (54), who works in a medical factory, said he <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/i-wouldnt-like-to-be-a-young-person-you-get-a-job-but-you-have-nowhere-to-live-mixed-odds-on-governments-performance-at-mullingar-greyhound-track/\" target=\"_blank\">was “worse off financially” </a>compared to five years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7JREYRREZGZ3FNW4OXBFCJA7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829860},"content":"“Car insurance is going up, health insurance, everything is going up,” he said. “This country is so hard to live in ... I wouldn’t like to be a young person, you get a job but you have nowhere to live ... and they wonder why so many young people are going to Australia.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TI7CTRXA3BCUNKBAZ57DR5Z7IM","additional_properties":{"_id":"BSG627YEINHPLBSEXTLDAK6XYA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VH6C5LI4LFCE5BZ275MFDTJCHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829861},"content":"Dublin taxi man David Cummins said petrol costs were “very high”; he <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/13/i-cant-even-get-a-plumber-how-are-they-going-to-build-those-houses-dublin-taxi-drivers-give-their-verdict-on-election-pledges/\" target=\"_blank\">spends about €250 per week</a> to fill his van, a significant chunk of his earnings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F3F35OOOSZGEJPLJXZRUNAHDCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829862},"content":"Other issues raised by voters were health, public transport and the mismanagement of public finances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOOSMBFCNZH5NPDVTMIE5R5CHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829863},"content":"In Greystones, Co Wicklow, home to Taoiseach Simon Harris, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/08/election-countdown-how-will-the-dryrobers-vote-in-the-taoiseachs-home-town/\" target=\"_blank\">sea swimmers, The Dryrobers, discussed Dart services</a>, traffic problems, childcare and shortages of school places.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMMLUWQJINCQVKQIEZKWJT73GM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732788000722},"content":"For Clare Island residents in Co Mayo, there were <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/20/it-is-past-time-for-building-a-safe-all-weather-pier-how-will-clare-islanders-vote-in-this-election/?\" target=\"_blank\">more localised problems </a>about the dangers of Roonagh pier, commuting costs and the complexities of island living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKKI7HTFHJER3PWGROFWYNFXMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829864},"content":"Members of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) branch in Portlaoise, Co Laois <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/election-2024-politicians-hear-about-living-life-from-a-wheelchair/\" target=\"_blank\">spoke about hazardous footpaths</a> on the main street, the cost of living with a disability, accessible housing and transport.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6M2QPBR5BALXBIQI2MFXABGQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829865},"content":"At a social gathering of LGBTQ+ group Quare Clare, the rise of far-right parties <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/clare-lgbt-group-on-the-far-right-if-they-pick-on-one-minority-they-will-pick-on-another-we-would-be-in-the-firing-line/\" target=\"_blank\">has been </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/clare-lgbt-group-on-the-far-right-if-they-pick-on-one-minority-they-will-pick-on-another-we-would-be-in-the-firing-line/\" target=\"_blank\">a concern </a>and anti-immigration protests.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUHGYJGGIRB6ZITYUYSEUDWZYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829866},"content":"“Everyone knows what this leads to, if they pick on one minority, as soon as they are out of fashion, they will pick on another,” said Maurice O’Sullivan, from Corofin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWUDBJ72QZH2VAXLF2UXCQHE6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732788000726},"content":"“We would be in the firing line for that. We all know what that feels like.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XWUMSKDS5FMRPANNQM6CTK3MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829867},"content":"While members of the public set out the issues affecting them, with some indicating who they might vote for, others spoke of being undecided.","type":"text"},{"_id":"54FNUQM2TVGU7DANFSOW2BV62Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829868},"content":"At the CLEAS Irish language book club at Gaeilge Locha Riach in Loughrea, Co Galway, Ruth Ní Shiadhail said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/10/31/nobody-represents-me-at-galway-book-club-general-election-voters-pessimistic-about-next-chapter-of-government/\" target=\"_blank\">her natural inclination was to vote Green</a>, but “the Greens that we have are all city based”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKPJELZQYVADPCFIXOYE46KNHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829869},"content":"“So the Greens are too city based and we don’t really have a proper Labour Party any more so we have very few options,” she said. “I am struggling to know who to vote for. Nobody is representing me.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJWSRN2D3BAJXGON2MKJCIFJYE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NBKOBLARR5CQJAR2SDAMEEJSGM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YH43JCID5REZBHQQHNBOZAFILI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829870},"content":"Cepta Sheppard (64), a customer at Zinc hair and beauty salon in Kilmainham, Dublin said she <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/im-hearing-there-will-be-so-many-independents-and-im-worried-hairdresser-clients-undecided/\" target=\"_blank\">voted for Fine Gael in the past but was also uncertain</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZUK5OKHDJEZJNDTPP2G3SZ5LQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829871},"content":"“I’m really on the fence,” she said. “I would like to say I would give Sinn Féin a vote but I think personally, they would actually bankrupt the country because they have these crazy ideas.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DJQCBY2OFEKNIEBIDFW63GMNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732747829872},"content":"Read the Meet the Voters series <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/meet-the-voters\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish electorate give their views on the important issues ahead of polling day"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Housing and cost of living dominated public debate in election campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY","auth":{"1":"ec7afb82ff3c4b66cc641d240d6683b58afecfe129b9fb14b6482fb5b0dca772"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WTL7HUP7PVA3ZJEMCBK7MPJKPY.gif"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/general-election-housing-cost-of-living-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-campaign-latest/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"D2U5YPAOFRG6THLDDVH6FKT5WA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":262,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/c0d14d5f-231b-4285-a170-fd99652b784f/versions/1732826635/media/56ea409f3e67f5f04267b1145932929d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/three-big-parties-in-near-dead-heat-at-end-of-election-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WVHNA3DYYZBTDGOAE54ZWQXCPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150555},"content":"Polling stations open at 7am on Friday after a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> campaign that seemed to meander through a blizzard of lavish spending promises before jolting into life in its final week as concerns arose about the likely policies of the incoming <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Trump</a> administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"67OPNE3NC5GONCAMXDYZCM2QKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150556},"content":"Voting across the 43 constituencies will continue until 10pm on Friday, after which ballot boxes will be sealed and securely transported to the 32 count centres in advance of their opening at 9am on Saturday morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KGLPQ6OG2JFLXEXJ2TGL24RID4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150557},"content":"Almost 3.7 million people, the largest number ever, are eligible to vote in the election, an increase of 423,000 voters since the 2020 election. There were over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline – a fact which adds to the unpredictability of an election that few are confident of calling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTAN6FUHYBFHBKBAMPBJHQK3II","additional_properties":{"_id":"JMB27G3ZRBHKTJUWROYSSSD2PU"},"content":"Election 2024: How do I vote, what are the polls saying and how does the system work?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZVL34X2LURDNHCMUK4XZFKSCIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150558},"content":"The first results of an Irish Times/RTÉ/TG4/TCD exit poll conducted by Ipsos B&A will be released after the polling stations close on Friday evening, which will give the initial indications of the likely outcome, and – potentially – the possible shape of the next government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2N2HKNPUZHF3LTIFLHCD6ZCIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150559},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> has been ahead in recent opinion polls but only by the shortest of noses and well within the polling margin of error. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> are close behind, and all three parties were in a near dead heat as the campaign finished, bunched around the 20 per cent mark.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PNTVVOBGNATFAUZEHLRXQA7XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150560},"content":"If those results are replicated when the votes are counted it will make a government based on Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil the most likely outcome of this general election. But they will need the support of at least one and possibly more than one party – and/or Independents – to form a Dáil majority.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YR5IXBU3VFFFRBOYYCJZEYM3VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150561},"content":"A stronger than expected showing by Sinn Féin could upset all those expectations, however. And the count is likely to reveal intense competition between the smaller parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5RQT3YJP5C2BCLNSKOWNRLFEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150563},"content":"On Thursday the party leaders embarked on a frantic last-minute round of canvassing. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was in Wicklow where he said the question of coalition with Sinn Féin was usually raised at the end of a campaign “for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the Fianna Fáil position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X6O5YKOKFZFVFLJYHYLRKM2K5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150564},"content":"“The bottom line is we did not go in with Sinn Féin in 2020, in 2016. The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NT6W2GL57JGWBAMTUOEA2C6MMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150565},"content":"Fine Gael leader Simon Harris turned his guns on Sinn Féin again, and said that people should examine the kind of policies that lie behind its message of change. “Sinn Féin is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPQF5XUC7ZG43DACYNDGUFHF4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150567},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald reiterated her plea for voters to “lend” their votes to her party, and also support others “parties of change”. Asked to elaborate on her view that Sinn Féin voters should support such parties, she said: “I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit, candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GB3NIIWCHNFRVOXVE5A4GZMXK4","additional_properties":{"_id":"Q44FN6YSBBFEDKPJN6QBOC6FDE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-89884","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JWZUBFDHSNHN5GQ6NA7L7X62GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150568},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the Social Democrats final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z7IPDNDIFZHCZOMFXXDECBNAGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150569},"content":"Green leader Roderic O’Gorman said: “It’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of the next government. Smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQ3HYAD6WNFHDH2P25TDP2YLLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732819150571},"content":"At her final press conference the Labour leader Ivana Bacik promised that the “first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Over 100,000 new registrations in the two weeks before the closing deadline add to the unpredictability of an election few are confident of calling"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election 2024: Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil in near dead heat at end of campaign","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 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the foundation of the State, Ireland has used the electoral system known as proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR–STV, or PR for short).","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7AD2AQRIBCQ5ILFTBYWRKI26A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255258},"content":"This means at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/local-elections/\" target=\"_blank\">local</a>, mayoral, national, general and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/presidential-election/\" target=\"_blank\">presidential</a> elections, voters are asked to give their vote in order of preference.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MSJ4LSANXFBIDKEGNE5XH7CQQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255259},"content":"Referendums, in which people are asked to vote on changes to the Irish Constitution, operate on a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ basis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJASZNZ6RVBAXGDFJBKP2Q5ZOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255260},"content":"Voters can stop after indicating their first choice candidate, or can continue to give a preferential vote to as many candidates as they wish on the ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5YWGGWZVB5HMNCCQ6HSYFWHWTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255261},"content":"When you vote with more than one preference, you are instructing the returning officer – the person responsible for the counting of votes – that if your preferred candidate is eliminated, or elected with a surplus of votes, you want your vote to be transferred to your second choice candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWLJP73X6NFVVDXJMCVWLOZEUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255262},"content":"Lower preferences come into play only when higher ones are elected or eliminated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDNXFABSCBEXNNDMKHELVHIDY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255263},"content":"In Dáil and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/european-election/\" target=\"_blank\">European election</a> constituencies, the number of seats (or elected representatives) can be 3, 4 or 5 per area, depending on population size.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4QOEVVUBNEAFLCWVYNNHRYZRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255264},"content":"In local elections, constituencies are called Local Electoral Areas (LEAs), and the number of seats in these can vary between 3 and 7.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WW7VK2S3RFD3RD7TFRX3GONAN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255265},"content":"When it comes to counting votes, ballot papers are sorted into first preference choices for each candidate and then the first preferences are counted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OGUWWYAQ5FYJOQR3JPOIFM2P4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255266},"content":"The total valid poll is determined after all spoilt votes have been adjudicated on. Ballot papers may be deemed spoiled due to writing on the ballot paper, if no clear first preference is marked for a candidate, or if the ballot paper was not stamped by the presiding officer or polling clerk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C4P2YYZHYBDD7D2OQ7JDYI37RE","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPXAF47425CCHO3FSXTDKIRWHI"},"content":"McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HXXX6MKETVGUVJEREKQ7REPFYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255267},"content":"The quota is then calculated on the basis of the total valid poll. The quota is the figure that, if reached, guarantees the election of a candidate. It is possible to get elected without reaching the quota, but this can only happen when all other candidates are excluded.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJ7WMZYXGND2LPZAYBN55KT4F4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255268},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSMECK5JRBAZVMPAP6EARGYCBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814283190},"content":"The quota is calculated by dividing the total valid poll by 1 more than the number of available seats, and then adding 1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHDR2TX7QRDK5NKOHPDZU6ABJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255269},"content":"For example, in a four-seat constituency with a valid poll of 60,000, the quota would be: (60,000 divided by 4+1) + 1 = 12,001.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FAXK7X4JBG7VNCKWEQHPRD7FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255270},"content":"The quota is a formula calculated on the basis of the lowest possible number of votes that can be filled by the number of candidates to be elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"447ALAZXARDJJGNFNVTKN7MDXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255271},"content":"Votes are transferred after each count when a candidate is either elected or eliminated. A vote can be counted multiple times with transfers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7V3X7AXNXJBIXCBCMZW3UUPZFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255272},"content":"Any preference for candidates who have already been elected or have been excluded is ignored. The next available preference on the ballot paper is used.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7VXXU3XLJBMBFKMWY5CTDQ4UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255273},"content":"If a voter picks only one candidate, their vote cannot transfer because they have no second preference. A voter can influence the election of other candidates by continuing to vote down the list of candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NQGWLJXZVEGVG2LYSIWMZ3QU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255274},"content":"When a vote is transferred it counts as a full vote even if it’s a number 8, ie the voter’s eighth preference. That is why it’s called a single transferable vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3EYQWL5VZDELGXF54LK54MF44","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255275},"content":"Candidates remain in the count as long as they keep receiving sufficient transfers to remain in contention. This process is repeated until there are no more votes to be transferred.","type":"text"},{"_id":"APIKMWBQUNACLCFV4AEZ76KTCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255276},"content":"A number of other countries, including Malta, use the PR-STV system, as does Northern Ireland for local and Assembly elections.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAKIIZZHVBDEJLO4PBFVQT3RCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730800255277},"content":"Two referendums were held, in 1959 and 1968, to try to replace PR-STV with the British first-past-the-post system, but both were defeated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Voters give their vote in order of preference, with lower preferences coming into play only when higher ones are either elected or eliminated"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?","native":"Explainer: How does Ireland’s PRSTV electoral system work?"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Elections 2024"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA","auth":{"1":"fc41984b79f073702294374ac1775410d64f805db64ddbf0e08b3a512d4e10c6"},"focal_point":{"x":1791,"y":1084},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ROTHOIRKOI2OOCIPDQATN7E6ZA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/explainer-how-does-proportional-representation-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"DJFFNDEI2VHQHNBC7MKOBPGSIA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":451,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/10097cd0-6a98-4dca-8631-f7580e98a7ad/versions/1732792302/media/def174ddca01a84f3f7eea5596ea1c83_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/11/29/newstalks-interview-with-gerry-hutch-is-an-anticlimax-after-kevin-myerss-inflammatory-opinions-fill-the-air/","content_elements":[{"_id":"B2EK6QP6RZDJLKFOMZXUN7FMII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160909},"content":"On Tuesday, as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general-election campaign</a> enters the final stretch before polling day, <b>The Hard Shoulder </b>(Newstalk, weekdays) features a rare broadcast interview with a mercurial, controversial figure whose provocative reputation has long divided opinion. And if <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kieran-cuddihy/\" target=\"_blank\">Kieran Cuddihy</a>’s conversation with the veteran journalist and author <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kevin-myers/\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin Myers</a> isn’t contentious enough, the host also hears from the gangland boss and Independent Dáil candidate <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gerry-hutch/\" target=\"_blank\">Gerry Hutch</a>. But while the latter’s appearance makes the news – it’s Hutch’s only radio Interview – it’s Myers who generates the on-air pyrotechnics, with his talent for inflammatory opinions given full rein. All this while discussing his favourite books.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HMBSZN3GNBHBPDR5DX6VTGD6WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160910},"content":"Speaking on Cuddihy’s weekly Bookshelf slot, Myers nominates Rudyard Kipling’s Collected Verse as his go-to volume – but adds in theatrically weary tones that this choice didn’t find favour with the show’s researcher. “Kipling is enormously unpopular in Ireland,” he says, citing the writer’s fervent support for the British empire. Myers doesn’t try to justify Kipling’s imperialism, though he insists the writer wasn’t racist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OAK6FVDLJG75MOIHPPXV2ZLGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160911},"content":"The columnist, who once wrote offensively about single mothers in The Irish Times, then gives a stirring recital of Kipling’s poem The Female of the Species – as in “is more deadly than the male” – quickly adding that its sexist sentiment is “ludicrously untrue”. “You have to forgive him for his many errors, but he is nonetheless a compelling poet,” says Myers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6C64ZEVPRA7JHH5S2O24BPQTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160912},"content":"Still, feeling compelled to dispel any unease about choosing a writer with such extravagantly outdated views, Myers picks a more acceptable alternative: Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, “in many ways a vile book, about a pederast’s infatuation with a young girl”. Stop playing it safe, Kev!","type":"text"},{"_id":"5EQUHLSBLZGLNJGNZ7BATO5KY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790638762},"content":"At this stage it’s tempting to think that Myers is back to his old scheisse-stirring tricks, but he adds that, despite the book’s evil theme, it has a “moral schemata”. Myers also praises the “Russian vigour” of the writing, which he also finds in his preferred Nabokov novel, Pale Fire<i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5G33MF4RZGAPH7FJNFS4BJ674","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160913},"content":"Throughout all this a clearly amused Cuddihy largely stands back, allowing his guest to fire off all manner of sweeping (if not entirely inaccurate) statements: “Men over 50 don’t read fiction”; “Many artists are unpleasant people”; and so forth. For all his robustly opinionated persona, however, Myers makes some serious points, notably the need to view artistic work on merit rather than purely through the lens of modern attitudes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVZFGBJNCBGHNNDQSYXDVTFKHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790638764},"content":"That said, he still revels in pricking contemporary mores, plumping for Kipling’s poetry as his favourite work. “Now no one’s going to talk to me,” says Myers, not sounding particularly bothered. It’s an entertaining and intelligent segment, albeit with a frisson of the inappropriate: Cuddihy is probably wise to confine his guest’s comments to books.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QZBV56AYZHWLCEDQRKEPTDAGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160914},"content":"Compared with that, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/henry-mckean/\" target=\"_blank\">Henry McKean</a>’s exclusive interview with Hutch is an anticlimax. The perennially breathless roving reporter tells Cuddihy how, after a chance encounter in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-dublin-central-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin Central</a> constituency, he persuaded Hutch to take part in Front Bench, his election vox-pop series. (It’s not the only bench Hutch has been around recently, following his Special Criminal Court <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/04/22/what-now-for-gerard-hutch-and-jonathan-dowdall/\" target=\"_blank\">acquittal</a> for the 2016 murder of David Byrne, a Kinahan cartel member.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB6V6IOVPVFS7HPP7EHV7J7MXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160915},"content":"Alas, that’s as exciting as McKean’s scoop gets. Though Hutch is guardedly polite, he approaches the discussion with the same uninhibited candour as he would a Garda interrogation. He says little about policies beyond bemoaning the lack of affordable housing and tersely deflects McKean’s softball question about his chequered past:<b> </b>“That’s all yesterday’s news. You want to move forward.” It’s only when asked if he has any regrets that there’s a flash of mordant wit. “Yeah, maybe I should have run as a politician when I was 20.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYDIZ4LYSZEEDALFGUMKRKYK6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160916},"content":"However his political future pans out, Hutch doesn’t seem destined to be one of the great parliamentary orators. And there’s something uncomfortable about the way Cuddihy repeatedly and enthusiastically plugs the interview, given Hutch’s dubious past. Perhaps mindful of such queasiness, Cuddihy – whose show isn’t as top-heavy with election coverage as some of his peers’ – finishes by quoting Ms Justice Tara Burns’s opinion that Hutch is the figurehead of an organised criminal gang. At times like this the old saw about all politicians being crooks seems especially trite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXOBHDPOZNHNLBGSZMYBC6JHDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160917},"content":"While the direction of the country is decided at the ballot box, <b>Spoken Stories</b> (RTÉ Radio 1, Sunday) gauges the national mood more imaginatively, in the form of short new fiction on the theme of “the state of us”. The latest story in the current series, The Impasse, by the Irish-Indian author Cauvery Madhavan, tackles this idea in deceptively light-hearted fashion. As Madhavan remarks to Clíodhna Ní Anluain, the programme’s producer, in the introduction, the thematic brief can refer to broader society or, less flatteringly, to personal mishap or embarrassment: her story, as read by the actor Dawn Bradfield, takes its cue from the latter definition, initially at least.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4M4ZCX3OWBAMLHXLKZFXM24AQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160918},"content":"The plot is simple. Two estranged old friends, Nuala and Imelda, nearly collide while traversing a narrow boreen. With both refusing to budge, old grudges and newer bugbears surface. The resentments are directed not just at each other but also towards the new, sports car-driving African parish priest – “the Trócaire baby brought to life”, in Imelda’s cosily prejudiced phrase. But far from being racist caricatures, Madhavan’s characters are nuanced if imperfect beings, sketched with good-humoured affection, while Bradfield’s reading imbues the tale with a pleasing tone of gossipy mischief. Much like the protagonists, the story doesn’t get too far, but there’s a lot of fun and the odd thoughtful moment while it’s stuck there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGATFKXZBBEZLGVQXVVUUWGN4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160919},"content":"It’s a typically absorbing instalment to the strand, which this season has featured works by Carlo Gébler and Mia Gallagher, as well as an Irish-language instalment from Colm Ó Snodaigh. Whether these tales end up as firm favourites on bookshelves in the future is yet to be seen, but for now Spoken Stories does an admirable job of representing the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDRD7P6ZZVBOHNJXIHTCGPPNPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160920},"content":"Moment of the Week","type":"header"},{"_id":"CHYHFWNM6ZFRFNY4XOLL5WKEYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160921},"content":"On Tuesday’s <b>Rising Time</b> (RTÉ Radio 1, daily), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/shay-byrne/\" target=\"_blank\">Shay Byrne</a>’s trademark chirpy irreverence leads to unexpected ruminations on being made redundant by technology. Shooting the early-morning breeze with the traffic reporter Sinéad Ní Uallacháin and the sports presenter Darren Frehill, Byrne remarks, apropos nothing, that an “<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/artificial-intelligence/\" target=\"_blank\">AI</a> Jesus” has been installed in a Swiss church to hear confessions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEUM3B3TR5HDDE3KSRN43H4W3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732781160922},"content":"After the trio ponder this titbit at length, if not necessarily in depth, Frehill takes the notion to its logical conclusion: “Will it be long before there’s an AI Shay and an AI Darren?” It’s hardly a new concept: that reliable font of wisdom The Simpsons envisioned the show’s clueless radio-jock duo Bill and Marty being replaced by the automated DJ3000. Byrne, in turn, does little to help his case. “My wife has always said, ‘Talking to you is like talking to a robot,’” he says, chuckling. Given RTÉ's parlous financial state, Byrne probably shouldn’t be giving management such ideas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSVAXSUJJZH73F32GTBYFVALHI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Mick Heaney"}},"name":"Mick Heaney"}]},"description":{"basic":"Radio: The Hard Shoulder host Kieran Cuddihy gives his guest’s talent for inflammatory opinions full rein – all while discussing his favourite books"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Newstalk’s interview with Gerry Hutch is an anticlimax after Kevin Myers’s inflammatory opinions fill the air","native":"Radio review: Newstalk’s interview with Gerry Hutch is an anticlimax after Kevin Myers’s inflammatory opinions fill the air"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU","auth":{"1":"bd6cbb97bed4d978a11514d90f7489f60e60a6adfe94b31460ccf4fd4cf41b9e"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FGRMHNAFPZHDFCQP2KT7SNFPBU.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"TV & Radio"},{"name":"Culture"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2024/11/29/newstalks-interview-with-gerry-hutch-is-an-anticlimax-after-kevin-myerss-inflammatory-opinions-fill-the-air/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"TV & Radio"}}}},{"_id":"XWW5LPILPJE2JFA6QKAQZPED7Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":192,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1924e77f-c771-4c42-a8c9-3edd7350b2a1/versions/1732819584/media/1ff9dacd5662ade5e41d050ec9db8690_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/editorials/2024/11/29/the-irish-times-view-on-using-your-vote-a-precious-right-that-must-be-defended/","content_elements":[{"_id":"I2QVXVHOTFGWTOHTK6CXQW33EI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737062},"content":"It was flagged at the outset that 2024 would be an unprecedented year of elections, affecting almost half the world’s population. That would not turn out to be the entire story. This has been a year when democracy has been subject to setbacks, reversals and repression.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPJW2J4V2JAFLGMK6MRHHGZW7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737063},"content":"As Ireland goes to the polls today, it is timely to recall some of democracy’s darker moments this year. In February, opposition leader Alexei Navalany died in dubious circumstances in a Russian penal colony. In July, Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in a Venezuelan election that was neither free nor fair. And earlier this month, 47 pro-democracy activists were jailed in Hong Kong.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOJC22E4PFGDTMTSCXD24XZJAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737064},"content":"These are just three examples of how advocates for democracy across the world have forfeited their freedom and sometimes their lives in defence of a right which too often is taken for granted by those who enjoy it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFXPYCKU6NBTPLIBEKIOYDUOHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737065},"content":"Today, Irish voters have the opportunity to decide the shape of the 34th Dáil and, by extension, their next government. It is a right denied to most of the world’s population. And in many democracies – including the world’s largest, India – norms and institutions are under stress.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FD2LTQK35C7FDLH7WWWRSWLYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737066},"content":"In its modern form of universal adult suffrage, democracy is a relatively recent innovation, based on a simple but profound truth: each person is of equal value and should have an equal say. In practice, democracy is usually contingent and often incomplete. The United States – the world’s oldest and foremost democracy in the eyes of many – only became fully democratic with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1965.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKJNGGEAPZAQVCXAAN22BOR4TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737067},"content":"One sign of the health of a democracy is the presence of losers’ consent, where all sides accept the legitimacy of the process and the outcome. That can be lost if the majority abuses its power, as happened for decades in Northern Ireland. Losers’ consent has also been strained in recent US elections, and might have reached breaking point this time had the result been different.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJLSBK4N7FFUDKNWNFN6HP6Y3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737068},"content":"Populist authoritarians on both right and left set out to undermine these principles of equality and legitimacy by claiming to act on behalf of “the people” against internal enemies. That leads inevitably to the conclusion that there can only be one legitimate winner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IIT3OIVKGZDBZLJIDGKHZTDDRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737069},"content":"Fortunately, for social and historical reasons, that mindset has found little purchase in Ireland. Our electoral system has its shortcomings but tends to reward consensus and tolerance over extremism and polarisation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QBW3LUCXJGRFBNXATX2STJYNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732830737070},"content":"It would be unwise to be complacent, though. The trends visible in other democracies – declining trust in institutions, discontent with the failure of elected governments to tackle pressing problems, social atomisation – are all present here. The first and best way to guard against them is by actively participating in the democratic process and casting a vote today.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Our electoral system tends to reward consensus and tolerance over extremism and polarisation"},"display_date":"2024-11-29T00:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":" The Irish Times view on using your vote: a precious right that must be defended","native":"Voting is a precious right and the best way to protect it is by using it"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74","auth":{"1":"abc2de1dcbfd7f8a7c2c379d6f80461b410ee80debb8d78f9f1d11942105d95a"},"focal_point":{"x":950,"y":477},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CO24HD252JEBPIJN3D7MPOPJ74.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Editorials"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/editorials/2024/11/29/the-irish-times-view-on-using-your-vote-a-precious-right-that-must-be-defended/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/editorials","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Editorials"}}}},{"_id":"6NNN53HADRE6JLVGUC3T73ONW4","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-campaign-live-updates/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DQ5TIPUNWNAFHCS5DF3BXO6QQI","additional_properties":{"_id":"NKKQYOTKJNGC5GTBZ77BOGCXTU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732782600000},"id":"timestamp-44036","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"QHLCRIYMPRAWZBX3L7SG55Q7O4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112231},"content":"The parties are sharpening their messages in their last-ditch appeals to voters on the final day of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> campaign ahead of Friday’s vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRD6O3PE55FG5NXNZ4BLQ7UIUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112232},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> has appealed for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\">voters</a> who have traditionally stayed away from the party to “lend us your vote” to remove <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\">Fine Gael</a> from office, with party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> suggesting her party’s voters should “transfer on” their votes to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-solidarity-pbps/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a>. Meanwhile, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil continued to focus on the threat of a shock to the Irish economy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I627E6WAVFTDPBFGM7VYX4AWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112233},"content":"The final poll of the campaign released on Wednesday night by the Business Post showed the three big parties bunched together with around 20 per cent support, leaving it all to play for.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QW2FS3PJ5HHXAXVRU3GLREVNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732784112234},"content":"Key Reads","type":"header"},{"_id":"XAQWOSH27BA57HDAF2V2PYFBXU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"ZJY27VTXNRGL7JJSMGRQQ6W5OE","additional_properties":{"_id":"TL6L4Z3WRNFXBLWMA3LVASUI6A"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784191413},"id":"timestamp-59452","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"JF4ELIYU6BFZDOPM3QL34EY2LQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498452},"content":"Time for the Insta generation to step up?","type":"header"},{"_id":"NPJWCWKX2FA4TIPX436PJR3S7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498453},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> was back on Instagram live this morning asking for votes for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> in an “extraordinarily close” <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLOBDYRCE5DTBBR5XHCJLYFKBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498454},"content":"The Fine Gael leader warned pundits it’s is “very dangerous” to try to predict the outcome and said to viewers: “It’s you and you alone who will decide this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6DTFMBQTREBRNCBW6ICAUQQEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498455},"content":"“This is a three-way contest and I respectfully argue it’s now time for our generation to step up, it’s time for a new generation of leadership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJQCK36X6RDI3HJNBMY2XQ6K6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498456},"content":"“That is what I represent, an ability to get things done. An ability to bring common sense to politics but also an ability to represent a new generation... Please lend me your support tomorrow, lend Fine Gael your support and in return I will give you my absolute all”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4QUIGX46VANPIJBC3F4KTVUFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498457},"content":"Earlier in the post he spoke of Fine Gael promises for €200 per month childcare, the creation of more special schools and abolition of college fees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X427MB3B5BD5DDLJGLV4LWS3GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498458},"content":"He said: “I don’t get everything right, no political party gets everything right but you know what I do step up every time I’ve been called upon.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXLLIQSONBAA3EKR5LVTIXVAFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498459},"content":"Harris said he “stepped up during the Covid pandemic to help save lives and livelihoods” served in Government during the “difficult days” of Brexit and promoted apprenticeships as Minister for Higher Education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFWHVEG66RD6HIAWXI6OKRWYAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498460},"content":"He said: “as Taoiseach when the vacancy arose I again was willing to step up because our country needed leadership and he said a Budget was delivered to help people with the costs of living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WJD3VT5IFGMNPGKBG5VVHWUR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498461},"content":"Later in the video he responds to other people’s posts – here’s a sample:","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2KOPD3TDNHTNDJEU5PWX6LXW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498462},"content":"“vodkashot78 making a point about housing ... let me say this – housing, housing housing is my number one priority. But that’s just rhetoric here’s how we’re going to fix it ...”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SURGWPCHJJGERIGASR7YPJH3GY","additional_properties":{"_id":"YED5LFCCSBEJLMO4ZGI6DQDCAU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784238303},"id":"timestamp-64603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"XZCRYJCXQFFS7AU3COF3L6T5HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498465},"content":"Harris’ Instagram Live comes after a previous one last night last night where he said “it’s all to play for” in the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6657HJLH7RE5FAPPVGV7E4674U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498466},"content":"“There’s a poll out tonight that shows when you give people constituency ballots, Fine Gael is neck and neck for first place.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGHY5YKSOBC2FP5D5KOO6OIRCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498467},"content":"This is of course a reference to the Business Post/Red C poll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FRCBXORYFGMBFYCJV2PTBEXBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498468},"content":"It had Fianna Fáil unchanged since the last survey on 21 per cent, Sinn Féin up two points to 20 per cent and Fine Gael down two, but also on 20 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYVB66TVL5D5FEC6ZLKHCUFZ6A","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QP3R3QF5XBH23C4H4VOCMVC67Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498470},"content":"Fine Gael has had a rocky election campaign and Harris told his viewers: “I’m really asking everybody to please, please, please get out and back my Fine Gael team right across the country”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6TMGXEK5NAKVG7Q6CGJGDUPJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498471},"content":"“I really need your support. I really need your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RGIMD4XZDBHLTK4TYXSXEQKL44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498472},"content":"“I’ve been working as hard as I possibly can over the last seven months as Taoiseach of this country and as leader of Fine Gael”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHO6ZMF32BDDTOBN5UE53MXQ4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498473},"content":"He said that during that time he has “tried to reconnect on a number of issues that I’ve heard from you that matter.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYOA466IDBB2VA5DVGQU5OST7A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498474},"content":"He again referenced disability issues as he has repeatedly done since he was confronted by care worker Charlotte Fallon on the election trail last week but also mentioned migration, Ireland recognising the State of Palestine and his efforts to improve relations with Britain.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQVZZ7LHXZEFZC4MSUZTAZNPEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498475},"content":"Harris also said he has been “working really, really hard on putting together what I think is an exciting plan for our country.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWEELRL3IRGSNL2SJOGLID2NPA","additional_properties":{"_id":"M2OOS3CGMFF4TC3N2PPYWW7FUA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784337998},"id":"timestamp-94675","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CLJNPQSYGVHEPOBHGMYPFBMEII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498477},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> had more reason to be happy with the poll saying in an online post that it confirms “what we are feeling on the ground: The momentum for change is with Sinn Féin. It is growing everyday! We can do this together! We can change the Government.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7NUMSH5AREHZHEGW3DEFQVCSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498478},"content":"Her upbeat tone is a far cry from where Sinn Féin was in the weeks before the official election campaign when the party was mired in a strong of controversies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVAFYUFIJ5FR5DA6GEKY6W3UFM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"WT63WIK27VAVXIED6H265BAGSI","additional_properties":{"_id":"JMLT2LW5VRDWFPGGJPTCKQ5EXQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784523286},"id":"timestamp-29971","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"K3PTTJ4S4BGATBIBYCJ2NK7OKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498481},"content":"If <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> was encouraged by the poll showing his party in the lead – albeit very slightly – he was not showing it in social media posts last night. Instead he posted a clip from his pitch to voters to back Fianna Fáil during his interview with Virgin Media television last night. Speaking of his party’s time in Government he said: “In a period of inflation and conflict in much for the world we acted to protect Ireland’s interests and help families faced with rising costs. But this election is about our future. It is about how we can protect Ireland’s progress and implement new policies to tackle critical issues ...”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5ZN7OTN2VGKFBUXKVD63Z5ULU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498482},"content":"Martin’s party has been the most steady in the polls (The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll this week also had it on 21 per cent, in advance of Sinn Féin on 21 per cent (up 1 point) and Fine Gael on 19 per cent (down 6 points). But it seems that heading into tomorrow’s election there is nothing between the big three parties in terms of their respective support levels. Of course much will depend on the complexities of the different dynamics in 43 election battlegrounds as to which one ends up with the most Dáil seats. Fianna Fáil is probably best placed to do so but that does not mean that Fine Gael is not hoping that their fortunes cannot be revived from a blunder-filled election campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"72YBOT5DQZCX7EDFE2IDXO3VAM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QDGOGPYKGBGVVKIYXZFJPR7BQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"IAWUUC62I5HOHPNFQJ6DBXDASA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732784810909},"id":"timestamp-76977","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"FJ3Y3M7Y3JFSJMJS5XYU2LOBNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498485},"content":"The moratorium is dead – long live the “additional care requirement” for broadcasters","type":"header"},{"_id":"SOYVCDIHJBAGTPXWOLBBLCZ2W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498486},"content":"Election 2024 will be the first in a long time without the outdated broadcast moratorium which previously put the kibosh on radio and TV political coverage from 2pm the day before voters cast their ballots","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQKB57RY2ZDWTBZLWHUUCCBOYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498487},"content":"Earlier this month Coimisiún na Meán confirmed the moratorium, which has been in place since 1997, is being replaced with a measure called the Additional Care Requirement for broadcasters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7VUP7Q37FCFFL7UTG36E2SSWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498488},"content":"It will require broadcasters to “treat with extreme care information relating to the election that it believes, or has reason to believe, has been circulated with the intention of misleading or confusing voters or that is likely to mislead or confuse voters.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2MVCNX6KJEBTEYB526NMPANRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498489},"content":"See our report <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/media/2024/11/01/broadcast-moratorium-to-be-scrapped-and-new-requriement-to-tackle-election-misinformation-introduced/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SKBIUZHZRRBMXKKU7MVDIKHOTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498490},"content":"The new requirement will be in force during the 24-hours before the opening of polling stations and during the period when voting is taking place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAWASADVVRHA3FFRBA7IFPWBOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498491},"content":"It will be interesting to see how broadcast coverage plays out under the new rules today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PGH4FKK2YNAZLMAVM3L7ZZ3VOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498492},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris is due on Today FM’s The Last Word this afternoon – which would not have happened under the old rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJRT4ECVEFA4RJ4R3UXNGK27SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"2372ZPGSTZB2TJON7I4JYCLQF4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732786181091},"id":"timestamp-57210","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BCOVCHRXKBC37DHME6KGDZ2O7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498494},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan has also been posting on Instagram this morning with a clip arguing that “the Government’s version of affordable housing is making a mockery of the idea”. He has been filling in for party leader Holly Cairns for much of the national campaign events as she is expecting a baby <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/27/social-democrats-leader-holly-cairns-doing-incredible-job-campaigning-while-pregnant/\" target=\"_blank\">imminently</a>. He wouldn’t thank anyone for saying it but he probably has the safest seat of any of his party’s candidates. Here’s what he said when that suggestion was put to him that he was nailed on for a return to the Dáil at a Social Democrats press conference on Wednesday: “I wish that was the case, but certainly not. Five years ago a lot of the pundits and commentators said I wasn’t in with a chance of getting a seat. Now they all say I’m a sure thing and I don’t believe either of those. We’re fighting very hard to get re-elected in Dublin Bay North.” In a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-dublin-bay-north-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">profile</a> of the constituency Jack Horgan-Jones writes that O’Callaghan “should hold” the seat and sets out the lay of the land there with three other incumbents not contesting the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAU6ANT2BRE7RJYYU446JH7D6I","additional_properties":{"_id":"EJ6ECUBV3ZHILFWJXQPSSURODQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732786855752},"id":"timestamp-99614","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"V2E4O7UV6FGYJCUNIXCQLCWOSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498497},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris has just done an interview with Pat Kenny on Newstalk radio and <b>Vivienne Clarke</b> has been following it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOLPVHBA3NFPLOPV5FAMLXGBV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498498},"content":"He says he feels “really good” about tomorrow and “very hopeful” that people “will lend us their vote so that I can continue my job as Taoiseach and so that we can really put together a stable government for the next five years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7F5TCYTQPRDH5OAKOHYWMCOAOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498499},"content":"Fine Gael’s support has been falling in opinion polls but Harris argued that the polls “always reset” after an election is called. “I think Irish people think about their vote very carefully. They think it through. They want to put politicians through their paces.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOJ5CMPKRZANZBRRQ647KUTDOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498500},"content":"With 18 Fine Gael TDs who won seats in 2020 not contesting the election he also said that he has “had to rejuvenate my party in real time, introduce a lot of new candidates to the people right across the country, people who are new into politics, but certainly not new to delivering in their area.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYTRG63JXVFJXBWVVATICH3OSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498501},"content":"He also said: “I think what’s happening now and you saw it in last night’s poll when a ballot paper was put in front of people in the Red C poll and my party came joint first with 21 [per cent] apiece. We’re going to go to 21, and same for Fianna Fáil. This is a very, very close election. And that’s why right through today and right through tomorrow, up to 10:00 tomorrow night, I’ll be asking for every possible vote for Fine Gael.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LME77MI6GFD4HFPX535UR2CIKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"6NVICSKN2VFLFODOS7RANG5H2Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732787262958},"id":"timestamp-27294","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6SZAVEERHBA5HEM4O7X2JCK4N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732787498503},"content":"Harris also defended the November 29th date of the election during his Newstalk interview. Since becoming Taosieach he had said his intention was for the Government to run its full term – which many took to mean into early 2025. Harris said: “My priority was to get that Budget through, to work with the other political parties, to be respectful to them in how we govern. Then we got to a point where we were getting into nearly this kind of pedantic debate about what is the full term. And my view was based on my view today is still this. Once the government passed that fifth budget, I think there was a safe and appropriate time before and to have a general election. People will vote tomorrow. That will then provide a period of time for the politicians to deal with the outcome of that election and try and form a government and have a new government in office ready to hit the ground running. Because what I can definitely tell you is this. But what we don’t need after the next general election, the people are sovereign, but what we don’t need here is months and months and months of navel gazing. The country needs a government that can get on with the job.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FX5ULTUAM5GMBCZPZCV44YHVUI","additional_properties":{"_id":"EVGFLSW6VZHFXJOXSQIFMVDG5M"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732788042688},"id":"timestamp-73949","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"YURYT64ZWRAWDOPJSDE3AZ7F5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480716},"content":"Fine Gael has had a bit of a nightmare of an election campaign but party leader Simon Harris has insisted it is “entirely possible” he can be returned as Taoiseach after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MVWHU5JKOVD4LI6TEPOLDU7D5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480717},"content":"As <b>Vivienne Clarke </b>reports, he told Newstalk: “I’m glad I am running in this election to lead the next government. I believe it’s entirely possible that that can happen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7OHV3HFOR5FB7MRBQ5S6WR5BW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480718},"content":"He also again set out his preference for a three party Coalition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJUTEFVGFZEOBGOW67T5JIPBWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480719},"content":"“I think what’s most likely to happen after the next election is a coalition government. I think that government is likely to probably involve at least three parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WKLZ7NE22BBULAVYSDY5O7IU6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480720},"content":"“I would think a government that gets beyond three parties becomes harder to manage in terms of a coherent policy base.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVE7SNI4A5DENEYUHOD6FPAE2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480721},"content":"He added: “I strongly believe we need a stable government with a working majority.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMWUS4C6QVCKNCRTPKKZR4VAEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480722},"content":"One misstep by Harris on the campaign was his exchange with care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork where he cut the conversation short after she confronted him on supports for people with disabilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BMZ5IP2ZWZAZ5DK7UH3L4TL7PU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480723},"content":"He contacted her afterwards and apologised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4D6HBONOW5ARPGXB5ZV3PUIEXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480724},"content":"“I was annoyed at myself because I’m better than that. Look, I messed up. I messed up on an issue that is extraordinarily important to me and my family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YGWLYKKHIJD7XNCYCUMW6LEWAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480725},"content":"“And, you know, the issue of disability, is there isn’t a more important issue based on my lived experience.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGH4YKR4HBBQZJM6IQ2KZN7JTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480726},"content":"“I know I messed up, but you know what? I was reared that when you make a mistake, you put your hands up. I apologise.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPKI5UESX5HWFGQHXRGHVLVIMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480727},"content":"Asked if the apology would make him appear vulnerable, Mr Harris responded: “My political opponents can seize on whatever they like.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UNI2H4ADZBG6JK2UVA7CZA24FQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480728},"content":"“I think the people of Ireland, I certainly hope, know me. I think they know me for the leadership I provided through the Covid pandemic. I think they’ve seen the role that I played. I hope they know how hard I work”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMHM5FK4FBEP3IUPHD76ZTKEHM","additional_properties":{"_id":"I3UMK73H7NFTTEW3XGUW7O72WE"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732788674063},"id":"timestamp-23080","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"H64GSGNQRBGE7MF2RHNGX2OIPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480730},"content":"It seems the Labour Party’s Dublin South-West Ciarán Ahern has met at least one irate voter on the doors. Here’s his latest campaign video featuring Seán Flanagan of comedy trio Foil, Arms & Hog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPZ6RCAYPNC3ZG7FIHVMCUBO6I","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"3MXW57EA4RCYXOOV6TVLANGUNU","additional_properties":{"_id":"AOWO7ZBRJRH4LPMFOYPLG4B2EY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732789086325},"id":"timestamp-64580","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OF66A42Z7JGCDDRKUMTSOM3ILY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480733},"content":"Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan can chill for this election campaign. While he is out and about canvassing now that he’s back from the COP29 climate talks – and remains Minister for the Environment until a new Government is formed – he is not contesting the election himself. He posted this serene image from the sunrise in Bray as he headed out canvassing with his party’s Wicklow candidate Steven Matthews this morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y665JR5KR5ECHKWAZVTFHNJRDM","additional_properties":{"_id":"QAKC2KZXWFCS5LUIQH433UFOUU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732789488546},"id":"timestamp-48062","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"NB23YVJ57OP4RLDGJBPKYA7CEE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NQFTFOWXSFDYNOJ4B5S5TNTTC4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AEZLAJ3UGJF47JP66R7ABPF3ME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480737},"content":"Don’t forget your umbrella when you’re heading out to vote tomorrow. Met Éireann is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/11/28/weather-ireland-met-eireann-rain-election/\" target=\"_blank\">forecasting</a> outbreaks of rain including some possible “heavy falls” as the electorate heads to the polls. Will it impact turnout? Poor weather including high winds and heavy rain <a href=\"https://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0208/1113979-turnout/\" target=\"_blank\">did not deter</a> voters in the February 2020 general election when turnout was 62.9 per cent. Turnout was 65 per cent in 2016 – also after a miserable February election race. Regardless of how many go out to vote tomorrow – this campaign has seen snow, rain and flying posters during Storm Bert. Can we have a summer election next time please?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TPUQ4Q3YUJCK7KH4V6NLD5APWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OG2TZQIY2ZEVROXSAGCW2LGWRQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732790383083},"id":"timestamp-92625","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2NKW6IEXRJAUBBJV4C4GGKITIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480739},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s rapport with people while out canvassing is front and centre of this Sinn Féin campaign video posted online this morning. Our own Miriam Lord observed<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/miriam-lord-mary-lous-chatty-campaign-trail-style-a-world-away-from-dail-barbs/\" target=\"_blank\"> McDonald out on the campaign trail</a> in a piece headlined: “Mary Lou’s ‘chatty’ campaign trail style a world away from Dáil barbs”. She wrote: “As soon as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\">Sinn Féin</a> leader escaped the Morning Ireland after the [TV debate at] Montrose night before (the least they could have done was given her a bed between grillings), she took off on her penultimate day of hard yards and the softest of hard sells in search of a mandate to govern the country.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGCWJEB4UJFP7L5J6LEYPNPJIA","additional_properties":{"_id":"SLPVEWLFBVBWNCLJJRFAGAOHP4"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732791051263},"id":"timestamp-60560","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"THNRPDXVVNDAVKHZANPTQN6ZDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480742},"content":"We had a chat with some of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-im-not-going-to-comment-on-anybodys-inexperience-if-they-dont-comment-on-my-age/\" target=\"_blank\">younger and older Dáil hopefuls</a> running in the election. Fine Gael’s Bernard Durkan (79) paraphrases Ronald Reagan’s zinger line from his 1984 re-election bid when the 73-year-old American politician – at that point the oldest ever US president – was running against a younger candidate. Durkan laughs and says of his rivals in Kildare North: “I’m not going to comment on anybody’s inexperience if they don’t comment on my age.” Here’s ‘the Gipper’s’ original delivery of what was, in fairness, a great line during his debate with Walter Mondale. It is worth a watch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2ONBM4RB5AWBEHWB6BLHJL3CY","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"MSMH4YLR3JCXBAO7E6T3PEUU3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"EORA6Y7H35A33P46GGWV6WEFDM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732791657443},"id":"timestamp-99829","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"IULFR3HB4RFZZHCK5X24T75JA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480745},"content":"Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe stacks up the Jenga blocks for the latest round or what Fine Gael’s opponents would brand as the party’s “project fear” campaign on the economy. Taoiseach Simon Harris has countered such charges by arguing it is “project truth”. In the campaign ad Donohoe boasts of full employment and says “we can build more homes and we can invest in public services” as he builds the tower but he warns “If the wrong policies were implemented they could undermine the progress that we have made. And if that happened enough...”. There is a dramatic pause and the Jenga blocks topple.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJD6W2NATRFYLG3IGZWCOBRCDM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"KD2C3UVN4VE2LLP5NNP4FXPRRU","additional_properties":{"_id":"6GV7RIHWSZFU5EL46ZWOCYMLXM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732792367185},"id":"timestamp-52764","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"7V3YKN62JRBBZPHP2O5XKR5WQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480748},"content":"<b>Harry McGee</b> reports that Labour leader Ivana Bacik has said that she is confident her party can gain seats in the General Election and be in a position to establish a strong platform consisting of centre-left and green parties and TDs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWHV3XVTDBF5XB3FKOCAXOFDRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480749},"content":"In her final press conference of the campaign Ms Bacik also dismissed Taoiseach Simon Harris’ description of Labour as a centrist party [in an Irish Examiner interview], saying it “smacked of desperation in the last few days of the campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUJXMJKX4BAOHOXMQDEYIPXAYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480750},"content":"“I’ve consistently said for many months now, before this election campaign even started, that the first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPMLWMDCVVAS7HM25VFQJVEILY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480751},"content":"Ms Bacik said that party’s main campaign message was to create what she said was an “active State” that would drive a radical reset of housing policy, and deliver a publicly-provided childcare system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JO5LALTKT5CZRKYWTIHG5PYPGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480752},"content":"She said her party would deliver the homes people need, tackle the “scourge of vacancy and dereliction”, and provide stronger protection for renters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG5EJUIPFRH2JBL4L7GXQQN7SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480753},"content":"“People are looking for something different, for an alternative that only the centre-left can offer.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNMRVTYPRFBV5PQR3XHNJGQCI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480754},"content":"Ms Bacik was speaking at St Stephen’s Green with MEP Aodhán Ó Riordáin and candidates Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central), Shane Folan (Dublin Bay North), and Darragh Moriarty (Dublin South Central). She said the party was running 32 candidates and was confident of making gains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2C74CJSVNASFGG7OOXFHRW5JI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480755},"content":"She said Mr Ó Ríordáin’s victory in the European campaign had given the party a real momentum and it had fought a dynamic and robust campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P7LQBKKEXZBQBNWYAX522XLVEE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"ADU5ZJXPOFEFNI5O537L7LRCXE","additional_properties":{"_id":"NXNXJRNA3ZFFDLDPNTK2S27SKA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732793803595},"id":"timestamp-51487","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"MGK3BQRDLZCC5NTRYICEOZJF2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480758},"content":"‘We all make mistakes’: Waterford TD responds to criticism of UHW election display","type":"header"},{"_id":"SIIR5ZRNXJB4JHAC4HZ7IBZEBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480759},"content":"<b>Vivienne Clarke</b> reports that Waterford Independent TD Matt Shanahan has responded to criticism of an illuminated General Election advertisement for his campaign being used on the grounds of University Hospital Waterford (UHW).","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2WMU2J7TRBPROEBPCYNNWMVGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480760},"content":"The display appeared on <a href=\"https://www.wlrfm.com/news/shanahan-cancer-ward-advertisement-394966\">the Dunmore Wing at UHW</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNESMW7TTJE77IR5LBKXEFMDHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480761},"content":"In a statement to WLR News, Deputy Shanahan said: “I wish to apologise for any upset that I caused by using the gable end of the Dunmore Wing to create raise awareness of my election campaign. As humans, we all make mistakes. I was trying as I have done repeatedly in the Dáil, to shine a light on the issues facing our hospital which remains completely underfunded. In this instance, with this activity, I regret any upset caused.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHWJDWU4MJACLMXPVWHQRVEWQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480762},"content":"He added: “I am deeply passionate about University Hospital Waterford, and I hope the people of Waterford know that. My activity was solely directed at keeping UHW and allied services at the forefront of our regional political debate. This has been a learning experience for me, but my determination to fight tooth and nail for the people of Waterford is as strong as ever. I ask you to judge me on my 10 years record of fighting for this hospital and not just this one event. Matt Shanahan.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CV4DA4H3PVGSVLZ6BJD7PXUZ3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480763},"content":"Management at UHW also issued a statement to WLR News, saying they were advised yesterday evening of a projected image on the exterior of the Dunmore Wing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PABF7I47SNBNTK4JPZ5YM25YEM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480764},"content":"“After engagement with the parties involved, the projection of the image ceased and the vehicle involved vacated the UHW campus shortly before 8pm,” the statement said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33XKMZOVPREALPBIMGEZF3HD6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480765},"content":"“UHW would ask that any activity of this nature is conducted outside the boundaries of the UHW campus and respect the privacy and dignity of UHW patients, visitors and staff.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNWPNHX6U5HSJE5P4T6EG26EEI","additional_properties":{"_id":"P23OIYDIZRHZPHUF74F722LU7I"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795146129},"id":"timestamp-8288","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"63KVRUETN5DU5MTRTYNOWQ57ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":"O6BRYBUJ6FE7ZEXAB4KJPWSJS4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NYSFMSUEJRCZRJMTXVSDVQPHDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480768},"content":"People before Profit leader Richard Boyd-Barrett “urged” people who do not want a return of the present Coalition to vote for his party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55VU5ZFPMND7NAQBYPKMHYDVSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480769},"content":"The party has candidates in 42 of the 43 constituencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSXYCJM4U5B3LJF7OUQMLJ7Y7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480770},"content":"Those include young people who can’t afford a place to live, working people who are struggling with the cost of living and those who are neglected in the disability sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KEPVEFXOSBAVNMBPFQZCYZ5RZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480771},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have done an “amazing feat” of having so much money, but they have failed to do the basics of being able to put a roof over people’s heads, he said in the party’s last press conference before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6Z5TQHNTBAOFBD3X6DBDY2SQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480772},"content":"Nurses, he suggested, are taking industrial action because the Government has refused to resource the health services properly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7KTAYSFVJBOFFMYF4QDM3ZNDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480773},"content":"He repeated that parties of the left need to pledge that they will not prop up a Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WR5HX5Q3DNAQFMAUIDKWXQ4GHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480774},"content":"Such a move would “demoralise all those people who are thirsting for an alternative” and destroy “this historical opportunity for change”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NEBB3NJURJAYLCYOQ2HVULSIF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480775},"content":"Outgoing TD Paul Murphy said the “received wisdom” is that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will be returned to office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSVG3IDCB5ENVH5IKJ4OZOFEMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480776},"content":"That perception has changed in the last week, he believes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVW4H5RCMRCGXBSMT6XPSDJKKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480777},"content":"He anticipated that young people, workers and women will come out in historic numbers to change the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UU43M2J675AHVJOARXGSXTW5FU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480778},"content":"“It is not true” that voters can only change the Government by voting for Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHPGNCHJZNCD7LG43MOPTG4VDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480779},"content":"He criticised Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats for not ruling out coalition with Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P6UZPVECZCBDP7HCGYIZKETDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480780},"content":"<b>Ronan McGreevy</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3ENALD56ZEVXNJTZQW4OJ55BU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WAQ53XI6EZGF5PGAHHDCW45LBY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795618816},"id":"timestamp-5056","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"GAYBMF5XYXXNRLBZJECIQOQLP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"EKTFUD5FTZCBLMOGUXFXV77GT4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3HCGKS5IFVHOHDEHKZZPAWEB3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480783},"content":"The Green Party’s final message to voters is “stick with us”, according to party leader Roderic O’Gorman who said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNSD7XENQNHDLNYHTVBB3NVJDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480784},"content":"“Our priority has always been about acting now to build a better future for you, for your family, for your children, and we’re asking for another mandate to continue that work in the next Dáil,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6N2TAEOLBFJ7OC65J2ORBAPCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480785},"content":"Speaking at his party’s last press conference in Dublin before the election tomorrow Mr O’Gorman said the Greens in Government have “broken that tradition in Ireland that the smaller party is always overwhelmed by the agendas of the larger coalition partners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IFFXKTFZNBGDJP6KWOXGSW2RZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480786},"content":"“We’ve had huge success in implementing our agenda. We’ve kept our promises even when often our coalition partners might have had very much competing agendas.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5KJLKHJEVD7XDRCOQIJBHJLWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480787},"content":"He cited successes in delivery on public transport, childcare, retrofitting and said that “as a party, when we get the chance to act, we don’t go we don’t walk away”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XK55AWZYMVB5FAWKHHZQGFAR7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480788},"content":"Mr O’Gorman a TD for Dublin West said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote. So we’re asking the Irish voters tomorrow to give us that number one vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRY4XUZVJZEEDITQ7BUKECL5FA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480789},"content":"“If you want to see us to continue to deliver, we need that number one. This time around, the number two, the number three, is not really going to cut it. We’re asking for that number one to continue that strong track record of delivery.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TEJ5OVZ2QZEUJFA4KCQSARFXXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480790},"content":"<b>Marie O’Halloran</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7I5VXPSJJBT3EFVHTQ4GODNUU","additional_properties":{"_id":"UPJFAVOELBE2DIADACSJVFWCYQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732795918862},"id":"timestamp-84412","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"OBBU6TLG4BG7RHQZOSBK3WOYXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480792},"content":"Our Political Correspondent <b>Jennifer Bray</b> is on the campaign trail with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. He is in Greystones this afternoon with his party’s outgoing local TD Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Health. Wicklow is now a four-seat ‘constituency of death’ after it lost a seat when the south of the county was chopped off in last year’s constituency review. Five incumbents - Donnelly, Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG), John Brady (SF), Jennifer Whitmore (SD) and Steven Matthews (GP) will all fight it out on a smaller battlefield. At least one of them will lose their seat. Here’s our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-wicklow-constituency-profile/\" target=\"_blank\">constituency profile for Wicklow</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPQBJVNHAVH6PAZ3T6ZU3WKBZQ","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QUL5GURIIFHJFGOV2G3BLD654Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"5M6BUANS4NHP7LERBHCMKLYNJU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732796320089},"id":"timestamp-41111","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G2N7N2MVTZBQLOPOJYXONKFIGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480795},"content":"More from <b>Ronan McGreevy</b> at the People Before Profit press conference.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NM3Y3D6INNBFHNM352NGLFWF2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480796},"content":"Outgoing People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy highlighted Taoiseach Simon Harris’s encounter with a disabilities worker in Kanturk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45EONKNWI5HUZOHWQNYJUM2V6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480797},"content":"He claimed the “mask slipped” when the Fine Gael leader met Charlotte Fallon who complained to him about the pay provided to Section 39 workers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5BXLAPVCNFUNIUTJRFMJG447Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480798},"content":"Mr Murphy said it was the time that the “media bubble burst” for Fine Gael. He contrasted the “guffawing” at Michael O’Leary’s comments about teachers at Peter Burke’s campaign launch with the “dismissal of those trying to provide services for disabled people”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMAUUK6RYZBK7BPZXX6W6NTFD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480799},"content":"He also suggested that a left-wing government is “definitely on the cards” and there is a real possibility that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will get a historically low combined vote in the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SODXI6NRNRBMJG7GRMRXY2IVVI","additional_properties":{"_id":"XT4JWM7IZBD7XJ76NB775734CA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732796673612},"id":"timestamp-73280","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"WEK67MBBNKR7YZHJUISQPHFXRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FDRTOX5PCJHFFGZXEDMHI34MAA"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZFZL3TK7SRG5BIZBNDIU6APEPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480802},"content":"McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Soc Dems and PBP","type":"header"},{"_id":"GDTFRMQAZZG2PJGWNLEJGG44AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480803},"content":"Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has indicated Sinn Féin voters should consider transferring to parties such as the Social Democrats and People Before Profit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQWG4ZKRPVD7NIEUBIQJCO2SLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480804},"content":"As parties shore up their final messages to voters in advance of polling tomorrow, her comments will be seen as a significant intervention and a potential overture to partners in government talks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWRF5QYJ6BCSBP3RUCGCJZHHCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480805},"content":"Speaking to reporters outside Government Buildings in Dublin, where Sinn Féin held its first election press engagement three weeks ago, Ms McDonald was asked to elaborate on her view that Sinn Féin voters should support parties of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PK56ZOV5ABEETIQAAQADVCICSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480806},"content":"“I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C755P5E755A6NJO3QHGN7JWWDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480807},"content":"She added that it was not for her to tell people how to vote but to ask them to vote in the first instance for Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCLQ6IUM4REBHNOA4W7KOF4DDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480808},"content":"<b>Jack Horgan-Jones</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKREQAWIVZH7VDN3NBOBASVPP4","additional_properties":{"_id":"BMVWOTCVCRDZLM422UQ5J7FFLM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732798177349},"id":"timestamp-35503","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"2KXBPAK7XFBZ3I5N3EKPZBZ6PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480810},"content":"Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has been campaigning while nine months pregnant. The due date for her and partner Barry Looney’s baby girl was November 22nd but the new arrival is not here yet. In an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/11/election-day-so-close-to-due-date-of-her-first-baby-that-holly-cairns-will-lead-socdems-campaign-from-west-cork/\" target=\"_blank\">interview</a> with <b>Harry McGee</b> earlier in the campaign Cairns said: “It’s very tricky, obviously. In one way, I’m so excited because it’s our first baby, we can’t wait. At the same time, I’m gutted by the timing for it to land in the same week, potentially, as polling day. It’s less than ideal, and it does pose a challenge for us as a party.” In an Instagram video posted today Cairns said: “It’s election day tomorrow and I can’t believe it and I can feel the swell of support behind the party”. She said “it’s coming from a place of people just wanting a party that will address these issues on housing, health, disability”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBWCG24KWBCR3LUFFN6LR5RYBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"JBOA622JCZGDFPC56GWPSPBETI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732798860841},"id":"timestamp-21603","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"K5ZWAGNHLFCUXGN6F5D7BYKXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"RV4RHBBYV5AMBH57MSHTWWU4OI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"F6MMWMG3X5HHNJNPDGZ6GCXRMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480814},"content":"McDonald on potential Sinn Féin Coalition partners: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet”","type":"header"},{"_id":"YMK6LV2JLVBQ5PNMX6CQCPZTMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480815},"content":"Fresh from her party’s last election press conference Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald stopped by well-known Dublin watering-hole Grogan’s. She joined had singer Mary Coughlan and artist Robert Ballagh for a cup of tea. While she pulled a pint, no cheese toastie was ordered we gather. The Irish Times’ <b>Chris Maddaloni</b> was there to capture the campaign stop. Here’s <b>Jack Horgan-Jones</b>’ <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/mary-lou-mcdonald-indicates-sinn-fein-voters-should-transfer-to-social-democrats-or-pbp/\" target=\"_blank\">report</a> on Sinn Féin’s press conference where she suggests her parties voters should “transfer on” their votes to the Social Democrats and People Before Profit. As Horgan-Jones’ reports Ms McDonald reiterated the Sinn Féin request to the electorate to “lend us your vote”. Asked about potential coalition partners for her party, and what her path to power would be, she said she was going to talk to everybody once all had gathered their own mandate. “I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she said. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause,” she said, joking: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet. We have to get to first base before we pass it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNYD7WPAP5AXZIVCJL55EY4PNE","additional_properties":{"_id":"EK5ZLMDPMRBPRM63T2I6I67OUY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LKXEO3VTYFEILHTBZIAHSFCC5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"EPPNQHVWM5FTTLGEIJBXJNNKKY"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732799558110},"id":"timestamp-90322","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"WZ55AECPCZCHFD7BR5CUW5IPWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480818},"content":"Here’s more from <b>Marie O’Halloran</b> at the Green Party press conference. Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has said “it’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of next government” and “smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHZDYRSGARAFDCWTHO5SLI6N64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480819},"content":"He said people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted whether it was a progressive party like the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that are what brings to the right, whether it’s anti climate, whether it’s anti choice, whether it’s anti equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUFLNHICSRDNZIPAN3WPJ5IGQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480820},"content":"He added that the Greens have been “demonstrating our track record of delivery of our policies and also stability, being a grown up partner within the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6FHGWDOBVAALHDKRZPTJGXJDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480821},"content":"Asked if the party was getting its message across because it was consistently criticised about being the party of cycle lanes, Mr O’Gorman said political opponents “are always going to try and go for the what they might consider the weakest link, and undoubtedly, we’ve been subjected a few pile-ons over the course of the last four and a half years. That’s the risk that the small party takes when it goes into government.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ERPXYGBC65AUDNCXAWRFZUSHDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480822},"content":"But “people recognise that we have done what we said we would do. People recognise the influence we’ve had in this Government, and whether it’s Leo Varadkar or the Healy-Raes it is recognised across politics that we have had an oversized influence on the policies of this of this Government. We got 7 per cent of the vote, so we’ve been able to deliver a huge amount of our policies, far more than any smaller party has been able to deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4YUBM2YFFDIJHIGQWGHY5HFAE","additional_properties":{"_id":"CY6PPEYA4FCPHEQQ2VENBMS4HQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732800867157},"id":"timestamp-88000","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"4YSJD2MDOBDBLNJHNR74KXIBNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480824},"content":"Jennifer Bray is still on the campaign trail with clean-living Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Wicklow where he was ‘caught rapid’ raiding the treats shelves in a supermarket. Healthier dark chocolate for the Fianna Fáil leader no doubt...","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDLX6U7H5BCSPFEDFDCMK4KMMM","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QW6PI5X46JEFNKFK4K5I5XS5DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"OJF7HAD5ZJHKTJKUB6RYWKE6QM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732801708380},"id":"timestamp-28733","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UYUT52YILRHDVL32UB644P2XIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480827},"content":"People could end up “skint” if Sinn Féin wins power, Taoiseach claims","type":"header"},{"_id":"7COL6AASXFHMVIMMMCY5X4QG2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480828},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris has claimed that if Sinn Fein becomes part of the next government, people could end up “skint”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMGQBXMEX5DAZBMA4MVTCFDTQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480829},"content":"In his final press conference, the Fine Gael leader said that people should examine the kind of policies Sinn Féin is pursuing behind its message of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KXHFRTHFYNCMBIL6ATL2XBR344","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480830},"content":"“Sinn Fein is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2D5KU2F6RCYHH5YPWJ3QUUKFE","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"PPIWZ2QCUZHIFEKP7TB6TC3P5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480832},"content":"Mr Harris was speaking at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Lucan along with Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFLUE7JZZRA5LM6RCYZ7ACAXDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480833},"content":"Both focus on the prospect of an economic shock ahead, particularly after the election of Donald Trump as president of the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JE5IIDSESNBRLLF6SCVOH6XXHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480834},"content":"“If you lend Sinn Fein your vote you lend them your future. If you lend them your future you might not get it back,” said Mr Donohoe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJFLL747KNF23GBSRCJ5GOHPAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480835},"content":"Mr Harris added: “The economic headwinds are real.” He said Mary Lou McDonald had rejected what she had called a doomsday scenario.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAVTGERPYVF3JJTDSK4Q7QHKMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480836},"content":"“To describe the (Fine Gael message) as scaremongering is dismissive of that reality,” he argued.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2NB6Y2TO5DS7FGRJBG3JYOLSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480837},"content":"Asked about coalition options, he agreed that some TDs in other parties (a reference to Fianna Fáil) have said they are open to a coalition with Sinn Fein.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVM7T6MFF5FGDAJSFKPGHDKPXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480838},"content":"He continued: “You will not find one Fine Gael TD, on the record or off the record, being open to a coalition with Sinn Fein,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3JMJCUJUZCWBJVBBMFEAGXPLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480839},"content":"He also argued that Fine Gael that was a party that had never “bankrupted the economy”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETDP5UUQ2VDGNAOMOU57OHJWIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480840},"content":"Asked if he regretted not being more familiar with the circumstances surrounding the assault incident in 2018 involving Co Louth candidate John McGahon, Mr Harris again repeated his view that Mr McGahon was acquitted by a jury in a criminal case, and if otherwise had been the case he would not have been a Fine Gael candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJPUW2KHTVEQPIIGB7PPWXZAWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480841},"content":"Asked if his party had lost momentum to its two closest rivals he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWJO2VF6KBDBJKKZWLFBAA76V4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480842},"content":"“We hit a couple of bumps along the way. I have been honest about that. To err is to be human.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANBIBIQ6WJGZRKOXIPEZRU4VEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480843},"content":"He added that the election was about issues, that he has been Taoiseach for only seven months, and wants to have a chance to do more for the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GKDX4KO5BHWXET22JKF4NITDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480844},"content":"“There is a little bit of arrogance creeping into other parties as to who will be the biggest party. The best of luck to them,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3JN547G2VATHJBQZJJ2KMN6YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480845},"content":"<b>Harry McGee</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJAUEIEMPBANLBJL6JFLO7DZCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"DGRQDLTJCZGL7P33WCIM5EJ3UQ"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732801928507},"id":"timestamp-99895","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CKZASDM77FBD3NC3FCIVDZHPOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480847},"content":"TV and radio election moratorium was “entirely anomalous” and “outdated” - broadcasters","type":"header"},{"_id":"UWXPDQQH4BF23PORGJADZ6UAII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480848},"content":"We are just minutes away from when the old election broadcast moratorium would come slamming down on the eve of polling day. Not so this year as Coimisiún na Meán scrapped earlier this month. <b>Martin Wall</b> has a story on the submissions made to the media regulator seeking the abolition of the old ban on reporting any information which could influence an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\">election</a> from 2pm on the day before polling day until after voting had ended. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte\">RTÉ</a> said it was “entirely anomalous” that its online news service could report on a significant breaking story, and particularly one based on disinformation/misinformation in the moratorium period, but its television and radio division could not do so. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/virgin-media\">Virgin Media</a> Television said the broadcast moratorium was “outdated and is no longer effective”. You can read more <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. The moratorium is being replaced with a measure called the Additional Care Requirement for broadcasters. It will require broadcasters to “treat with extreme care information relating to the election that it believes, or has reason to believe, has been circulated with the intention of misleading or confusing voters or that is likely to mislead or confuse voters.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SKVVELPAFDOHCQBP4JR55FRII","additional_properties":{"_id":"VWHP6LAKTVCA5OMUXVQK7QMOUU"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732802556953},"id":"timestamp-75052","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"SFAXJ5FDWVCNDKCFAGAYDLNPC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480850},"content":"Martin insists he has support of his party to rule out Sinn Féin as a coalition partner","type":"header"},{"_id":"LZI4QPYW7JHDJMKGO2T6HIHQ3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480851},"content":"Tánaiste Micheál Martin says he has the support of his party in his decision to rule out holding government formation talks with Sinn Féin, and said he felt the question was being asked “for mischievous reasons.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OREKSRHJEZEPNKZX3PED6OMJCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480852},"content":"The Fianna Fáil leader was in Greystones with outgoing Minister for Health and Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly on Thursday morning, the last day of campaigning before voting starts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2W7HPZBO5AURKO75RY6BB2JM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480853},"content":"“I’m always intrigued that in the last two days of the last two campaigns, this kind of question is raised,” he said, after being asked again about ruling out going into Coalition with Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OBXAXCXD7NAFRGUFXN2K3UPKKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480854},"content":"“I think it’s raised for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the Fianna Fáil position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with. But this is becoming a hardy annual now. The bottom line is we did not go in with Sinn Féin in 2020, in 2016. The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6WM226ILHJECZKDEULKP2WF76U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480855},"content":"Asked what the overarching themes were of the general election campaign, Mr Martin referenced housing and access to disability services. As he visited different businesses in Wicklow alongside Mr Donnelly, he was asked about the VAT rates for business, access to the basic income scheme for artists and the number of DART services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TPSZXG2J5GCZOFAWGNLKH22AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480856},"content":"Mr Martin said his focus in the next 48 hours is “to say to our party members and to our candidates to do everything possible that we can to get out the final vote, and to get as many people voting for our candidates as possible. To speculate on the aftermath of the election is somewhat premature.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQOUMZTDANETZGTIJJZV4OQET4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480857},"content":"He said there was “a lot of engagement” on the campaign trail.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7KJNLDCONBMDEYZ3HMUQK2AL4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480858},"content":"Mr Donnelly was asked if he would “relish” the chance to the minister for health again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYHWQGPSTZD7JGVAXIFQRVNCCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480859},"content":"“I have one focus, which is asking the people of Wicklow to vote for me tomorrow, and if I’m honored enough to be returned as their representative, then that’s as far as my time frame goes right now. It has been a busy four and a half years. There’s no question. There are still big, big challenges, as we know, but I think there’s progress that has been made that a lot of people four and a half years ago said couldn’t happen.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPA2ONB3ZBBN5M5E72C3ATTTJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480860},"content":"<b>Jennifer Bray</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FKSKXLXDJDUDOI3C7MJLHDZ5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"OBKLSJUY2FDRZLCRKCRQABGMRM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732803069533},"id":"timestamp-1701","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"G4ZUAHT77RGRPO54ZNUPNTH3LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480862},"content":"Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín is posting on X today that “the story of this election” has been the “momentum” behind his party. Aontú stood at 3 per cent in this week’s Irish Times/Ipsos B&A <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">poll</a> - the same level of support as People Before Profit and nipping at the heels of Labour and the Greens which were each on 4 per cent. It was on 1 per cent in the same series in September 2023. Tóibín has been the party’s only TD for Aontú's entire existence and is very much hoping to add more after tomorrow’s vote. Tóibín reckons “The last seat in many constituencies is a battle between Aontú and the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZE7DGPN2K5CX7GLFF24JAU3HEU","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"JZJDMNSRUZDMBO2YHOHOKI27F4","additional_properties":{"_id":"UUNXKTC64RFW7IY5EBFVT3BN5Y"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732803964676},"id":"timestamp-31144","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"BSGKYFY2YNGNHE64RKTBLH2O2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480865},"content":"There are almost 3.7 million people registered to vote in tomorrow’s election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y5FRXJW6ENGXRCIS3BP2I66KDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480866},"content":"An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission says the latest figures provided by local authorities indicate that the number of electors nationally is 3,689,896.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAGZSLWKKRDTFCY3SGSG3QYCAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732804480867},"content":"Around 3.5 million people were eligible to vote in the last general election in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I22Q76YQVRHDJHPJJ6QOMP4GIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"L5FZLCDTLRGOTGSRYTEVYKUT74"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732808374784},"id":"timestamp-68152","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CO3SCT2FSZDWPLNUTIVS3FCB4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559825},"content":"Minister for Enterprise and Employment Peter Burke is among the more than 250 General Election candidates endorsed by the trade union backed Respect at Work campaign after he pledged to support legislation to promote collective bargaining and protect workplace representatives during the term of the next Dáil, Emmet Malone writes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YA5RV4TU3VCS3LRV52YB5XKUNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559826},"content":"Mr Burke was among a number of prominent politicians to sign the pledge in recent days with Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and employment, Fianna Fáil’s Dara Calleary and Government chief whip Hildegaard Naughton also indicating their backing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DWMGJDSL4BBGJC72Y5IQKPLG7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559827},"content":"Th Respect at Work campaign was launched in April with the intention of promoting trade union rights, mainly in private sector workplaces where employers might choose not to engage with worker representatives and are in some cases accused of actively working to deter any form of representation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NO53XNH5OJDEJOH3HFVT42JMBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559828},"content":"It has been primarily backed by Siptu, Mandate, the Financial Services Union and the Communication Workers Union.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZA54RLGVSVHJJOQTBQPLB63TSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559829},"content":"In recent weeks, it asked election candidates of all persuasions to commit to a specific pledge to “support legislation which promotes collective bargaining, protects workplace representatives and ensures the right to access a trade union at work,” with the campaign asking trade unionists to support those candidates who signed up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FDPYZV3B5JC2LDCI3LTLM3XXZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559830},"content":"By lunchtime on Thursday, with the process formally closed but some politicians still adding their names to the list, just over 250 candidates of about 600 had signed up, most of them from the parties of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDIF7DYNL5HIPE3ILAYF3YRJ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559831},"content":"Among the eight to commit on Thursday morning, however, were Independent, Michael Lowry, Aontù's Peadar Tóibín,Ms Naughton and six other candidates standing for the two larger Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWAU7GKFVZF3RCDPRWXKF3J5D4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559832},"content":"The most eye-catching name, though is Mr Burke who had previously been criticised by leading figures in the union for his decision not to legislate on the collective bargaining element of the Adequate Minimum Wage Directive, a key demand of Ictu and its membership over the past year","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4I3WTASHNFGZFYIT567O3EQGU","additional_properties":{"_id":"4SERCZXCZZBJPK5FTRBCPO2FFA"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732810369401},"id":"timestamp-8256","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"VYYEST74Z5FOLFG2OPN2CYTDHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732814559834},"content":"Reporter Ronan McGreevy spoke to Donegal fishermen ahead of the election to get their views.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOB5JUAGXJHKVCJRZELNX6M56I","subtype":"twitter","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"IZGOAKA6HRBRBDZZIVIAP36WBI","additional_properties":{"_id":"KIMES2EG2BBKPEWK5LFPC525II"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732814564819},"id":"timestamp-86759","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"6HFOMBD4E5BWHOCC4HRNMTJD7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287182},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the Social Democrats final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3AHURWRTCFAUBFKEJDS5YDHYNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287183},"content":"He said he wasn’t in a position to tell people where to transfer, but what he had said all along was to transfer to progressive parties and parties of the left and that he considered Sinn Féin to be a party of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUSRPPGGSFEXBIVL5NZMH33ZW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287184},"content":"Mr Gannon, who shares a constituency with Ms McDonald, said he would give her and her running mate Janice Boylan a preference, alongside PBP’s Eoghan O Ceannabhain and Labour’s Marie Sherlock. He would not be drawn on what order he would vote for them in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4COQVE6ADVE6RI4F2332DF27KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818287185},"content":"Asked what his message would be to those who were considering voting for Gerry Hutch, a gangland figure running in the constituency, Mr Gannon said he didn’t want to personalise his comments but urged voters to back candidates who would be strong legislators and develop policy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PV6RVN7KV5FZHO4XICP6TPOY5E","additional_properties":{"_id":"6IQPEYSLQ5H5DKL3GOD5A563CM"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732818294757},"id":"timestamp-19672","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ERPXPQAOTVEXPDC3ZXWEGCI62I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069239},"content":"Uber is offering discounts of up to 50 per cent for customers taking a journey to and from polling stations tomorrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSAE7WNVDNBNHCFRTOFSVQM3UU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069240},"content":"Polls across the country will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm. Uber is offering up to 50 per cent off 2 trips anywhere in Ireland on Election Day with the code ELECTION24.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HN72DEGJWJEEPAOCEZYDY6APKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069241},"content":"It works by entering the code in the Uber app to activate the offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYQ5RHXYHRBDFPK6US7SDJ5LJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069242},"content":"It’s conditional on the cost of each trip being up to €10 per trip.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVR5DWIUIRDHPI6X2CFIQLJPAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732823069243},"content":"“We believe every vote counts, and we’re proud to support accessibility to polling stations for everyone,” a statement from the company said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVU27Q4RFNAV3GCUR52KNZNSMI","additional_properties":{"_id":"F3OSQSRY2VB35NZ7QEG56BLD6E"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732823081474},"id":"timestamp-32903","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"YOBMCEIVRZGWXD734YSFDLJD64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194301},"content":"Taoiseach Simon Harris was in Clontarf on Thursday evening for a last minute canvass, Fiachra Gallagher reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYTBVNZ57RB5ZOKZPLTGYEKOCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194302},"content":"He was joined at Nolan’s Supermarket by Fine Gael’s Dublin Bay North candidates Naoise Ó Muirí and Aoibhinn Tormey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYALWL3L5ZG33H3UTWUFAHH2OI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194303},"content":"The Taoiseach met with Amanda Lynch outside the supermarket, who outlined her long-time struggle with anorexia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSXQEAJICJCXFOTBEPKUTJRAOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194304},"content":"“I went 14 years without proper treatment for my anorexia,” she told him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y3AOWZOJFJFTLOU5UVYCEF3DNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194305},"content":"“It’s such a complex illness that they need specific beds [in adult mental health inpatient units],” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SCOGE4MHORBPBP54R3NOZVDWWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827194306},"content":"Ms Lynch called on the Taoiseach to improve inpatient service for suffers of anorexia. Mr Harris agreed to set up a meeting with Ms Lynch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKAF4NJGNZEBXCC6YGGI4YZI54","additional_properties":{"_id":"SUT4HO5QOVBPHELM4KSG4LJZXI"},"embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1732827198871},"id":"timestamp-61014","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"IGMVR25VLZDCJLCEWGS4FADIIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732827774021},"content":"That’s it for our live coverage of the election campaign today. We’ll be back with more live coverage tomorrow morning.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jade Wilson"}},"name":"Jade Wilson"}]},"description":{"basic":"Mary Lou McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T20:53:18.871Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024 updates: Simon Harris conducts last-minute Dublin canvass as campaign enters final stretch ","native":""},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Live: Election 2024"},"breaking_news":{"text":"on"},"live":{"text":"inactive"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY","auth":{"1":"b723acae284f2a76ef51d12363aff24fbf2ff017767e30c8a51a9056d2e04757"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MAHBBX4G2Y3WJULBSG4YWXUSIY.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"live-story","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-campaign-live-updates/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"IY5SFWZ6WBFVXH22W53VXMPXAI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":352,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/49afed5f-146e-4133-8138-e0540869d9cd/versions/1732824155/media/33f9cc415136abf00bd2e1feafe9d565_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/would-you-not-be-better-off-going-independent-canvassing-with-sinn-fein-in-dublin-mid-west/","content_elements":[{"_id":"75ZODOMMEVBYNB52OHVCGESQUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136023},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MOX2ET73ZBCNNCBBQEH2HSTX7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136024},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUYKUYXEE5FUPEFH4LMDSEUSG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136025},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> TD Mark Ward is accustomed to all sorts of local problems and issues coming up while knocking on doors during an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">election</a> campaign.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJLFHPFG2VBOLOQFZ36O6KKUYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945096},"content":"But even the Dublin Mid-West representative gets caught by surprise with an unexpected question.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGNJJYJRWRCSDOCI3VOSZDSNK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136026},"content":"“Would you not be better off going independent?” a middle-aged woman asks him while canvassing around Rowlagh Park in Clondalkin, west Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZIGCNAB4ZERTLDDA5ITSCFRLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136027},"content":"Taken aback, Ward (49) responds: “Myself? Absolutely not. I’m a proud Sinn Féin republican.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ5TR56RXZAG5CY5VL3OGWJIS4","additional_properties":{"_id":"XTFRCA5FXRAOBDFDRXOOMTFMIM"},"content":"‘I’m not making eyes at anyone’: Mary Lou McDonald indicates Sinn Féin voters should transfer to Social Democrats or PBP","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PEPTZK4H6RB4VJL5DI2DKG4STI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136028},"content":"Ward, who was previously a behavioural therapist, later admits this is the first time ever such a proposal has been put to him during his political career.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TE4GLVS7J5E4TJIAK2SUNP42PA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136029},"content":"The woman is critical of Sinn Féin for appearing to align alongside the government parties while raising her concerns around immigration, in particular “people coming over with no passports”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2EQQ34UBZEPNBTGFLXLV5T5ZY","additional_properties":{"_id":"7FVXOPJP4RBQLFNDCWTLHBZF4M"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"HOLLRWI3ZVATLITWZWXL3DADBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136030},"content":"Ward is clear that his party is “not in government”, adding “we didn’t get in” at the last general election in 2020. He points out that Dublin Mid-West was the only constituency in the capital that time to run two Sinn Féin candidates – himself and the party’s housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCOY2REEMNCUXEEFW5TZ3WOMEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136031},"content":"On immigration, Ward says the current system is not working and his party’s policy is that if a person has “a right to be here, you should be looked after and you should be given everything the State can give you so you make a positive contribution to society.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OXVQEKLIRF3RF6DXJOVSNPCIU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136032},"content":"“But if you haven’t got a right to be here, a decision needs to be made quite quickly,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDXFZ5DD3REO3C6W5VDE5LNE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136033},"content":"While the woman does not indicate how she will vote this Friday, her assessment of Sinn Féin is in the minority in the working-class area where Ward grew up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45VOIVVD5VBIZF5LC4FHRACXR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"PDTUIDKKYVEPXKESY4CQW2XQUU"},"content":"Sinn Féin’s US political arm raises €366,000 in latest fundraising drive","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3OFXRBOO3FAMJL6BE4I76JD6IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136034},"content":"The TD, first elected in a 2019 byelection caused by the election of Fine Gael’s Frances Fitzgerald to the European Parliament, says he is “confident” of retaining his seat in this constituency which has grown from a four- to a five-seater. It covers an area from Fettercairn in Tallaght to Saggart to Palmerston.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GCFH654VVFD43L5BKGEQGX6OP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136035},"content":"He is encouraged by a recent Irish Times/Ipsos B & A poll in which Fine Gael’s share of the vote fell by six points to 19 per cent and Sinn Féin rose by a point to 20 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5dd52dd9-04ea-4f39-ab28-9025024fea60","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZPJ2EBKFYZGCZDZI3KV762RWQM"},"subtype":"irish-times-video","type":"video"},{"_id":"3R3QRQOGYVD7FMRFGA3PHUS4VM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136036},"content":"“Momentum is building, the response we’re getting on the doors is starting to get to 2020 levels,” says Ward.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMT5QVVCYRGPTPRZ64D3M4S5DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945109},"content":"“We’re starting to see that response… that people want a change and they see Sinn Féin as the change they’re wanting to bring in.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNECUP4GFNAB5EYQHUK4OSNFIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136037},"content":"Back on the doors, Mick Tomney (73), who has been living in the estate for about 45 years, says he will be giving his first and second preference to Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEVOSSC275DAVCHW4LTGHG4QY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136038},"content":"“We definitely need a change of government,” he says. “The two parties have cosied up together, the Civil War parties, and you wouldn’t think there were two parties there at all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQ5LJH3Q75GFBCFDSVZWJJKXWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136039},"content":"“We need a change and to give Sinn Féin and whoever else they can cobble up together a chance. They can’t do any worse than what the other crowd are doing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GVXLWBVOLNBZ5MYDG7HEC4PID4","additional_properties":{"_id":"GCABQS6OCNDOLM5ZTOYV52TWF4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TELCIFOGKFHVDFZTPMQG4O2CTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136040},"content":"Tony McLafferty (50), originally from Glasgow and living in Ireland for more than 20 years, tells Ward: “Anything is better than what we have already.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FTRSFIB3QJAITOD57ITX73EFCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136041},"content":"McLafferty says he usually votes for Sinn Féin, adding “years ago we needed some stuff done and every person who came to the door councillor wise, we asked them and they [Sinn Féin] were the only ones who helped us out”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IK6RARFW4JGZRDMWTQFWUCTRQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136042},"content":"Lorraine O’Sullivan, who has been living in the area for almost 30 years, cites antisocial behaviour and discarded nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters on nearby green fields as her main issues.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Y5UTQLYNFFHZA2KOHJOZLNXPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136043},"content":"O’Sullivan says she is a long-time Sinn Féin supporter and that Ward and Ó Broin have “always been very good to us – anything we want them to do, they have done”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5JTIISVYZEL3OHM2FTTQPNR3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136044},"content":"Ward says housing, health, the cost of living and disability services for children have been the dominant topics raised while campaigning over recent weeks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45V27L3D6RDGDBXI23M5GQ3KLY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FADGGABVSRE5BBQVQICDHXZNRM"},"content":"Election 2024 live updates: McDonald signals that Sinn Féin voters should give transfers to Social Democrats and People Before Profit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5THFD77JSNDU3LDN2WEFSF6F3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136045},"content":"The expectation is that Ó Broin, Ward and Fine Gael’s junior minister Emer Higgins will hold on to their seats in the constituency with Gino Kenny (People Before Profit), Shane Moynihan (Fianna Fáil), Paul Gogarty (Independent) and Francis Timmons (Labour) in the running for the final two.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEZOT2MJXRH7BN5XJBKOMWADCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136046},"content":"Ward says his party was considering running a third candidate in the constituency at one stage but members decided against it following the local elections when Sinn Féin secured just five out of 40 seats on South Dublin City Council in June, despite fielding 21 candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEAZMEPGXFHRZBY4K4GIGOIXZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136048},"content":"“We have had worse days but we have also had better days,” says Ward.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7JYTKS4PFC3VAPGWQMLDOSAY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136049},"content":"Even at the start of the general election campaign there was “a certain sense of apathy” in some areas but “you could see that lifting over the last couple of days”, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNJKZEI2RBGGJG7UZ4FA54J7BQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136050},"content":"“People are only really starting to think about the election now because we’re coming up to it. People are looking for that change and feel we are the only party that can bring it about.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYXO4NBQFNE5XCWZEUYZGJF3G4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136051},"content":"A woman in her 70s, who asks not to be named, says she has “absolutely no idea” who she will vote for. She explains that she is caring for her husband but is unable to avail of the carer’s allowance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZM72OYCGOVGZTNYYRJECWZPX4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732610136053},"content":"The woman describes her situation as “absolutely shocking” and adds that she had to previously fight to get a medical card.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QCNU3NTKNAYZNBVCZUM5ABH7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732795945126},"content":"“I just think nobody listens,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sarah Burns"}},"name":"Sarah Burns"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sinn Féin is hoping to return its two TDs as the constituency covering working-class areas in Tallaght and Clondalkin moves from to a five-seater"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T20:02:27.358Z","headlines":{"basic":"Canvassing with Sinn Féin in Dublin Mid-West: ‘Would you not be better off going independent?’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"SEW7JZV3TFHPRPHIRR465E24CI","auth":{"1":"f90293af511a62f45645667bf865fbfd795bdb08ef6d50d6c3c18f93ba2fd935"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/SEW7JZV3TFHPRPHIRR465E24CI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/would-you-not-be-better-off-going-independent-canvassing-with-sinn-fein-in-dublin-mid-west/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"XYJMMXF3GVGN5DUNBFUXD6SDJU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":354,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/97ea8042-1654-45dc-9fe0-767349a1e339/versions/1732824263/media/aa626cf8833d7e8ccff0d843f3bae008_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/carers-and-the-election-i-had-to-borrow-35000-because-my-son-has-never-had-a-public-therapy-session/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UBSQRUWFGRDIJNUFQJ5IZOWTII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060822},"content":"The issue of care and disability was catapulted to the forefront of the campaign following the meeting between <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/disability/\" target=\"_blank\">disability</a> care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk last Friday night.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTYKLH6C4ZH37JLQFO6YXOAGS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060823},"content":"Ms Fallon articulated to the Taoiseach the frustrations that many carers have with the present Government. She accused him of ignoring the sector and of treating Section 39 workers, who are contracted privately to work in disability services, differently to those who work in the public sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5F4GV4FANCNJFS6DRPEH3YFWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060824},"content":"The annual <a href=\"https://familycarers.ie/news-and-campaigns/netwatch-family-carer-of-the-year-awards\" target=\"_blank\">Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards</a> are always scheduled for the last Thursday in November – this one happened to be the day before the general election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB6XPKS5QNENFHSDOTU7HZGWOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060825},"content":"Carers from all 26 counties in the State go forward to the provincial awards, with the overall winner chosen from the provincial winners. All four provincial winners have their own tales of woe while battling with the State for services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"65W5ICUVM5FCNH7L6MQFZE2E4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060826},"content":"The Laois, Leinster and overall carer of the year was Sarah Dooley from Mountmellick, Co Laois, who is a mother of four. She has autistic twins, John and Patrick (5) and a seven-year-old son, Cathal, who has been undergoing leukaemia treatment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JPBJZSCBMFF5FAS5DMQK5LJG7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060827},"content":"The twins were turned down for 19 schools each before eventually getting a place. She described it as “soul-destroying” and said she would struggle to cope without her partner, Cathal, and their extended family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDQQEHBUDRASVNREC46XRO5JQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060828},"content":"Whoever forms the next Government has “to provide more services with additional needs, speech and language, occupational therapy – none of it is available”, she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CDLKUXS5EZAMFPJB7CEEFRFURQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"FN22YIWWRVFJVL2GMLPXFDTI2Y"},"content":"Mother who fought for school places for autistic, non-verbal twins named Family Carer of the Year","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KMQ7U7T5ENAJRA43THR4UYR5C4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060829},"content":"The Munster carer of the year, Joe O’Loughlin from Athea, Co Limerick, cares for his wife Donna, who has a traumatic brain injury, and their three children, including Jacob (6), who is autistic with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Caleb (4), who has a brain injury, autism, epilepsy, scoliosis and oral dysphagia. His youngest child, daughter Precious, has been diagnosed with a bowel condition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4T4RW54VFB73JRDZ2BE46QG4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"B4AZ6DMUNFDQVJDTQRGD627WSI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UNVYTQMV4RD6LETZHL7AHKJF5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060831},"content":"Mr O’Loughlin said carers need to be treated a lot better by the next Government. “A lot of promises are made before elections, but not a lot of them are kept,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJGUNTOLZRAC3IA4RJPE2L5WXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060832},"content":"“For my two boys I get €680 a month. That wouldn’t cover a week of Caleb’s therapy. Caleb has never had a public therapy session. Everything has been private because he has to wait two years. I had to borrow €35,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQ5IBVDOFVA2LDZXQJTTQ7TTR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060833},"content":"“Look at scoliosis. People are waiting years. The only reason that Caleb has got anything is because my wife has pushed so hard for it and we have had to pay for it, and it is wrong.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"DIPXI6FOUVAVHAPK54XGUPKHTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060834},"content":"Connacht regional carer of the year, Maura Fahy from Renmore, Co Galway, has spent 14 years caring for her elderly parents while balancing her own family responsibilities. Her father lost a leg 12 years ago. He died in September. Her mother has dementia and is blind. Her 26-year-old son has autism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAJAJ56AWZGBJGEBLNYM54FAVA","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZZOLB6W4ERCEPMOZPJULGGM4IY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"OAETMZHXBNFIPCBMEJX5CEPZMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060836},"content":"“Change has to be made. The stories that we have heard here today when you have children with special needs,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZIQU64BKBFUXE7LJ4W5PKMI4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060837},"content":"“It is a very lonely life if you are looking after your parents or your children. We need more home help, we need more respite, we need more funding. Covid-19 added to this. It really affected people with special needs because it took away their social skills.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3O7MZDY5VCRTL7OWFQ6KQCK5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060838},"content":"Ulster Family Carer of the Year, Cathy Kelly from Carndonagh, Co Donegal, cares for her four children, including Timothy (10), who has hydrocephalus, and Lucy (14), who has severe cerebral palsy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QLHONKEBJFVHBHJNCAWJ26SLI","additional_properties":{"_id":"3HU2Z4XP5RG65NDYTLD4AQATBY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WRNQYUYS7NGEHM7MSIE5BZ4HXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060840},"content":"The workload she has in looking after two disabled children was compounded by a tragic workplace accident five years ago when her partner, Kevin, was killed. Local people stepped in to help raise money to adapt her home for her two disabled children.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MICW5NRNBCJVFP52DRYAL4VOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060841},"content":"She said carers in Donegal have an added set of problems on top of the issues faced by carers elsewhere in the State.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6O27PD5TVA45B5R2SJ3KMU7HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060842},"content":"“There is no respite services really in Donegal. We have no motorway to get to appointments in Dublin. I don’t think people south of us understand the plight we have,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MA57BN6GUJATHN42NJO3OESL4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060843},"content":"“We have a community leisure centre in Buncrana which has been closed for 20 years and they won’t open it. They got funding but it still hasn’t been opened.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZB4LU3IYNVFI3DCKNL3DMSPTWY","additional_properties":{"_id":"2ZUVNSRTAFB6JBBC4XL7I2HPXU"},"content":"Fine Gael says contact with RTÉ over viral clip was ‘appropriate’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XR3V2ZPXKREHXOO2GVBARBL4NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060844},"content":"In relation to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/\" target=\"_blank\">an incident that Mr Harris had with the care worker in Kanturk</a>, she said: “As a carer I have to say that most politicians live in their own world. Unless it affects them directly, they don’t know what it is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3WFNIXYKFCSTJ6VHALTSHPE4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060845},"content":"Tricia Blee, the community support manager at Family Carers Ireland for Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, accompanied Ms Kelly to Dublin. She said there is a “postcode lottery” across the country for services and Donegal comes out worst of all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TRW5CTBVNA35NIGAZG6L5WX7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732818060846},"content":"“In Donegal there are no vacancies for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, assessment of need. It is a completely different world in the northwest,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Winners at Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards call on next Government to improve services"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:35:25.716Z","headlines":{"basic":"Carers and the election: ‘I had to borrow €35,000 because my son has never had a public therapy session’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 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href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-lou-mcdonald/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Lou McDonald</a> has said <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> voters should consider transferring to parties such as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit/\" target=\"_blank\">People Before Profit</a> in Friday’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general electio</a>n.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HEU3P7JYCBF6BOPNOLXROFXKM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890559},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"6A4MY6KWLZAINA4UHX7QFUO76I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890560},"content":"Speaking to reporters in a final press event outside Government Buildings in Dublin, the Sinn Féin leader was asked to elaborate on her view that her party’s voters should support parties of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3N4C7JPLRHO3GUCHZDVOKVD7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890561},"content":"“I think each constituency will differ, but I think we can identify parties like the Social Democrats which would share ideas on housing and other policies, People Before Profit candidates of the left, some other Independent candidates,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3UYQPNT5JB7DI2PPEMP2ZNBYY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZBHF56DYUJCR3CM5RJ5TE4H6PI"},"content":"Election 2024 live updates: Harris insists he can return as taoiseach after election with ‘all to play for’ on final day of campaign","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7PVOQ2Z63JA2VFFSWHEVVL3JO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890562},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"AADMRYQMBZAIFIJKYPUYSG5Q7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890563},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJ4BZWTXGCGPNZSJRW7ODMELGU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WHP5PS555RAIJHJE4WIBVLPSP4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KVH5I3TI7BFDPD2MDLM65B6UKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890564},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLYU25ABHFHD3FL5MOQZO4WYSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890565},"content":"She accused government parties of “scaremongering” on the economy in the run-in to polling day, with warnings about the potential of economic shocks from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> in particular a “mark of desperation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULQBH6DH6ZAXVGXJQD5KAJRQEA","additional_properties":{"_id":"Q2DYXSNOHFBIPDO2AU5YTQOPBQ"},"content":"Election 2024 manifestos: Use this tool to compare party promises","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RRERGLEKYFEZBH7QKVAW2KGNKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890566},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGBOK6CBI5HABDPVGHEAQELPGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732797890567},"content":"Asked about potential coalition partners for her party, and what her path to power would be, she said she was going to talk to everybody once all had gathered their own mandate. “I’m not making eyes at anyone,” she said. “I believe in absolute fidelity to my cause,” she said, joking: “We’re not at the flirtatious stage just yet. We have to get to first base before we pass it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMNZH2WZ6ZFRVPZWSTOIHRPFEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673901},"content":"<b>Fianna Fáil</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UAWCPOA7JNABLNFMWR5OSSBAME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673902},"content":"Tánaiste <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> said he had the support of his party in his decision to rule out holding government formation talks with Sinn Féin, and said he felt the question was being asked “for mischievous reasons”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TRKPM77KWRB4JJXANUK2LWRG4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673903},"content":"The Fianna Fáil leader was in Greystones, with outgoing Minister for Health and Wicklow TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/stephen-donnelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Donnelly</a> on Thursday as campaigning drew to a close.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NGU5CELMLRGEZPBZUYHXETEP2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673904},"content":"“I’m always intrigued that in the last two days of the last two campaigns, this kind of question is raised,” he said, after being asked again about ruling out going into coalition with Sinn Féin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M5P4VRECUBAOTPDKRNUYROUZ5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673905},"content":"“I think it’s raised for mischievous reasons to try and undermine the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> position, by some of our rivals perhaps, or even by some of those we might have been in government with ... The bottom line is their policies are not compatible with ours.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHUR2KDR55BAFKRVZLIHB5LVF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673906},"content":"Asked what the overarching themes were of the general election campaign, Mr Martin referenced housing and access to disability services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P67SV5XW4NC5VFHSPTGX2ZGY4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673907},"content":"<b>Fine Gael</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUYD5VAPHJCQ5EX64OBU6GZJGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673908},"content":"Taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> has claimed that if Sinn Féin becomes part of the next government, people could end up “skint”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWGM6EWCLRHYTORKM7U2DHFAVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673909},"content":"In his final press conference, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leader said people should examine the kind of policies Sinn Féin is pursuing behind its message of change.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OK7NFG7C3FEKHFMAKFF7OIUHMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673910},"content":"“Sinn Féin is promising change. That could mean change in my pocket. A lot of people could end up skint. Don’t end up with buyers’ remorse,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPHJCHQBXJAKDMGVCLJ26KBBIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673911},"content":"Mr Harris was speaking at St Joseph’s Secondary School in Lucan along with Minister for Public Expenditure <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/paschal-donohoe/\" target=\"_blank\">Paschal Donohoe</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZTSU3JXSBB5DOKEAATXYETDAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673912},"content":"Mr Harris said the election was about issues, that he had been Taoiseach for only seven months and wanted to have a chance to do more for the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V3IXXEBRL5B63M7KI26L5KAUYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707371},"content":"<b>Labour</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DCP5LHKF4RGFPBGAXR5OGB54QM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673914},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ivana-bacik/\" target=\"_blank\">Ivana Bacik</a> said she was confident her party could gain seats in the general election and be in a position to establish a strong platform consisting of centre-left and green parties and TDs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWQEJSLEK5G7BMOKH5LZSZAC44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673915},"content":"In her final press conference of the campaign, Ms Bacik also dismissed Mr Harris’s description of Labour as a centrist party, saying it “smacked of desperation in the last few days of the campaign”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWSZFK26OBF33HKDFWP4X2W2PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673916},"content":"“I’ve consistently said for many months now, before this election campaign even started, that the first thing I will do is go to the leaders of other parties and groupings who share a centre-left and green vision, and those values that we hold here in the Labour Party,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQQZ2L6ZQZDNFDPDDTPXK7PJSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673917},"content":"Ms Bacik said that party’s main campaign message was to create what she said was an “active State” that would drive a radical reset of housing policy and deliver a publicly-provided childcare system. She said her party would deliver the homes people need, tackle the “scourge of vacancy and dereliction”, and provide stronger protection for renters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GR7IAU5MDRFZLCQOP2E7BP35EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707379},"content":"<b>Social Democrats</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MFA2I7BFUFDBDIMWWTJQKZIMM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673919},"content":"Speaking to reporters at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\" target=\"_blank\">Social Democrats</a> final pre-election doorstep, Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said he would encourage his party’s voters to “vote left, transfer left”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXL7PGWJCJDA5DYISI6BT6ELAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673920},"content":"He said he wasn’t in a position to tell people where to transfer, but what he had said all along was to transfer to progressive parties and parties of the left and that he considered Sinn Féin to be a party of the left.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2XTYIXLJBECBA5DO4BXQRCOLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673921},"content":"Party leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/holly-cairns/\" target=\"_blank\">Holly Cairns</a>, who has been campaigning while nine months pregnant, posted a video on social media on Thursday while she said she was travelling to Cork University Maternity Hospital for a check-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXGXPRI3XVCYZNIQZKLONX2GYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673922},"content":"“I can feel the swell of support behind the party,” she said. “It’s coming from a place of people just wanting a party that will address these issues on housing, health, disability.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5W43KEITKZFA5HAPQ4EJOGKIBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"VYA3663UQRFLBJKTJJWAFJEIVE"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-26786","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"V3IXXEBRL5B63M7KI26L5KAUYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707371},"content":"<b>Green Party</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"JW5B5VDQPZAU5G3XESHTZP4VNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707372},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-ogorman/\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> has said “it’s very clear that smaller parties and Independents are going to be crucial in the formation of next government” and “smaller parties can be absolutely pivotal”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXPLJA4FJ5HGFBM6WL2HN3FZFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707373},"content":"He said people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted whether it was a progressive party such as the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that are what brings to the right, whether it’s anti-climate, whether it’s anti-choice, whether it’s anti-equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MYFX3XGSBCTBMYV65UXD4K6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707374},"content":"Mr O’Gorman, a TD for Dublin West, said “the Green Party represents the best value for your vote”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOCOUORPKNEJBNJFGPOK5JPDYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707375},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRPWLYRGTJG2RCOTPXTAAWMVOI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707376},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"WMM6VU2MUNFDDEQKK54I4SG6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707377},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCBWQVWQLBH6VPPTHJQ3LABBSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732808707378},"content":"He said: “People recognise the influence we’ve had in this Government ... We’ve been able to deliver a huge amount of our policies, far more than any smaller party has been able to deliver.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQX2CM2F4JDSZML44TIHPSQIKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673931},"content":"<b>People Before Profit-Solidarity</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKIUAD6EPVCFXNTIWIMV36LEWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673932},"content":"People Before Profit-Solidarity leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/richard-boyd-barrett/\" target=\"_blank\">Richard Boyd Barrett</a> urged people who do not want a return of the present Coalition to vote for his party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IV2JBEJEJVAABGJWMPZXS6REXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673933},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXZWJHHIOZF2VHNJZTKCEWNUJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673934},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQUOTRI64VELBB32ZBX67MV2EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673935},"content":"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had done an “amazing feat” of having so much money but they had failed to do the basics of being able to put a roof over people’s heads, he said, in the party’s last press conference before the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73XT32ZDXJDATEPP3WWMY7YAEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673936},"content":"He repeated that parties of the left needed to pledge that they would not prop up Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael after the election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LV4JGLF3MFA25BVYKHVEEBZPZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673937},"content":"Fellow TD Paul Murphy said “it is not true” that voters could change the government only by voting for Sinn Féin. He criticised Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats for not ruling out coalition with Government parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UCAVOTPJAZHBZDRQKY5AVEJR5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673938},"content":"<b>Aontú</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"5VRTH6KS6ZFL7JDJDUIADSWK44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673939},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\" target=\"_blank\">Aontú</a> used the final day of the campaign to launch a cost of living policy document in the Dublin West constituency of Mr O’Gorman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5VRTH6KS6ZFL7JDJDUIADSWK44","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673940},"content":"Aontú leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peadar-toibin/\" target=\"_blank\">Peadar Tóibín</a> said his party stood “a good chance” of taking the Green Party leader’s Dáil seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FD4BEE23WZCIJO24MHJ3FTRJIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673941},"content":"Mr Tóibín said the Green Party in government had failed to protect families from the effect of high energy prices and the rising cost of living.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXUTIYJ6ZVC2HF4O3OCNPBMNWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821673942},"content":"He said “it’s likely that our vote is going to more than double”, adding: “I think that the story of this election in many ways has been Aontú, the plucky underdog, fuelled by conviction and hard work, taking on the political establishment and winning.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Rival parties pressed on possible coalition arrangements in final campaign events before polling day"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:16:51.444Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election: Mary Lou McDonald indicates Sinn Féin voters should transfer to Social Democrats or PBP","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ","auth":{"1":"cdf07bb2c8b70f92b2b2e46d86d4057c33ccb8cc35939761ec057d8113218027"},"focal_point":{"x":3220,"y":2364},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7EH63DV67AL6PY4ZNUFIDTJDUQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/mary-lou-mcdonald-indicates-sinn-fein-voters-should-transfer-to-social-democrats-or-pbp/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"55B4YBO5FFBLTMGMLXZ2JVVAWM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":168,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/612e0ea8-bdce-4513-8f19-ce3258e5d734/versions/1732820325/media/597c53f4a1c875092dcc29cda094403a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/green-party-asks-voters-to-stick-with-us/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YL5JFRCLWFH4BM32UQE3DPQ7IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515844},"content":"Small parties and Independents are going to be “crucial” and “absolutely pivotal” in the formation of the next government, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/roderic-o-gorman/\" target=\"_blank\">Roderic O’Gorman</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DR5JC7LICFGQDFFYZBLDJMSRHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515845},"content":"The Dublin West TD appealed to the electorate to “stick with us”, adding that “we have delivered, and we’ve delivered in spades. So the Green Party represents the best value for your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JXHTHQACWNE3BFDVTCWKKU4OWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515846},"content":"“We’re asking the Irish voters tomorrow to give us that number one vote. If you want to see us to continue to deliver we need that number one. This time around the number two, the number three, is not really going to work. We’re asking for that number one to continue that strong track record of delivery.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EX2VFIIL3ZDJHDXJ4PNNSPJOZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515847},"content":"Speaking at his party’s final press conference before the election on Friday, he said that when voting people would have to ask what sort of smaller party they wanted.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RA4E7DWDAFGF3PWXOHVQTYFHVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515848},"content":"Did they want a progressive party like the Greens “that shows it delivered on its priorities but also created stability? Or do you want parties that bring us to the right, whether it’s anti-climate, whether it’s anti-choice, whether it’s anti-equality, but also are so incoherent in themselves that you won’t have that element of stability as well”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2ZKFZANFNAALGBOFJNJNAKWLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515849},"content":"The Greens have been “demonstrating our track record of delivery of our policies and also stability, being a grown-up partner within the government”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMUX6VEKLRHBJMFYXCJ4PV3FA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515850},"content":"He said the Green Party worked well with its coalition partners and kept its fights “behind closed doors”. That was “what created such a stable government over the last 4½ years” and that was how coalition should work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KII4PQA7HJHOVAMOOGHXKNSSVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515851},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5P6OLXWLRE45HHEWRRFSBVJUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515852},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGVBCF3F5RHP5B75Z65625YDGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515853},"content":"Dublin Central TD <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/neasa-hourigan/\" target=\"_blank\">Neasa Hourican</a> said the election campaign in the constituency “went from being probably the least interesting constituency in the country to all of a sudden the most interesting”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XEUHDRO3PJGWDKCPCOAV4A36XU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515854},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTVV7IW2SVEG5EYRPU6QBV2AGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515855},"content":"Asked his view on the call by Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty for the electorate to “lend us your vote”, Mr O’Gorman said “I won’t be lending Pearse anything and I don’t think Green voters will” because Sinn Féin has “absolutely nothing to say on central issues like climate, like public transport; when you see how all over the place they are on Europe, for example, registering EU nationals here”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQ5Y2FPTXNB55HHW2OD6L2T2JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515856},"content":"He said that in the leaders’ TV debate “we saw how empty their migration policies are – one of the big challenges our country faces and Sinn Féin’s policy is just vacuous. They have no clue how or where people will be accommodated.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GH45CSCDXNH73K4D6HGMRDAS3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515857},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSK3GHSKHBGEVDSVAVQ2UUV6AA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812515858},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Green leader Roderic O’Gorman say his party has ‘delivered, and we’ve delivered in spades'"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Green Party asks voters to ‘stick with us’ ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ","auth":{"1":"cedf145a65279a640272b1d601b70bd7656fc454c2ca880807701920cc324abe"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/L5HVTHCW542HNWH7PTCUNWGNSQ.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/green-party-asks-voters-to-stick-with-us/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"NBD5HFOTIRG45JFRVSZ6JVG5HU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":216,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a7a960c5-1f4d-4436-be7b-d5becb6bc384/versions/1732811632/media/28f4b5056f67d7886f65e78b76cabaa9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/eamon-ryan-opens-cycle-lane-first-campaigned-for-30-years-ago-in-last-event-at-minister/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CTXL3ALD2BFDVHQH2LVVE5JYPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301707},"content":"Minister for Transport <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eamon-ryan/\" target=\"_blank\">Eamon Ryan</a> presided over his last ever ministerial ribbon-cutting on Thursday, making an impassioned call to arms to cyclists at the opening of the Clontarf to city centre cycle route.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BHJCZPBYBAQNNOZ6WKHX4NM6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301709},"content":"The former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Green Party</a> leader praised the “political guts” of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-city-council/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin City Council</a> in forging ahead with the 2.7km route which has been 14 years in gestation but, Mr Ryan noted, for which he had started campaigning 30 years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSAPTOJCSRGWPJCH3VSG7AQ3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301710},"content":"The route, which runs from the junction of the Clontarf Road and Alfie Byrne Road along North Strand Road to Connolly Station on Amiens Street, is part of a €71 million project that also involves water mains works and new bus lanes. It will for the first time provide cyclists with safe access from the city to the off-road Dublin Bay cycle path, which runs from Sutton to Clontarf.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3J377QKQ5E2VAQM6BFBZAUCLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301711},"content":"Dublin today was still “positively dangerous and hostile” for cyclists Mr Ryan said. “It’s not a good place to cycle.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"54JDJM4DXVF3DLJMBU26R7NIAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301712},"content":"However, projects such as the Clontarf route, the Royal and Grand Canal cycle paths, the Liffey cycle route and the increased segregated cycling facilities throughout the capital were going transform Dublin into a cycling city, he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JLBWFZ5GSJDMJFZ6OPMBKAZV24","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301713},"content":"“Dubliners are going to turn to their bikes in their hundreds of thousands because it is the best way to get around. It is the fastest, cleanest, cheapest, most social way. It makes Dublin a wonderful city, so let’s build from here and let’s not stop,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZX6Y2QRKWBDPHPFY57MA5Q77QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301714},"content":"Installing safe cycling facilities was not “anti-car” he said, but a way of offering more choice to people in how they got around the city. “The people of Dublin want this, so let’s keep going, let’s see today as the first step in a dramatic change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3TX3AZ35VGTRCMOSZK3F5EYPM","additional_properties":{"_id":"QZQSHKBJOBHS5ADRBIOWUA3XQA"},"content":"Tolka Estuary Greenway: First look at 2km Dublin Port cycle and walking route","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XMDC3GCDFRBINELKHGYK3BXES4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301715},"content":"The Clontarf to city centre route was proposed in 2012 at an estimated cost of €7 million. However, the project was beset by delays and underwent several redesigns, including one following protests in 2017 over plans to cut down 50 trees in Fairview Park. The council subsequently amended its plans to save 42 of the trees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AS4U6KXNAFG3PMOTYWGYKMU3MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301716},"content":"In February 2019, the council published revised costs of €20 million following design changes and the decision to include extensive water mains replacement and new sewerage systems in the project, as well as a link through Fairview Park as part of the Tolka Valley greenway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDOETIAS2FA7DAROMMWWOVIMQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301717},"content":"The project again stalled due to a failure, the council said, to reach funding agreements with Irish Water and National Transport Authority concerns about proposed bus diversions during construction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LYIXNHPHKVGU3CSMQCEQDJ4264","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301718},"content":"By the time construction started in March 2022 the costs had increased from €20 million to €62 million due to “enhanced streetscape, additional planting and upgrades of the public realm throughout the scheme” and the incorporation of “major upgrades of 6km of water mains and part of the Tolka Valley greenway” the council said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTSJQ73DVFFXTOM6Q62DXGN47A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807301719},"content":"The project had been due for completion earlier this year but following some revisions to the scheme it was finished this month at a final cost of €71 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Olivia Kelly"}},"name":"Olivia Kelly"}]},"description":{"basic":"Outgoing Green Party TD says Dublin still ‘hostile’ for cyclists"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T19:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Eamon Ryan opens cycle lane he first campaigned for 30 years ago in last event as Minister","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU","auth":{"1":"0ebcb2da17a6be8e81709cc3f27b984a0d818865e7134016f9af6e187899166d"},"focal_point":{"x":2685,"y":1406},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZNT6T3FV3FA55AG5HYYJMAJWDU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"},{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Ireland"},{"name":"Dublin"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/eamon-ryan-opens-cycle-lane-first-campaigned-for-30-years-ago-in-last-event-at-minister/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"FUIAO624RRGVZLSXK364ZBSKZA","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/podcasts/inside-politics/election-daily-the-highs-and-lows-of-a-tense-campaign/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DRWIYHDC6FEHXNTDHYF6A7DQ7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Would you like to see the Inside Politics podcast team recording live on stage in Dublin on December 11th? Buy your tickets </i><a href=\"https://events.irishtimes.com/events/95842\" target=\"_blank\"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"HC2ZSH2VCVHMLPBLMBSABSRJJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Pat Leahy, Jennifer Bray and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan on today’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election</a> Daily podcast. It’s the last day of campaigning and the leaders of the three largest parties have been communicating their final messages to the electorate:","type":"text"},{"_id":"CPCNEGFVJRFRLPL2D2Q3Q2Z2XU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"D6QCIAGPANDPHGNSFMWR6KFFIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732821708794},"content":"Pat, Jen, Cormac and Hugh discuss all of the above before picking their favourite, most pivotal and most consequential moments of the campaign. 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My activity was solely directed at keeping UHW and allied services at the forefront of our regional political debate.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NATYVLZPBBGBB6NGYANFRRNJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732812952662},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2B5NZXB6IJFT7BSHTT6XLPZOEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233320},"content":"Management at UHW said it was made aware on Wednesday evening of a projected image on the exterior of the Dunmore Wing. “After engagement with the parties involved the projection of the image ceased and the vehicle involved vacated the UHW campus.” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ABIJIHNUZNDY5MMPJJXU4ZAWRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233321},"content":"It said any activity of this nature should be conducted outside the boundaries of the hospital campus, “and respect the privacy and dignity of UHW patients, visitors and staff”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798233322},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}},"name":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Matt Shanahan apologises after initially defending the laser display"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T16:56:15.187Z","headlines":{"basic":"Independent Waterford TD apologises for displaying election message on Waterford hospital building","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4","auth":{"1":"48182c6e71c8a3a5b560f57c72b8a72f8604d8c292467f02ffb3ef2316779156"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VVY53KZR6N3PAXDDL574RERGA4.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/independent-waterford-td-apologises-for-displaying-election-message-on-waterford-hospital-building/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"MVQ2Z7RVX5EGTF2VRWTMXTVBEA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":509,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/40249935-facf-4661-a6b2-33101bcd67e3/versions/1732810994/media/a542e69b228ababbc3c65ab4481fd7c6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/","content_elements":[{"_id":"3WUCJNY6RFDBZJGWIK53L2MCYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767436},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a> is finally happening, right?","type":"header"},{"_id":"MDNEFWYB5NG7XBEX5YI5AEM72Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767437},"content":"It is indeed. Ireland will vote in the representatives to sit in the 34th <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dail-eireann/\" target=\"_blank\">Dáil</a> on Friday, November 29th. The weekday vote marks a return to a tradition that was broken last time out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WQ33EJSCNBTHGG2454FKTOIZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767438},"content":"A tradition?","type":"header"},{"_id":"B6FSEYLPLRACVFCOEDCCWXVYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767439},"content":"For decades elections in Ireland used to take place on Thursdays or Fridays but in 2020 the election happened on a Saturday as the then taoiseach <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/leo-varadkar/\" target=\"_blank\">Leo Varadkar</a> said he wanted to make it easier for students and for families with young children to have their say. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> had a different view although we’re not for a second suggesting he wanted to make it harder for students and for families with children to have their say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OMQXGHPMZCS3HMZ6OVDW4JA5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767440},"content":"How many TDs will be elected?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZYC4D427FJC6RGKWL7C2OE26YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767441},"content":"More than ever before is the first thing we should say. A total of 174 TDs will be returned to the 34th Dáil, up from 160 in the outgoing assembly. It was 158 in the 32nd Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JIT3KWWQJJC2NKI7ED5MPBSQHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732862823929},"content":"And for a majority, party or parties need half of 174 plus one which makes 88 the magic number, right?","type":"header"},{"_id":"OAB4Q5NVZFGQTP3KTQ6JCEES5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732862823930},"content":"Wrong – well technically anyway. When it comes to electing a taoiseach and forming a government, the effective seat number is 173 because one of the TDs will be Ceann Comhairle, the speaker in the Dáil. If a coalition of parties can muster up 87 votes they would in theory be good to go although that won’t give them any margin of error and would make each subsequent vote in the Dáil a pretty tense affair. In reality, any coalition will want at least 88 TDs and would ideally have a buffer above that to be comfortable. The first sitting of the next Dáil is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CHLN24I3GFDMXD6TLDAD3BFB2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767442},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4NEYHO3ZRC4XEJ6J7X4XZBBSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767443},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KO3KCWNZ6NFWNFIF3MBQAAOZVM","additional_properties":{"_id":"YLQPLSQMCNGWPNMVQLQWNC7KDQ"},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-6759","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"B2SCTHLZOFG2BLNPQHJ3THFS4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Why do we have more TDs now than we did last time out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"7QBUVRDT2ZE7HCGJCT5BVUZNQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767445},"content":"The increase was recommended by the Electoral Commission to reflect a growing population and shifting demographics. Under the Constitution, one TD is required for every 30,000 constituents and for that to change a referendum would have to be held.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HG27APSRBJFVTLC4RYFI6BMZNY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VX3KNWNNXJFMRIQSOTHZRBDKPQ"},"content":"Who should you vote for on Friday? Use this tool to see which candidate matches your views","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"27GELDI52ZELJAILD4CVRWIBNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767446},"content":"Have we had to squeeze all the extra TDs into existing constituencies?","type":"header"},{"_id":"RVORRVII5NEKFHQOJMM2QP43JQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767447},"content":"No. As well as more TDs, the number of constituencies has increased from 39 to 43. The constituencies of Tipperary and Laois-Offaly have been split in two and there are two new constituencies in Wicklow-Wexford and Dublin Fingal West. Read our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/constituency-profiles/\" target=\"_blank\">profiles of each of the 43 constituencies</a>. We also have an explainer about <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/13/election-map-explainer-how-has-it-changed-and-how-are-counties-and-parties-affected/\" target=\"_blank\">how the electoral map has changed</a> and why.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGVKXZDEN5DLNE3AN4KQTFWEJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767451},"content":"There is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/22/who-are-the-candidates-in-my-constituency-a-general-election-guide/\" target=\"_blank\">a list of all the candidates running across the country</a> available and if you are wondering which candidate mostly aligns with your views we have you covered on that score too, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/election-2024-how-do-your-views-match-with-election-candidates-in-your-area-use-this-tool-to-find-out/\" target=\"_blank\">thanks to this tool</a> developed by Rory Costello from the University of Limerick.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNSUDH6BBZCCDHPXVN46HC7BWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"HDSYYZUVJJC2BJ7YPPUTRIOVGI"},"content":"Donegal fishermen frustrated as general election looms: ‘We are the fish basket of Europe, yet we’re the poor relation’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"AAD25JSPIJBORNAI6UMLYR24BU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767453},"content":"What was the state of play when the last Dáil was dissolved?","type":"header"},{"_id":"AEYXOZ3TEVDS5MHDNFUB7SVNDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767454},"content":"Like this:","type":"text"},{"_id":"MX55RX434ZCAJHKH3VALASUMWE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"ZQFT27VUP5F3PAGVREUB3DIY34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767456},"content":"<i>*There were five vacant seats after deputies were appointed to the European Parliament in the </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/european-election/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>European elections</i></a><i> in June and the </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/08/26/fine-gael-td-joe-carey-resigns-from-politics-for-medical-reasons/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>resignation of Fine Gael’s Joe Carey on medical grounds</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"TT5VJ7Q7ZBBFLFZR3Q45YXUPJM","additional_properties":{"_id":"GZKMV6XRTZGWJOZUBAPSVT7HVU"},"content":"Former IRA member among nursing home early voters for general election","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7LTE2XRD5NDZTL2IFFHDYQPPMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767457},"content":"So, could one party win outright this time?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZLFPA6UTIBAXLNSIKOXW6DJKCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767458},"content":"No. As we said a party or collection of parties will need the support of 87 TDs to successfully elect a taoiseach. A coalition is inevitable and not just because it is what all the polls have been saying for donkeys’ years. No party is running enough candidates to achieve a majority on its own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIFSMJPT2VCIBJEJ2VAG652FDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767459},"content":"Who is promising what?","type":"header"},{"_id":"YPQ5H2ZV3NBVTNMWLJT7QGQUII","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767460},"content":"A cynic might suggest that everyone is promising everything. But we are not a cynic which is why we will just link you to the party manifestos.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KZ74L4PUWBBEHNWJ6MAJXQDL7I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4VDUXN7R5BEEHJFAC7BIDBGWLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443106},"content":"You can compare the manifestos across 10 different policy areas <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/21/promises-promises-what-do-the-election-2024-parties-stand-for-use-this-tool-to-compare-their-manifestos/\" target=\"_blank\">using this nifty tool</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHCPIMCIYVDVDIJW2BINXAZUPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767462},"content":"I am not sure if I am registered to vote. Is there a way I can find out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"B72EYRGCQJE5VLYW6M72UR3HBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767463},"content":"There is indeed, <a href=\"https://checktheregister.ie/en-IE/\" target=\"_blank\">checktheregister.ie</a> site will have your name if you are registered while you can also call the local authority for confirmation. At the risk of stating the obvious, if you are not on the list by now you are not getting in to vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUVS6PHIXNHMFJEWQYNROEHKIM","additional_properties":{"_id":"7EERD5J7N5FEFPDDXPRLAKXD6A"},"content":"General election 2024: What are the issues in housing?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"2VW7GBBH7RBDXOHC2H2NMRPALA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767464},"content":"Hooray, I am on the list so what time can I vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"HBNZKA33ZJDM7EDGFBHTHPVGLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767465},"content":"Polling stations open at 7am and will remain open until 10pm. If previous elections are anything to go by, polling stations will be busiest after 6pm so if you can get out to vote early, it should save you some time although queues at Irish polling stations are – thankfully – very rare so even if you have to vote at rush hour you should be in and out in no time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M54UFV5VSJEBJFMOLN7FFYI3HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767466},"content":"I don’t know where my polling station is, where do I find that out?","type":"header"},{"_id":"LOIFE3JGRBC45DBHKYXDBOPQR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443112},"content":"Your polling card will tell you where you need to go to vote but if you can’t find it you can check it on <a href=\"https://checktheregister.ie/en-IE/search\" target=\"_blank\">checktheregister.ie</a> or call your local city or country council and they will help you out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q33W5BFMSZGDHC2YEYOOCH53ZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767467},"content":"What do I need to bring with me to cast my vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"BWPCG65UEJCKPK6LBT3ANCKJJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767468},"content":"You will need ID and, ideally, your polling card but if you can’t find it don’t panic. You do not need it and a number of other forms of identification are acceptable. These include a passport, driving licence, public services card, an employee identity card containing a photograph, a student identity card with a photograph, a travel document with a photograph and name, or a bank, savings or credit union book with the voter’s address in the constituency. Voters can also show a chequebook, cheque or credit card, birth or marriage certificate, once they produce one of these with a document showing their address in the constituency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2J537YC33VCTVIWOMATAADZWHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767469},"content":"And how do I vote?","type":"header"},{"_id":"LE7NOSNX7VE7DLS3KI6O6WD6FY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767470},"content":"This is where it gets interesting, at least for election fans like us. Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV) system of voting which differs from the first-past-the-post system used by the UK and the US.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFUHPB4TUJFQTJJTA3VLBXDJ4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767471},"content":"What does that mean?","type":"header"},{"_id":"QCNGHDNZCZAMXEFI4FV7QOIYNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767472},"content":"You don’t just vote for one person. Instead you can mark your ballot card in order of preference. Your first choice gets your number one and your second choice gets number two, your third gets number three etc, all the way down the ballot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2YBTYPABVE3DO3FYAYZ3M5X3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767473},"content":"That seems complicated. What are the advantages of that?","type":"header"},{"_id":"XYFAMAVDR5A6DH7B3YIA6T4JN4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767474},"content":"The STV system provides a more representative outcome. In the first-past-the-post system, if a party wins 51 per cent of the votes in all the constituencies they win all the seats despite having the slenderest of majorities. In the STV system, the party wins – broadly speaking – only 51 per cent of the seats. It is complicated however which is why we have Paddy Smyth on hand. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/why-it-pays-to-vote-all-the-way-down-the-ballot-paper-1.2548241\" target=\"_blank\">He wrote an explainer</a> a few years back that is worth a read if you want to know how best to maximise your vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25FX76RK2FFFVKZN3SVXKOSIRE","additional_properties":{"_id":"6FB7X7WE2ZEWFCHHZRXBRIEBZM"},"content":"Rise of the Independents: could they be kingmakers for the next government?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RV2F7BLVZVF25HGCJJOLPQMAYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767475},"content":"But the bottom line is no Xs or ticks?","type":"header"},{"_id":"GEB4ZYBBANDYPKKHZOSMJRKCWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732624767476},"content":"Absolutely not. If you put an X or a tick or a smiley face or anything else other than a clear number into the boxes, your vote won’t count. If you give two candidates a number one then your vote won’t count. In every election, many thousands of votes are spoiled, with 17,703 wasted in 2020. Some people do it on purpose as an act of protest or discontent. Others do it without knowing they are doing it. Don’t be one of those people. Oh, and don’t be taking selfies in the polling booth either. That is not allowed and might get you into trouble. If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, the returning officer may give you another ballot paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PSNNLRVY7ZGKLIFZAYCR3XPRUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443123},"content":"What do the polls say?","type":"header"},{"_id":"IEZVBSOKCBEPRNCNAMFBXQ6ZRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443124},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/25/the-irish-times-ipsos-ba-poll-november-2024-full-results-in-charts/\" target=\"_blank\">Our last poll of the campaign</a>, published this week, had Fianna Fáil in the lead on 21 per cent of the vote, Sinn Féin in second on 20 per cent and Fine Gael in third on 19 per cent, after a six-point fall in support in less than two weeks. Among the smaller parties, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/green-party/\">Green Party</a> was at 4 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\">Labour</a> 4 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/social-democrats/\">Social Democrats</a> 6 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/people-before-profit-alliance/\">People Before Profit</a> 3 per cent; <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aontu/\">Aontú</a> 3 per cent; Independents (including Independent Ireland) 17 per cent. Undecided voters, who are excluded from the above figures, were at 19 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PZG5JYEGYVCXDNVVXJE7L2C2NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732631443125},"content":"However, that’ll all be immaterial by Friday evening as it all comes down to how you vote. Have your say.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Simon Bracken"}},"name":"Simon Bracken"}]},"description":{"basic":"Everything you need to know ahead of polling stations opening at 7am on Friday"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T16:31:51.851Z","headlines":{"basic":"Election 2024: How do I vote, what are the polls saying and how does the system work?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI","auth":{"1":"6a1153ef2e6a02d1c987964a7d8156710ca24f537eed70d22f1fde1d939ef332"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PS72ZRBNXJ2JBJB4D42SYHUILI.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-2024-how-do-i-vote-what-are-the-polls-saying-and-how-does-the-system-work/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"F6RGJWP36JHF3PGGJBJJBJUW3A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":399,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8c805cd5-823d-4354-9ae8-4f066487350d/versions/1732808184/media/08e921e57ca9d6c7700ed23d23edd727_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/bellwether-waterford-crucial-for-sf-to-lead-next-government-and-for-fg-to-stay-in-power/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IIHUM7MYCJCUVO6Y5LOOCZQPLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846031},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUPJORCW2JCFPANXJDHOMBXOQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846032},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\">Waterford</a> promises to be a bellwether constituency in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">Election 2024</a>, a sign of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s potential to lead the next government or for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> to remain there.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NWY22JNK5F5BLVCGSFGDHKMBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846049},"content":"Fine Gael must win a seat in this four-seat constituency to be in contention for government and Sinn Féin need the two seats as part of its bid to lead the next administration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FNZIJKZJOZD2NPYDVLCPOM7XWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846033},"content":"Simon Harris’s campaign tussle with Kanturk care worker Charlotte Fallon has hurt Fine Gael in the polls and confidence is growing in Sinn Féin due to improved polling numbers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZGKBR23ZWRDPXNNLDKNG67HR2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846034},"content":"In Waterford, Fine Gael candidate Senator John Cummins (37) says he is not feeling any extra pressure since the major misstep by his party leader.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXUCDVM645B6TOB5VSYEBXPBPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846035},"content":"“The reaction on the door has been quite similar to what I have been receiving over the last number of weeks,” the former PE teacher says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XOU2AT7OARDRTBDF6KNRJ7X3UI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TN25LHK4EFBJZL3ZANQ5A3QJB4"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6XIQTL75KBANTPP5ELNXGKGPS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846036},"content":"He is hopeful it won’t affect his vote.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FA7U24XFUZEMZD5Y2SASLWZ6W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535145},"content":"“One thing you could never accuse Simon Harris of is not having a commitment to disability services,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAUQRNYIAZGI7A42TQJ5UJGI2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846037},"content":"During a canvass of the middle-class area around John’s Hill, the matter is raised just once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5BWMN27CRCYPKZ2EWIKT23U6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846038},"content":"The candidate is canvassing with his father, former Seanad leader Maurice Cummins, who is recognised by a lot of older voters, including Henry Flynn who refers to the Kanturk incident.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTOGGDXTEZFVHHLB3IVIFCZKVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535148},"content":"Of Harris’s handling of the incident, Flynn says: “He made a gaffe there, didn’t he? He’ll get over it but it’s a pity because it went viral as well.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSEHUVJIO5GE3L2DZ4M65VDBRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846040},"content":"On a Sinn Féin canvass, the issue comes up just once for Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane (50).","type":"text"},{"_id":"GNFEOWMFG5BDLFBSHEK4RRAPUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846041},"content":"“Harris is after shooting himself in the foot now – make the most of it,” says Pat Cox, as he and his wife, Phil, chat with Cullinane on their doorstep.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56M6VBBRDBH7PALJ2A4ARUJ5IQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846042},"content":"For Fine Gael the pressure is huge to recover the seat the party lost in 2020, when it ran two candidates and split the vote. Cummins lost out but now he is the party’s sole candidate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YXHZ7XURVRAI7D55LEWFUXIV4Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846043},"content":"Sinn Féin had the opposite problem. Cullinane topped the poll with almost 40 per cent of the vote and almost two quotas. As the only Sinn Féin candidate, his huge surplus helped elect Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh and contributed to Independent TD Matt Shanahan’s success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGPI5BPAAJGFZEDPBU5ZCQSPXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846044},"content":"After bucking the trend at the local elections and winning 21 per cent of the vote compared to 11 per cent nationally, Sinn Féin is running two candidates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7CT4KYQNZGGFOII7FWRIDJETY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846045},"content":"“It’s a perfect geographical split,” says Cullinane. He has the city areas and his colleague, councillor Conor McGuinness, has the west of the county.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GYGEKXHPNE27G4EK36ZTMOS4A","additional_properties":{"_id":"6DLIVEBY4BFFXLCHX4EF3RSBFQ"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4Q6EF7EO6FGWTOL3IW5DMNZYJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846046},"content":"All four outgoing TDs are running: Cullinane, Fianna Fáil’s Mary Butler, Shanahan and Ó Cathasaigh. Cummins and McGuinness make it six candidates running for four seats, with the Green Party TD facing a major hurdle to be a contender.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCZX7GCRHBE2LDFF667RA7QTY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535157},"content":"“There’s nobody putting me under pressure to win the two seats,” says Cullinane, who is confident of the party’s chances.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IWD5EFVPLFBUXCAM4WZLKSVK4E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846048},"content":"“We forced Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to stand one candidate each. There’s very few constituencies where there’s only one Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael candidate and in my view that’s because of the threat Sinn Féin poses,” says the party’s health spokesman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CABEZGQGYFAT3LVTS7K37FY4S4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846050},"content":"On the Fine Gael canvass the campaign team includes Sinn Féin-turned-Independent councillor Declan Clune who left the party in 2020.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2I3PQIENFBRPFSDX4GIF3CFJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535160},"content":"“There was no one particular thing. It was a build-up over time,” he says of leaving Sinn Féin. “There wasn’t much room for having an alternative view and you’d be kind of isolated and undermined.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2LR4IK2EWNABFAA4VNJOXFHXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846051},"content":"At one door, Cummins declines to say where a voter’s second choice should go, just his number one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOMRGQ2OGFA45FKRFNPN32BPZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846052},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWCQVPBDVNGIJJBY6KFKFNUJYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846053},"content":"Local man Gerard Fitzgerald says he has “zero confidence” in Sinn Féin’s numbers because “they have all this hidden stuff like this wealth tax, which they’ve taken off but they’re still adding it in at the bottom”. He plans to go “with the tried to trusted”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UZ7XFJF5FHX7C2UAFFDKBDCCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846055},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JS4VSEIAPJB63EESEEYQRP2AJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846056},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZJWBJHV3NH6TB5H5TRREOAJ7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846057},"content":"Jill and Joe Gallagher on John’s Hill are confirmed supporters of Cummins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IUDWL4DOW5C3JE7GQ366TF4PZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535167},"content":"“I would know John since back when we were teenagers. He was always someone who could be trusted,” says Jill. He supports local business and “they don’t all do that”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCURSXWNIZBRFCMLYR2Y64IJYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846058},"content":"In an estate off John’s Hill, Anne Heine inherited her house from her aunt but is concerned about the tax “as a single person, not married, no children”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3DAIEFQ45E3VCH2BOX72R7NDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846059},"content":"Back on the Sinn Féin canvass, Ann Rogers asks: “What are you going to do for the workers?” She says all she ever hears about is “everyone on social welfare”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4EBOOLQJLFDCLGIWAE4HA6N3XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535170},"content":"Cullinane says the party will abolish the universal social charge (USC) for the first €45,000 of a person’s salary and will also provide €10 a day for childcare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KCJJQD7J5HC5KAN67BWRU25WE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846060},"content":"Bridget Douglas assures Cullinane of her vote “because I know him very well and he’ll do something for us – hopefully”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAWRNOWHVZBYRLUVBJXYCMTLNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535172},"content":"“I’m all right but a lot of people don’t have what I have,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YVZT2BNB7FACBAEYRD3ZVCA6VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846061},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZV6KBHG2R5C2XC6MX7KY4OMKTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846062},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Q5H4IXMJ5GSNIWHSLWERA45DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846063},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXOYPJTMKBDWRPDQYS52XKFA7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846064},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGWDGGMFXZBMLERDZP56SOPAWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846065},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGCXLPUWHVFR5NEKMLWR7ALVLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846066},"content":"Terry Whiteman, originally from the UK, doesn’t vote because he doesn’t understand the Irish system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBKOQNEFNVBUVAVUOH6S5JTLTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535179},"content":"“I don’t understand the parties here – Fianna Fáil and all the rest of them. I haven’t got a clue,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W5IINYDFHNGQLLFDD5JR5UMJAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846067},"content":"Asked how long he’s living in Ireland, he says: “26 years,” to laughter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKQFNYH55JA45CRZZZ6NDETIMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535181},"content":"“That’s enough time” to learn about the system Cullinane suggests. “Maybe I’d vote for Fine Gael; I don’t know,” says Whiteman. “Someone said to me they’d be similar to the Conservatives.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CTZOI5FNONAQJB3LLJP5JEXCUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846068},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"OL5NAG4EYJGSFE6ZZU6BNZX4JY","additional_properties":{"_id":"IFGOBXFNDFAU5FTWSRU5QS2RSI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JR5LASYATNB27B6EWHKTPSSUEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790535184},"content":"Cullinane says that if Sinn Féin can harness the vote he thinks is in west Waterford, they can win two seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJIGIK6ZQFAN5HMBTU6EIKOQXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846069},"content":"“We have the balance right. We’ve been ambitious where we need to be and where potential seats can be gained,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND2RTONSLZE5HCFPQJXTJ3URHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732704846070},"content":"“But even on 20 per cent we can still make gains,” he says of Sinn Féin’s opinion poll standing. “Anything above that then we can at least win those seats we left behind the last time. And there was at least 10 of those that we could say were low-lying fruit.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O'Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O'Halloran"}]},"description":{"basic":"Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh under huge pressure to retain his seat as six candidates vie for the four available seats"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T15:31:13.018Z","headlines":{"basic":"Bellwether Waterford ‘crucial’ for SF to lead next government and for FG to stay in power","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA","auth":{"1":"06d4c533b81728fbad4d02967b0497d8e5619aa61d0af892885a374be1aff3ac"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BZQ63ICTR5FRLNLVYPRONKNLBA.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/bellwether-waterford-crucial-for-sf-to-lead-next-government-and-for-fg-to-stay-in-power/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{}}}},{"_id":"3FWY6CZDNNFIJFY5WLERU36BBQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":287,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/eacbd067-e9c3-4e8f-9c75-107af32d6a82/versions/1732808166/media/b38716005ee53920e719d5bcd13a88c0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-issues-crime-and-the-challenges-for-irish-policing/","content_elements":[{"_id":"E6XWJ35OS5EQPDVK4COTMIYBSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483895},"content":"Crime very often dominates the news cycle and political discourse when an especially shocking or violent series of offending takes place. Gangland feuding, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-riots/\" target=\"_blank\">riots in Dublin</a> 12 months ago, far right-related disorder and murders force the issue – and people’s fears – to the fore.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQ3ZNFOABBGMRMIAF7LP64G22Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483897},"content":"However, even when major criminal events are not on the front pages policing and issues like antisocial behaviour, street drug dealing and reportedly higher levels of aggression are never far from people’s minds in many parts of the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QRSW2AVFEBCO3JMWYRJUKSPR64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483898},"content":"There are concerns the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/garda-siochana/\" target=\"_blank\">Garda</a> force is perhaps becoming more distant from the people it was designed to serve and protect, at least that it can no longer provide the same service it once did. So what are the big issues facing the Republic in the areas of crime and policing at the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/election2024/\" target=\"_blank\">general election</a>?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUJ5HYZELNHC5OW7QEBHBQHSMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483899},"content":"<b>Garda numbers</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7DKD3756JEMZB3G6OJILRF4VU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483900},"content":"The number of sworn members in the force was as high as 14,700 in the early months of 2020; a record high. But then the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, was forced to close because of pandemic-related restrictions. Due to retirements and resignations numbers steadily declined – to 13,890 by November of last year. And though recruitment has long resumed numbers were still at 14,125 by the end of September.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XLJTDTMEUNGYZOTW6BND3X5ZOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790450815},"content":"Failure to increase the strength of the force – especially amid population growth – is stretching the capacity of the Garda. Very often it is impossible to muster full strength units for run-of-the-mill duties on the streets of towns and cities. And specialist units are under the same pressure. It all leads to poor outcomes in investigations and slower response times to emergencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5LWRGYDUZBTZNW6LTFG5FFXFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483901},"content":"<b>Rural policing</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3K7Y2ED6JBBTBYIIGSVS6F3AI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483902},"content":"Over the last two decades the closure of Garda stations has been a very unpopular development that has only served to underline the feeling of vulnerability of some communities, especially in rural areas. Even though violent attacks against the elderly in their own homes, for example, are rare, one or two high profile incidents can lead to widespread fear. The Garda was praised for its outreach to communities, especially isolated and vulnerable people, during the pandemic. A similar effort – via community policing – has been widely called for.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WT22YO2V2FEIRJX7TDP27Z7IEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483903},"content":"<b>Safety in Dublin</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"OCM6KTGMKVEKPOQC4R5YCFPNO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483904},"content":"There has long been a sense that safety in Dublin city has declined. Richard Guiney, chief executive of Dublin Town, has said perceptions of safety were at their highest in 2016, according to polling it commissioned annually from Red C. In the afternoon and evening time 51 per cent of people in north central Dublin felt safe in 2016 and 81 per in south central Dublin. This was down to 35 per cent and 57 per cent respectively in May of last year. Virtually every time the Garda engages with community groups and other stakeholders the chief request is for more gardaí – to deter crime, improve response times and shore up the public’s perception of safety.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4GK4T4QCNFW3AXDE35J2OK5LY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483905},"content":"<b>Cyber-enabled crime</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHCANZEWGJB3NCWIOVNX7L6FQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483906},"content":"Frauds and scams – often based off bogus phone calls, emails, texts and social media-based contacts – spiked during the pandemic and are here to stay. With economic crimes there is a shortage of personnel to perform all the tasks that arise during these complex investigations. This includes detectives but also forensic accountants, data scientists and analysts, AI capability and the licences for cryptocurrency analysis. Great strides have been made in the Garda’s approach to investigating domestic and sexual violence. But across the specialist units many of the resources available to police forces overseas are in short supply in the Garda.","type":"text"},{"_id":"37KAATHZRFGSBB4ZH4SM5PQFJY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732807838827},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGEJG2VL2VDKVGRWPUOYQYPPFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483907},"content":"<b>High volume “petty” crime</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCVPSS26KNA4DGMKCKAHKQGP7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732208483908},"content":"Offences such as the theft of mobile phones, high-value bicycles, motorbikes and even some burglaries – with minimal damage and little property stolen – are something the public is becoming increasingly inured to. A police force that is thinly stretched must prioritise the emergencies and crimes it allocates most resources to. More gardaí, in virtually every station across the country, are required in a bid to ensure high volume non-violent crime does not become an area that goes unreported and uninvestigated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Lally"}},"name":"Conor Lally"}]},"description":{"basic":"Antisocial behaviour, street drug dealing and reportedly higher levels of aggression among issues of concern"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T15:30:57.314Z","headlines":{"basic":"General election explainer: What are the big issues in the areas of crime and policing?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U","auth":{"1":"84c0602f44de188feef48f0be7bde9302654d95971ef9214c1202c00b69e00d3"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VBVP625PYCYK6OK4FRA662PW7U.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/election-issues-crime-and-the-challenges-for-irish-policing/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"NJSRQFHYZRCDDMR4CHEPS6NFMA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":1085,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9bf52d42-e993-4eaa-9585-3b5cbb6e0d01/versions/1732741568/media/fde0e9274f0611ea8430c2808e75d966_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/","content_elements":[{"_id":"TJKS3ZULQBBQPDFBFUBDFPLV4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116714},"content":"Identifying target seats in Irish <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election/\" target=\"_blank\">general elections</a> is an art more than a science.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7C7C47M75GXBHWJKLIYCIVNG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732718657008},"content":"Unless there is a huge surge for one or two parties – as happened in 1992, 2011 and again in 2020 – gains and losses happen at the margins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6T6X4GOXVJA5JA3FHGB6H625EM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116715},"content":"Unlike in the UK’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/uk-election/\" target=\"_blank\">Westminster elections</a>, where it is first past the post, the Irish voting system makes final outcomes difficult to predict. Here, there are multi-seat constituencies with transferable votes which means multiple counts. Transfers can be unpredictable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOB5MXPJNVAODMLESZVTKNI3HY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732718657010},"content":"Geography can sometimes outrank ideology when votes are being cast. For example, in 2020 in Longford-Westmeath, after his elimination, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael’</a>s Michael Carrigy transferred more votes to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil’s</a> Joe Flaherty than he did to his party colleague, Peter Burke. The reason? Both Carrigy and Flaherty were from Co Longford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UIA72NFLVBGFJFW2KAHK4UNU3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116716},"content":"Nevertheless, based on the 2020 general election results, party standings in opinion polls, and the candidate selection by the parties, each of the three big parties have identified target constituencies that they can win with a small swing – and others that they might win, if there is strong momentum behind the party on polling day. Equally, they have identified vulnerable seats for each party which they will fail to hold if the performance on the day falls short.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C5CJLQIUTZBZTGEMMSCJYHZICY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116717},"content":"The Irish Times spoke to senior figures in parties and groupings to get a sense of their <b>main targets</b> – the constituencies where they are hoping to take seats; <b>possible gains</b> – seats they will be contending for where the party’s national performance is strong, and the <b>potential losses</b> – vulnerable seats they will struggle to retain on a bad day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDNWKLMHHJDATH7E4UTFQQUO7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732803218525},"content":"<i>* Click on each constituency name to read a full profile.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2N4EBVASREVDOS37ORWKM2Y6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116718},"content":"Fianna Fáil","type":"header"},{"_id":"SXOHTVSLNFBM5IW45OOODWC7IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116719},"content":"The party has 12 main targets for gains, in addition to another eight seats where it believes it can compete for the last seat on a good day. There are eight seats not guaranteed as wins. The vast majority of the main targets are in rural Ireland, while most at-risk seats are in Dublin and Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMR24VE4HFCIFMQYIMJMWWUHIU","additional_properties":{"_id":"SHRYMPFEUVC4HBGMFZ7WD5DQH4"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-Fucuf\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Fucuf/5/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"D35JK37WONHFZPTEJKTH242OZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116720},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6LQ6TMT3BDLFGMF7OXUAIPEXE","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"5DGSZMHKO5F77HKWI4HODPIRBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116722},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y657VG7F2ZFG7B6XGCFREPGE7M","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"7MVVGDYRJVHIXIXAIP56LLLKFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116725},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWBUQFJZMRBWJMVXA4GUFIAC6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116726},"type":"list"},{"_id":"OCFHVNZK6VHOFMGOBGWP2XB554","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116734},"content":"Fine Gael","type":"header"},{"_id":"J4FUBIKEGJDF3NWBBDY72QIBJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116735},"content":"The party has 12 main targets where it could make gains and 10 constituencies where it has a chance of taking an extra seat. Donegal is a vulnerable seat for the party, while it is marginally at risk in six others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGJM7MRRQZATDNPPXMGZJCL2VU","additional_properties":{"_id":"WAUZP5AZTZEZNLIMA6NURN3WJ4"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-APUmX\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/APUmX/3/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"MSEQCLAQFZDZVPEISHFFY2KWUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116736},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQM3RKSRFRBOFKT3AP3VAR3V7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"4TGA65YRXZFBPKRKCCZ5J456QE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116738},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJP4ILBV5JECLFOYNAFLYTMMIY","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"D53G3HRADZDMVPLDBBTBCUZHYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116740},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJSD4XV3XRCPRDCOSTJWCK34JM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116741},"type":"list"},{"_id":"25J5YYTWA5ERPGQ4Q4D2WFCEYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116749},"content":"Sinn Féin","type":"header"},{"_id":"XPBRHKWDENHRLNT42D4F3SCALQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116750},"content":"There are four strong possible gains for Sinn Féin and another seven where it could pick up seats if the party has a good day. On the other hand, the party is in trouble in three constituencies and, if national support is down, there are a further seven constituencies where seats might be at risk.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJWQHYRXOBFXTDRSJ5LJWMTV3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"REP4ZSHJTVAWTESMOZ3CIL4MCI"},"content":"<iframe title=\"Election Battle Map\" aria-label=\"Map\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-619Fr\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/619Fr/3/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"594\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();\n<\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"5BBMXRILPNCPDABWJVUIDQ27Y4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116751},"content":"<b>MAIN TARGETS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIDF5MASUBA7ZPOQTQJFICN4MQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"GBDUMCFRL5BRBM3EXWTOYBRIDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116753},"content":"<b>POSSIBLE GAINS</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"SB4FL7RL7JANHPOERLVDVASEAU","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"QZGALJIO4NG6RPQ5YMYFMTHPHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116755},"content":"<b>POTENTIAL LOSSES</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732537116756},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee"}]},"description":{"basic":"With transfers unpredictable, gains and losses are expected to happen at the margins in fiercely-contested multi-seat constituencies"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T14:17:45.913Z","headlines":{"basic":"Key election 2024 battles: maps show where Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin hope to gain - and may lose - seats ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU","auth":{"1":"4150d58fcaa7caa7dcd2509358a8a603dd60d6c8340669715956d7e10e68ceb4"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WZECDFAJZBHK7EYMXJLRRDBIIU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/29/the-election-battlefield-for-the-big-three-where-ff-fg-and-sf-hope-to-gain-and-could-lose-seats/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"O5CBH4DH3ZGCJGBBURSJIUVWUY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":138,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9c867585-dcb5-4a3a-8ed0-71cd024f86e5/versions/1732802901/media/a2474cd8dd286e56afbadcca41071b6d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/28/mother-who-fought-for-school-places-for-her-autistic-and-non-verbal-twins-named-family-carer-of-the-year-2024/","content_elements":[{"_id":"Q6O57YW5EJBNTHPWRCK2KI7JME","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908043},"content":"A Co <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/laois\" target=\"_blank\">Laois</a> woman has been named the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3DA6W3IZJA7RO5AJ34N5RCXOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908044},"content":"Sarah Dooley, a mother of four from Mountmellick, took the overall award at a ceremony in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a> on Thursday to acknowledge Ireland’s 500,000 family carers, who provide 19 million hours of unpaid care every week. The awards, hosted by broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, are in their 17th year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWTM6EZ2P5EFRF7SH7CTPKCGWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908045},"content":"Ms Dooley’s youngest boys, twins John and Patrick (5), are autistic and non-verbal. Her son Cathal (7) has been undergoing treatment for leukaemia for the past three years, requiring constant hospital visits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJQZ77HZZRC2TGLLCNSFMT4URU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908046},"content":"She has fought to secure school placements for the twins and has put her career on hold to care full-time for her children. She and her partner Cathal were refused places in special school 38 times, 19 times each for the twins. “It was soul-destroying,” she said. The children now have a place in school.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKFA44YCERBI5MKCS5CEPOWNRM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CBZNDDG36ZDVXIR3TDARSJ57ZI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MXV27243TBBBLDF3IJEVRB4TZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510333},"content":"She admitted she had never been in a five-star hotel before she arrived at the Westin Hotel in Dublin to pick up her award.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TZWHF4E22RB6NNZJWGKSFB2WE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510334},"content":"She thanked her partner Cathal and her wider family for the support they have given to help her manage with the three children who have special needs. “There isn’t many supports available for the twins. Family support is a massive thing for us,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K53ANUQPDNAPDOS5Q7BGZZZSSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510335},"content":"In advance of the election, she said the next Government will “have to provide more services for children with additional needs, speech and language, occupational therapy – none of that is available”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAJX2NJO2FEGRKSBPGIKXZKCRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908048},"content":"Family Carers Ireland spokeswoman Catherine Cox praised Sarah’s exceptional dedication. “She will be an incredible ambassador for carers,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVVCRQYNK5FDPFSWSU4OARDS64","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510337},"content":"The issue of carers came to the forefront of the general election campaign following Fine Gael leader Simon Harris’s confrontation with disability care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork last Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBKPI6DTNJCUNAY5LIN4CYJFLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510338},"content":"Ms Cox said the incident brought the issue of disability and care to the forefront of the election. “It highlighted how we should support our family carers. Nobody should do it on their own and they shouldn’t have to. I hope, when people are voting tomorrow, that they will vote for a party which believes in supporting family carers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"25NOIGC2WREUPFWT32GCDNCPXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510339},"content":"“Family carers shouldn’t have to fight for basic supports like therapies and medical support, yet they do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEUKCFPZVFAMBC2NH7ROCNVTHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732811510340},"content":"“The next Government must take decisive action to address their urgent needs and fully recognise their vital role in society. Throughout this campaign, family carers have voiced their frustration with empty promises and inaction – this election must be the moment for real, lasting change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWFRDM2ITVAKJI6JZZA7XGQEJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732801908047},"content":"Five young carers from across the country, Shannon Egan (16) from Co Westmeath; Ellen Gannon (11) from Co Limerick; Sarah Conway (11) from Co Mayo; Lucy Connor (14) from Co Monaghan; and Senan Vaughan (12) from Co Dublin, were also honoured for their support for siblings and parents with additional needs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCDY6C2IB5FUNMX3YVDX7FFP3I","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sarah Dooley from Co Laois takes overall award as five young carers also honoured at this year’s Netwatch Family Carer of the Year ceremony"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T14:03:10.24Z","headlines":{"basic":"Mother who fought for school places for autistic, non-verbal twins named Family Carer of the Year","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY","auth":{"1":"b7e9b374978ec5c5702a7d2c980ff88603ef3c8a9d49a9b8f3adfa1096811b74"},"focal_point":{"x":2757,"y":1232},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BTX7BMWQCRD3JLLGTZYFVDOUVY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Social Affairs"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/28/mother-who-fought-for-school-places-for-her-autistic-and-non-verbal-twins-named-family-carer-of-the-year-2024/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/social-affairs","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Social Affairs"}}}},{"_id":"LSJ7LIDA3VBBXBI3F4R2JTX4UA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":329,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/235d12c2-e856-4d36-b442-1ccef15f31a0/versions/1732801948/media/418dcb30f085088963f278cdcdb0a861_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UHFB6AL3DRDORDAGO4FR6NWGOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672107},"content":"Broadcasters backed the abolition of the long-standing ban on reporting any information which could influence an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">election</a> from 2pm on the day before polling day until after voting had ended, media regulator <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/coimisiun-na-mean/\" target=\"_blank\">Coimisiún na Meán</a> has said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RS5RXB4PZRHIJKE3BL5MFERCDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281349},"content":"The regulator said that, in response to a consultation process launched several months ago, there were seven submissions from broadcasters, all of which favoured abolition of the moratorium.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJUBLAZ455ES7E6FOW764G37AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672112},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte\" target=\"_blank\">RTÉ</a> said it was “entirely anomalous” that its online news service could report on a significant breaking story, and particularly one based on disinformation/misinformation in the moratorium period, but its television and radio division could not do so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KILKGZ23YRGBZLEMWOJPU5W2CU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672113},"content":"It told Coimisiún na Meán: “If a story based on misinformation or disinformation emerges in what would be the moratorium period, broadcasters should have editorial freedom to report on this and bring relevant facts into the public domain.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFEBARG5AZH2XBADOP6EGX75KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672114},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tg4\" target=\"_blank\">TG4</a> told the Commission: “Because reporting restrictions of the moratorium do not apply to other media, such as online and print media, there could be a potential imbalance in coverage of elections and referendums between broadcast and other media. In order to have better balance across all media, we believe it is necessary to abolish the moratorium entirely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZQDK3RI2ZBQPIKVM36OEH4BRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672115},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/virgin-media\" target=\"_blank\">Virgin Media</a> Television said the broadcast moratorium was “outdated and is no longer effective”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHJLABNVLBCYNAJWQHZJ6N4ADE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672116},"content":"“The moratorium does not allow broadcasters tackle the rise of disinformation/bad actors during the moratorium period. In fact, by silencing broadcasters, the moratorium completely undermines and hinders the trust and credibility in broadcast news. Abolishing the moratorium would permit television news to fulfil its primary public service function of delivering fair, balanced and impartial coverage of all election issues.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOXCI7JFCJDMXP7456CM62OHYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281350},"content":"The regulator said there were five responses from organisations performing a regulatory, political or advocacy role. It said among these, there were a mix of views in relation to the options put forward by the Commission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGRMYIXJVVHRHAKHTIPWDDC7OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281351},"content":"Among these submissions there was support for abolition of the moratorium; making it last for a longer or shorter period; changing the rules so the moratorium would cover only more limited types of broadcast coverage or replacing it with a positive obligation on broadcasters, for example an obligation to exercise particular care with regard to material addressing election or referendum issues in the lead-up to a referendum or election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJUBLAZ455ES7E6FOW764G37AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672112},"content":"The Law Society said it supported the abolition of the moratorium and replacing it with guidance imposing positive obligations rather than negative obligations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKLDARIQBRHMPJ5VQB5GCTA66E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672118},"content":"The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media said its preference was “to afford a reflective period to the electorate in such a way that it is applied in a fair and balanced manner to all forms of media including social media”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HD3OE6LEZNBU5ELCK7OHIP6LMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672119},"content":"However, it said in the event that application of broadcast moratorium rules to online platforms was not possible in the short-term, and where the only options available were to retain or abolish the moratorium, the Joint Committee would favour abolition of the moratorium until such time that it could be enforced in a fair and balanced manner to all forms of media.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6NLJGUZ5DRBCNL3UDA7BMN4GEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672120},"content":"Staff in the FM104 and Q102 newsroom in Dublin, part of the Wireless Ireland Group said: “The news cycle is more ‘24/7′ than ever before and our work is made further challenging during voting cycles, especially when untraditional, online-only news outlets can publish stories during the broadcast moratorium that we cannot then make reference to. These stories can then often dominate the discourse on social media, and broadcasters are hamstrung from even mentioning the issue. We then get accused of ‘not covering’ the issue or ignoring it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q436NF7UNVCBFKXBIA6OERWUQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672121},"content":"The Labour Party said it backed ending the moratorium but said it was legitimate to have guidance requiring broadcasters, in the final hours, before polling day, to exercise special or particular care in considering whether to broadcast certain material.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4XXI2HJJVZBUZEK5UDJFGJIM34","additional_properties":{"_id":1732799672122},"content":"“We support the view that it would be reasonable to require a broadcaster to prepare a policy to guide appropriate decision-making around political coverage near in time to a public vote.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VKO26HXMUBGAZCJRCADVH3WTSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281352},"content":"Coimisiún na Meán said there were six responses from individuals to its consultation process, split between leaving the traditional moratorium in place and abolishing it entirely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TOUO3VXAJF7BLYZZLETIZ244U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281353},"content":"The Commission decided earlier this month to abolish the moratorium and replace it with a revised guidance to broadcasters to exercise additional care with regard to material addressing election or referendum issues during the “critical election period” in the lead-up to a referendum or election.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YINMC4WU7FHMDD7PQB2Y45QFFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281354},"content":"“In arriving at this view, the Commission considers that maintaining the integrity of elections is a legitimate objective in protecting fundamental rights but that the broadcast moratorium can no longer be regarded as a necessary restriction on freedom of speech in a democratic society in light of the growth of online media,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3AQR5AWSFGSBKN6BOYJ2FV4HQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732798281355},"content":"The broadcast moratorium had been in place since 1997.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"}]},"description":{"basic":"General election: Coimisiún na Meán said there were mixed views on future of broadcast moratorium"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T13:47:11.182Z","headlines":{"basic":"Broadcasters told media regulator they backed abolishing the pre-election moratorium","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU","auth":{"1":"6beefa8c5e7cd7373e802b7dd29bb368e4c45519e9864e028501ae3079cb240d"},"focal_point":{"x":1343,"y":1237},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/MRGNX4V37FDZJJPOGAFYZKZMSU.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/broadcasters-told-media-regulator-they-backed-abolishing-the-pre-election-moratorium/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"O6QQAPIP2ZAMJEQOWIT7XEBGNM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":339,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/aa28b205-e6af-4d4b-986a-8edda9cb96de/versions/1732798947/media/441cf661c0aa1214b0cf97c1f870a430_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-social-democrats-labour-green-party-people-before-profit-campaign-students-latest/","content_elements":[{"_id":"N3PUVEEXHFDYDHPGDZFP53JP5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945295},"content":"Members of the Southeast Technological University’s (SETU) kayaking club climbed out of the water at The Ferry Playground in Castleconnell, Limerick, as the rain poured down in the aftermath of Storm Bert last weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGDOVWXJ2NEPDF5CD46NGUGR3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945296},"content":"Based out of the university’s <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford\" target=\"_blank\">Waterford</a> campus, the students are practising ahead of the teams’ match at a Munster Polo League event at the University of Limerick. In the meantime, they’re busy making up their minds about who they are going to vote for in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">the election</a> on Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KL3SH736PZFGNFPIFAPDZXNR4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945297},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis\" target=\"_blank\">Housing</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mental-health/\" target=\"_blank\">mental health</a> services and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/public-transport\" target=\"_blank\">public transport</a> are the biggest issues on the minds of the students, all of whom feel the previous government did not deliver for young people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6C3VMNXYVRCKHNBTLJKLKJF63Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945298},"content":"Vice-captain of the club, Dean Horgan (20), is originally from Midleton in Cork, but was drawn to SETU by its Construction Management course. Now in second year, housing is the issue most to the fore. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"47OEHGUT7BDQVJDSJBOD4ZNYEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790512424},"content":"For the first few months of first year, Horgan found himself functionally homeless and was forced to sleep in his car just to attend lectures while he searched for a place to call home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EBY2X6YJFHKPCI2RJJXU4DGKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945300},"content":"“Thank God I had my car, I had to sleep in it for the first month,” he said, having come to Waterford after unknowingly making agreements with unregistered landlords. “When I came down here to get into my accommodation, there was nothing for me there.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X5FROOVTDVHBFH7AB3JATBQXII","additional_properties":{"_id":"3VZB67FMQFA2DNIEYUFRXWA6SY"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"AG6UNZIDUNCO7DZLXIAR3O4GWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945301},"content":"Every day, he reported himself as homeless to the welfare team at SETU Students’ Union for his first month before he eventually found accommodation, now he is looking to the next government to ensure the next generation of students do not have to struggle the way he did.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRKNPAMJ3REUTMTNLEGVPRB2MI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945302},"content":"“There needs to be more focus on student accommodation and protection of students in the housing market,” he said, pointing to classmates of his who are struggling so severely with the cost of living that they are skipping meals or turning to the college for help.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFSBCA7UNBDXLCMWWVLN72PRM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945303},"content":"Horgan doesn’t believe the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> coalition government has delivered for young people. “They always wait until the last second before an election to make changes. When there’s a change in government, they bring out a budget which benefits the masses really quickly but doesn’t actually fix the problem.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTDHZRAGPFDARKJHKZ2XW3MANI","additional_properties":{"_id":"OB4AK3Q2EVADPADE7QAH4H2V4Y"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ZHAL7TCOUJH2DME7DMXTMIW77E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945304},"content":"Cian Johnson (28), an alumni member of the kayaking club, feels the issue of mental health has not been addressed by the government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2CTL232W5ARXCRJ6BE6ICMJQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945305},"content":"“My biggest issue, bar of course housing, would be mental health. I’ve suffered in the past with my mental health and have tried to go through the system and it’s just, ‘Here’s a date in 6 months!’ Mental health is a serious issue, and it needs to be worked on.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QEYOVNPTSZHERIRCXYASU442WE","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPMR66NHANCUBIEIIU7JELUH2Q"},"content":"‘It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that’: Teaching sector facing challenges","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ESTC5OIZ7FE6HJOHG6MXBAC47U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945306},"content":"“Even a month [waiting for services] could be the difference between life and death. The system isn’t good enough and hopefully, whoever gets in, will see the problem there and fix it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EP32UZPZSVAR3ODIHDV2OKCJLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945307},"content":"He feels the government has not delivered for young people. “I think they’ve made a lot of promises ‘We’ll do this, we’ll do that’ and it all just fell flat,” he says. “In my opinion, they have just been in power too long, we need new blood. I want <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> in, but I don’t want them in by themselves. I want them to go into coalition with anyone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7645RO6WCZEONORQ73G3J5IHMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945309},"content":"“It has been 100 years of different combinations of Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael and now it’s time to break that mould.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7DLHBGFFRJBKRGNAM5D7KCGLPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945310},"content":"Despite his reservations with the current Government, Johnson also expresses a preference for Fine Gael leader Simon Harris to get into Government due to the TD having secured help for his brother, who has autism, in response to a letter from the family.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUXTHUVQ7RCNDM6AYQ2OORWBCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945311},"content":"“I’d just rather people weren’t homeless, but maybe that’s too much to ask for,” lamented one of the club’s committee members Evan O’Dowd. Originally from Donaghmede in Dublin, the 24-year-old made the move to Waterford to pursue a degree in engineering and move out from his family home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QO3KNKUGEZCSRNKJHWRM667APU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945312},"content":"In the beginning, he was nervous of how he would find life in a different county and moving out for the first time, he said, but the biggest issue he faced in his degree was the costs of living and renting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4ZGX754W5CRFGMDTBKVFRMH5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945313},"content":"“All of my money goes on food, transport. and rent; financially it can be tough to be a student,” O’Dowd says, adding that he would favour political parties who would increase the supports for college students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W7DEIRLWIRHQHGHLJ6RQ3GL53Y","additional_properties":{"_id":"ZQ4KDVCQBBAEVAVBCQP2AS326U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WHZ5KNRBIBF3TPFZSXBT25WPXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945314},"content":"Later in the day, at the team’s water polo event, amid the screeches of the polo referee’s whistle, students spoke about the need for better transport links in the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G4YPAT5XHBDINAOU7RGBZUSBBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945315},"content":"Second-year exercise science student Jess Dozio (19) from Mayo said she is one of the “lucky” students to get university-provided accommodation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7QXCFPWUNAWNJMGJ4CCZA6OR4","additional_properties":{"_id":"TABGZ6BZPZEQRCDAR6XPBFPAWM"},"content":"‘It’s not just a cancer battle – it’s a financial battle’: Next government urged to cut costs for cancer patients","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BI4YFLE4AZDUBAPI6QZTP6P3AU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945316},"content":"She feels the west of Ireland has been left behind by the government and says that the trainlines linking her to Waterford are challenging, “The journey from door-to-door takes me about five hours,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UTMYCBERMFC2FJATWPI7EKW35I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945317},"content":"“I get the train down [to Waterford] usually and I have to get two trains to go down and three on the way back – I have to change trains at Kildare and again at Portarlington. Out in the west we are kind of forgotten about for trains and transport.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNM5HFJDDZEC5LTUHXUYAKB5YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732562945318},"content":"She hasn’t made up her mind on who she will vote for yet but said that she “would definitely” vote for a party that would improve rail services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Hugh Dooley"}]},"description":{"basic":"General Election: Students feel previous government did not deliver for young people"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T12:57:16.316Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Thank God I had my car, I had to sleep in it for the first month’: Housing and transport on minds of students","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE","auth":{"1":"8d54d1b77bd913ac0c4349f8b5d6d5e1f49736f94a19ba4c9fb9d0891b2e4a50"},"focal_point":{"x":717,"y":377},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BXHIJU6KXVAEJLZZVKI4C5YHXE.jpg"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/general-election-fine-gael-fianna-fail-sinn-fein-social-democrats-labour-green-party-people-before-profit-campaign-students-latest/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ABYOIAYZQBHXLFXMMH643NMZCM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":338,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f9243c97-7965-4078-ae5a-02d38bf38af7/versions/1732796031/media/c047e195e23e8f54bbbd21f0d69df77f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/its-an-emergency-we-need-to-treat-it-like-that-teaching-sector-facing-challenges/","content_elements":[{"_id":"OTZJOL2R3JCGVHOQC4N5Y2JMTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408219},"content":"“It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VEILIXOYRVBQDP3ELCF5OCMJXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408220},"content":"This is the view of Maynooth-based secondary schoolteacher Aidan Corkery (37) regarding the flight of newly qualified teachers to sunnier climes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4L3I3VNUCNAMVE7KGZMWTZ73QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408221},"content":"“I have four PME (Professional Master of Education) students doing geography, I think the public and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-election\" target=\"_blank\">Government do not realise</a> the mindset of young teachers. On Instagram you’ve all these people selling life abroad and I don’t blame them for biting at it,” says Corkery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RD3MG7ZLZJHSTNJTQJ4BVIFE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408222},"content":"This is just one of the challenges outlined by a group of teachers in Maynooth Community College (MCC), when they sat down with The Irish Times recently in the school principal’s spacious office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EYRC4UQNTRCARPH6CRTEPGF3QI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408223},"content":"MCC, located on the Maynooth Education Campus, was opened in September under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. It is a coeducational multi-denominational school, with just over 870 students.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3NT4UAS45DSLL3IZMTCAUWWXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408224},"content":"To the rear of MCC there is another secondary, Maynooth Post Primary School, which actor Paul Mescal attended. Both schools, renowned for the quality of their musicals, were officially opened by Minister for Education Norma Foley in November 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ZFD5BQLFJHVVAVOSH4CUONLGA","additional_properties":{"_id":"NFZYJOD2EZCJXMW2OEHWAJWE24"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DDYFERRM5JBYJBY3UMWYJTJU4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408226},"content":"Niamh Whyte (39), who is an English and SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) teacher, explains the challenges she faced on returning to Ireland after teaching for 14 years in Australia.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MT3NCHI2RZBYHEZ2Y6U5P5N64M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408227},"content":"“Firstly it took seven months to register with the Teaching Council, then I was informed that for my service in Australia to be recognised, it has to be in a state school. After I kicked and screamed I got seven years recognised, but I’m still not getting paid for all the years I have worked,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZ7IGU6D2JAZPNV3GRRIFBP7HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408228},"content":"Sitting beside her is Mikaela Mahon (37) who is also an English and SPHE teacher and for whom housing is a big issue. “I grew up in Maynooth but I can’t buy a house in Maynooth,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6I63IDF25ADHMWQ2C6HHQBHQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408229},"content":"The public perception of teachers is another standout issue for her. “When it suits political agendas, if something is going wrong, ‘what are teachers doing? It’s the teachers’ fault’. If you’re not in the profession you’re not aware of the preparation there is for class, it feels like you can’t win,” says Mahon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OPTJAMYQZAPRAC24UF7ZZKVUY","additional_properties":{"_id":"VQR3DXD3FNH6TATHNG2FA6ECLI"},"content":"‘I’m hearing there will be so many Independents and I’m worried’: Hairdresser clients undecided","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"HDJLULM3QREXNAQ3AHRNSUCK5M","additional_properties":{"_id":"GAH437Q2NZFCLAHD67WNBGIFTE"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FJBATPFQTFEJVKXKB72FLRBOFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408230},"content":"The economic crash in 2008 and the effects of the subsequent austerity measures are still being felt by many young teachers, including Elaine Campbell (37) who is a History and English teacher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55ZLO3ZETRC3DIXG6AI3GVBCSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408231},"content":"She says that during the austerity years she and thousands of other young teachers had no choice but to leave Ireland to secure work or undertake the PGDE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education). “This is categorised as a break in service, so I was financially penalised by Fine Gael and Labour because they didn’t give us employment opportunities back then,” says Campbell, who wants the 26 week break in service clause rescinded or amended.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RFUWCZ6V3ZFW7EE3HCXESYJGZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408232},"content":"As a result of her break in service, Campbell was put into the 2013 Single Public Service Pension Scheme. “My pension requires higher contributions and is based on average career earnings resulting in a smaller pension. This means I am roughly €277,900 worse off in retirement than the 2009 scheme which I paid into,” she says. Campbell is looking for partial restoration of pension parity to balance the older pension schemes with the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CX726YM4MFFO7MK7NEVGHS7NNU","additional_properties":{"_id":"7YMEM4XR2FFTJDYFJR6KTXFGD4"},"content":"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/28/its-100-tough-at-the-moment-how-will-tourism-businesses-vote-as-sector-struggles/","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VW7TELL3UJGHDAZNOBSEDNOTLM","additional_properties":{"_id":"DEBFSBMA35GHLGU26ZFQRXBHQU"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VRR6GJXG4FF5HNOREOFKZITFHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408233},"content":"Another issue for her is the lack of a voluntary redeployment scheme for Kildare. This is despite it being available for 11 years under a regionalised ‘pilot’ scheme in Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Monaghan, and to teachers outside of Dublin who wish to be redeployed to a school in Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIKID4KO2NBGNGP52G35JFCWZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732790825820},"content":"“I would love to move home to Cavan, but I’d have to give up my permanent job, which would have consequences for mortgage applications, and I would lose €5,000 from my salary if I gave up my post of responsibility,” says Campbell.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XK7WHBKYTBAPLBCPMCBZ6STNGE","additional_properties":{"_id":"7Z73MGNQDVGO5D6DN6LCPNN54Q"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NK3K4KPUEZBR5P4WK4AM6RYFSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408234},"content":"Sean McSharry (43), from Leitrim but living in Edenderry, teaches History and also works with students with special needs. He feels that the PME should be reduced from two years to its previous duration of one year. “All the unions want it to go back to one year, there’s no reason for it to be two years,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DT62UE23NVEHRNESPFQCR3I4DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408235},"content":"“It’s a money racket,” interjects Corkery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICLMVOCCOVD47GIQBB4UL6YXGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408236},"content":"McSharry continues: “Going to college costs a fortune, I was lucky, I had savings. You can’t afford to rent in Dublin while going to college and working, it costs €50,000 going to college for two years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z3VRKVBIPVFCHFEY7ASVZVUXIY","additional_properties":{"_id":"FDGJO6OY3BE7FKRES7PDKBDAYI"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"7RJUZ3A7BVEMDDG7EVYUGMFKCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408237},"content":"Further bones of contention are the lack of availability and affordability of special education needs assessments, the reform of the Leaving Certificate and the lack of IT resources.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWQYNETB5JGLJMJ6C6DAYQ6UCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732542408238},"content":"While there are many issues facing these teachers and their colleagues, the wellbeing of their students remains their paramount consideration. “The majority of teachers have student welfare at heart,” says McSharry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3I6YA6LH3ZEV3NJIZ5Y5AIPDJI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Stephen Farrell"}]},"description":{"basic":"Teachers in Maynooth outline the difficulties in their sector ahead of general election"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T12:07:48.02Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘It’s an emergency, we need to treat it like that’: Teaching sector facing challenges ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24","auth":{"1":"b588f38ca00de000b59d491a32a81551a22812d424af8a981342f5e3cc692173"},"focal_point":{"x":4150,"y":1470},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YMZHXJZQKRD53MYW7IL6N5SI24.JPG"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/28/its-an-emergency-we-need-to-treat-it-like-that-teaching-sector-facing-challenges/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"ANQCX7WFFZGZNJJJZNNONUMQ6E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":186,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8fa61464-18b5-4f16-912b-c6f00734aa34/versions/1730981711/media/54de3a71f49f01ed6607c271e14fc34c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7PADGEEREJHURF3J3B2HKKPV34","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250326},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX7YHEUAR5HSHGDSCLKRUS5JIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932986},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"U4TK5PI4FRGCPIEZPQL4ZSUNNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250327},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mary-butler/\" target=\"_blank\">Mary Butler</a> (FF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/david-cullinane\" target=\"_blank\">David Cullinane</a> (SF), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marc-o-cathasaigh/\" target=\"_blank\">Marc Ó Cathasaigh</a> (GP), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/matt-shanahan/\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Shanahan</a> (Ind)","type":"text"},{"_id":"2QH2DO2PCRAUZIQ7CDHKS4M5YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250328},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford-constituency\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Waterford</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPGHJWEJ4NGF3OJ5HDQUEMIBXQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"OUSMYTBMLFCTDBOHXE24T2NVJU","additional_properties":{"_id":"FHB5X3IWLVHYFDHSH3JICXSUPU"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"FLAHM3D5R5EXBD6NY4QEQCCQ5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250330},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> will be gunning to retake a seat in the constituency where a Deasy was a representative from 1977 to 2020, and off the back of local elections where it claimed the most seats of any party. It looks likely to do so through John Cummins.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GOL5AJT75DGPORZUVRBUZ4TUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932991},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> has a chance of a second seat here that would have been nailed on a year ago. The constituency is home to one of its highest vote-getters in Cullinane, and it has a good geographic split along east/west lines, with Conor McGuinness having almost a clear run at west Waterford votes. Sinn Féin bucked the national trend in the local elections here, polling at 21 per cent – 10 points higher than its national figure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHCNV75DVJF5NBYLNHFEP46RZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808932992},"content":"But McGuinness will have to find transfers from somewhere, even if he gets a good first-preference vote. Butler should improve on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a>’s middling performance in the locals, where it polled below the national figure, and if she does, she will likely be safe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KS7SORFDL5HXVPFZHECBUDDOQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730820618325},"content":"The massive Cullinane surplus that elected Marc Ó Cathasaigh won’t be repeated. The Green is as strong a candidate in a non-Dublin constituency as the party has, but this is just one of several factors working against him, alongside the party’s lower polling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4ACPAY7XJBETBIBKIDSJI65HI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730820618326},"content":"Watch the centre-left transfers as those candidates are eliminated, as the beneficiary there will most likely be ensconced in the third seat – and at the moment, it looks like a dogfight between Sinn Féin’s McGuinness and Independent Matt Shanahan for the last seat, with Shanahan positioned to shade it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYEIFN7E7RCFDNVE3TFIOB3INA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250331},"content":"Left unchanged by the constituency review, Waterford is a traditional mix of rural areas and big towns, with around half the vote coming from Waterford city. The big local issue is no longer the second cath lab for Waterford hospital, replaced by the campaign for a runway extension at Waterford Airport. Mary Butler will not have thanked party colleague James Lawless for his recent “pig in a poke” contribution on this topic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LJVXGCXVF5ARZG4EUYBP4DAI7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1730377250333},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Sinn Féin (1), Independent (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}},"name":"Jack Horgan-Jones"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Sinn Féin has chance at second seat in home of one of its highest vote-getters David Cullinane"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:34:10.705Z","headlines":{"basic":"Waterford constituency candidates list: Fine Gael will be gunning to retake a seat here ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM","auth":{"1":"6b0acf81c4ddb8853cbba66b318136b0965a19c21eeb5def26f57e5da0b4ddf2"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IIMGNCBNBRGBXNMQBNNJTTSAXM.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-waterford-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"TI2ZQK6JCFC4ZBA44CS6FPVBUA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":184,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/c9033799-d619-461b-8fb0-28f66546269d/versions/1730981972/media/1db6a32d75b2b962ac949e7a12769de5_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-south-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZCM26U7M5NCPXPI7GC6QTTNWGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542884},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q7BEAHFMKVFWDF5A7X46TRJ3HU","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741237},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"VSDR5HZNKNAPRKRTXJWLQWWIKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542885},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs</b>: New constituency. Outgoing TDs for five-seat Tipperary constituency are <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-lowry/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Lowry</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alan-kelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Alan Kelly</a> (Lab), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jackie-cahill/\" target=\"_blank\">Jackie Cahill</a> (FF – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mattie-mcgrath/3/\" target=\"_blank\">Mattie McGrath</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-browne/\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Browne</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"LH2JQUS2NJCE3F7ND4MTP5E6GA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741239},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary-south/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Tipperary South</b></a><b> constituency?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"I47NR3YQRZAIPNF4LLAR4KU7YA","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"2NE3F4QAZJHNFLRJTK25ZZVRBM","additional_properties":{"_id":"SZLT627IFNH6NOETYRQZP6UKG4"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"PGZHVPTZ35C4ZAR5MLWO3PV7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542887},"content":"If North Tipp has a dominant independent in Michael Lowry, South Tipp has its own in Mattie McGrath, the former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna </a><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fáil</a> TD who has been an independent – re-elected every time – since the financial crash a decade and a half ago. He is favourite to return here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMTNARQ5RNF5JGXT7F2XVAPO6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741242},"content":"After that it’s a lot more uncertain. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> messed up its strategy here for the last two elections but this time has settled on Micheal Murphy, long-time councillor and current mayor of Clonmel, the constituency’s largest population centre. It would be a surprise if Murphy didn’t take a seat. If he does – and assuming McGrath is re-elected – the final seat is likely to come down to a battle between the Fianna Fáil candidate Imelda Goldsboro and the sitting <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> TD Martin Browne.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UERYCJBCQBFIDHUMEWZQQ42FUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542888},"content":"Even Browne’s biggest supporters would say that his election last time was a surprise – after a disastrous local election results and internal party divisions, Browne stepped into the breach at a late stage, only to be the beneficiary of the great Mary Lou surge of 2020. Repeating that trick will be difficult.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YWRYIIMA5EVVA527R3INTJCV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542889},"content":"But just like Lowry hoovered up traditional Fine Gael votes in Tipp North, McGrath gets lots of previously Fianna Fáil votes in the South. Goldsboro topped the poll in the Carrick-on-Suir area in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/08/local-elections-2024-tipperary-county-council-results/\" target=\"_blank\">the local elections</a> but to get ahead of Browne she will need to pull votes out of Clonmel too, where former independent TD Seamus Healy is also running again. Healy used to take much of the old <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Party</a> vote in the town, but Labour is in better shape in the constituency than it was before with Killenaule councillor Michael “Chicken” Brennan running for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EIGOYYDI75B63C5VPU64OMVUVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739741245},"content":"Ultimately the last seat is likely to be a shoot-out between these four, with Goldsboro and Browne in the strongest positions to challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZ6ITX4UTRF5DKI54T3KX2R3KE","additional_properties":{"_id":1730394542890},"content":"<b>Possible outcome: </b>Independent (1), Fine Gael (1), Fianna Fáil (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Fianna Fáiler-turned-independent Mattie McGrath is favourite to return"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:50.772Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tipperary South constituency candidates list: Final seat likely to be battle between Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU","auth":{"1":"f08466ac8ac05155d27285cd16c088e383fce774390b3e138cd4c5bba7947dab"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OIX5FLKW5JF2NKGAMHZUB5FVSU.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-south-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"WZ4DKZVLX5FCXFYZRIRW2OLQUM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":177,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9ceff83f-97b3-4c58-b378-8f5e934559f8/versions/1730982326/media/c0ccc9b21116b333b47f9ae4c870185d_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-north-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"AXOTFCEGIBGZFPYFG5YTNGP3WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316582},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFAQZHVZYBC3RIDQS2Z5V7L2NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739350722},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYTPI3HAOBBWROIPSNPW75JBIQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316583},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs: </b>New constituency. Outgoing TDs for five-seat Tipperary constituency are <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/michael-lowry/\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Lowry</a> (Ind), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alan-kelly/\" target=\"_blank\">Alan Kelly</a> (Lab), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jackie-cahill/\" target=\"_blank\">Jackie Cahill</a> (FF – retiring), <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mattie-mcgrath/\" target=\"_blank\">Mattie McGrath</a> (Ind) and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-browne/\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Browne</a> (SF)","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QMYJND2F5DNNNTCEXCVIIH2L4","additional_properties":{"_id":1730739350724},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tipperary-north-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Tipperary North constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTA5N35HWZC53HSIYSPLDFSK7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"QEJNWRQI6RGNZG5PMQNDJWPLQY","additional_properties":{"_id":"ARR56BZOLNBJVATGVLYVJQM4LQ"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"SHPCGUVBNBH5TH2OMDCTFDWBKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316584},"content":"The county of Tipperary has been split once again into two three-seaters, after several years as a single five-seat constituency. The move provides an extra seat for the county but squeezes candidates in each of the new constituencies, who now must win a much bigger percentage of the votes (a quota is 25 per cent in a three seater, just 16.6 per cent in a five seater) to get elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUTNSYTEB5HP5MPOQ4HR7EAT74","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316585},"content":"In North Tipp, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> was rocked by the sudden recent announcement by sitting TD Jackie Cahill that he would not stand again. But it has – albeit at the far end of the constituency from Cahill’s base – a willing replacement in the shape of Roscrea councillor Michael Smith, a son of the long-time FF TD and minister of the same name. Cahill’s parliamentary assistant, Cllr Ryan O’Meara, was also selected to stand.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F6IXHEWIHRCOTEAKY6QQAZG2JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316586},"content":"Elsewhere, Michael Lowry will hold his seat – probably topping the poll for the seventh election in a row, an incredible achievement in anyone’s books. The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/labour-party/\" target=\"_blank\">Labour Party</a>’s Alan Kelly – deposed as leader by his own party before he ever fought a general election – has surprised many by sticking with Irish politics and running for the Dáil again. Local elections results suggest that Labour is in reasonably good health here and Kelly is a big beast; he is in a strong position to retain his seat. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-fein/\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a> is absent as a serious player in this constituency, a legacy of past internal difficulties. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a>’s Phyll Bugler faces a tough task to take either the Fianna Fáil seat or to unseat Kelly. Lowry has eaten much of the Fine Gael vote here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFPBPSEDCFHO7I4QIDDQTUMLGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1730395316587},"content":"<b>Possible outcome</b>: Independent (1), Labour (1), Fianna Fáil (1)","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Pat Leahy"}},"name":"Pat Leahy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Election 2024: Local elections results suggest Labour is in reasonably good health here and Alan Kelly is a big beast"},"display_date":"2024-11-28T09:33:35.857Z","headlines":{"basic":"Tipperary North constituency candidates list: Michael Lowry will probably top the poll for the seventh election in a row","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Election 2024","url":"/election2024/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I","auth":{"1":"c2f5dd02a069f1925109d2784cbee4e41c38ecac1ca713ece03fbdc2d8e85f16"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/LNMGZKOI7FDMHDYXPWEFMJGD3I.png"},"overline_logo":{"_id":"QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ","auth":{"1":"146656f9244eb8ce84d36fd4e3c519672cca8c4da72f47512b76196f1b454a7f"},"url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QSWFXEVMGBHWPCSR4TJ3B6FKJQ.png"}},"subtype":"constituency-profile","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-tipperary-north-constituency-profile/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Politics"}}}},{"_id":"W6C6AR6BZFHFFOCULPCSYURPB4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":195,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/73c93afd-1d2a-4e4d-9495-ba37545f5d82/versions/1730981601/media/3293add11f67b261f26032bc07119b32_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/politics/2024/11/07/election-2024-sligo-leitrim-constituency-profile/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IF7HDPABMJDBHBHU5SM5YKVOMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985182},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"2SORIKMDVNB2VFP47F4JW74CYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587125},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NUOMO3HCFGR5JJEA2SU2GWEEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985183},"content":"<b>Outgoing TDs:</b> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marian-harkin\" target=\"_blank\">Marian Harkin</a> (Ind); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/martin-kenny\" target=\"_blank\">Martin Kenny</a> (SF); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marc-macsharry\" target=\"_blank\">Marc MacSharry</a> (Ind – retiring); <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/frank-feighan\" target=\"_blank\">Frank Feighan</a> (FG)","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAQHS74ZPBCJXEJ2MW6I2JA37M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985184},"content":"<b>Who are the candidates running in the </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sligo-leitrim-constituency/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Sligo-Leitrim constituency</b></a><b>?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UZ3NGME5RAE5NQ5FZMMZQXRZI","additional_properties":{},"type":"list"},{"_id":"UPGBQL2WDVH6ZIEUKP32OK24DU","additional_properties":{"_id":"OK7LVCR5NREJTIIIC2XOMOOES4"},"type":"divider"},{"_id":"ZJ63ODL4XFGDDBWFMB7VIK5FKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985185},"content":"Another constituency that is largely unchanged despite the radical surgery done elsewhere. The retirement of former <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> TD (now independent) Marc MacSharry provides the only possibility for significant change. The three incumbents – Marian Harkin, Leitrim-based Martin Kenny and Frank Feighan – are all very solid and, barring some surprise, should be in a strong position to retain their seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWWT7KYRYFEYBAJ37SOUWSNLUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587130},"content":"Harkin surprised some people by announcing she would stand again as, during 2023, the expectation was that this popular Independent (formerly an MEP too) would be standing down.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7SADLQQFVGFFC3OT3HXJMEB5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1730808587131},"content":"Former MEP <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/chris-macmanus/\" target=\"_blank\">Chris McManus</a> from Sligo town won through at convention to become <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/sinn-f%C3%A9in\" target=\"_blank\">Sinn Féin</a>’s second candidate, but it’s hard to see a second seat for the party.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5TQA37CUUBG4TNPWCDGHAG4IQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1730902971455},"content":"Fianna Fáil is expected to retain a seat despite the exit of Marc MacSharry. Its new candidate, Cllr Edel MacSharry, is a cousin of Marc. She and former TD Eamon Scanlon, from Ballymote, comprise the ticket and between them will have more than enough votes to win a seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BA3YW3NUMZG55DCVMED2LYTMBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1730822155381},"content":"It’s a good weathervane here of how impactful Independent Ireland will be in these elections. Cllr Michael Clarke is expected to poll respectfully but the presence of Harkin in the race will hamper his chances of election. Another interesting candidate is Independent Marie Casserly from Grange. A councillor since 2014, she is a former mayor but, again, will find it a challenge, given that Harkin is running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKCTGOKQGVDXPOZ3L5GUFFCJ2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1730382985186},"content":"This is another constituency with minimal changes, despite radical surgery elsewhere. Not quite big enough to be a four seater between two counties, the constituency still contains a sliver of south Donegal around Ballyshannon, much to the unhappiness of Donegal people (it is another province after all).","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUUI2RZI2BE2NMFHPAYEEGI46A","additional_properties":{"_id":1730822155383},"content":"Sligo town has been developing in recent years, as a hub for tourism and industry. The technological university has grown in size and the hospital has also expanded. 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