News

Close treaty poll result forecast, BBC News (2009)

This article examines the situation in Ireland before the Friday referendum on Lisbon Treaty.

Decisive two-to-one majority says Yes to Lisbon, Irish Times (2009)

This article provides more detailed information regarding the results of the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

Ireland: FG pile by-election pressure on Cowen, The Irish Independent (2010)

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has revealed that his party would force the Government to vote on the issue of the Waterford by-election in the Dail next week.

Ireland:Gilmore not in running to be next Taoiseach, says Kenny, The Irish Independent (2010)

This article discusses the possibility of Eamon Gilmore running to be the next Taoiseach. It also focuses on possible changes to the rules about party coverage in the media and expanding the televised leader debate to include the Labour Party alongside Fine Gael and Fianna Fail

Ireland: Dáil debates Fine Gael bye-election bill, RTE (2010)

This article discusses a proposed bill by Fine Gael to reform by-election regulations in Ireland.

Ireland: Results show next election will be a genuine three-way contest, The Irish Times (2010)

This article comments on the rise of the Labor Party in Ireland. The latest opinion polls show that the party is gaining the voters' confidence all over the country, from different social classes and ages.

Ireland:Opposition parties want immediate election, RTÉ (2010)

Following a Ipsos MRBI poll that appeared in the Irish Times opposition parties want an election called a soon as possible. The poll indicated that 30% of people asked would like to see Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny as the next Taoiseach.

Irish voters want election this year, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the latest opinion poll in Ireland. The poll revealed that the majority of Irish voters would like to have an election in 2010 (and not wait until 2012). The ruling party lost support of most of the electorate, unlike the Labour Party (for the first time in first position).

Ireland: Gilmore seeks to build 'election fund', The Irish Times (2010)

Eamon Gilmore, leader of the Labour Party, set up a fund-raising campaign for the party's electoral campaign. After the recent opinion poll, the Labour Party is very confident for the upcoming elections in 2012.

Fine Gael still on top in Irish politics, Angus Reid Global Monitor (2010)

This article presents the results of the latest opinion polls in Ireland. Fine Gael, the main opposition party, gained most of the support from the electorate (30%).

Ireland: Number of migrants voting in local elections rises 44%, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on a campaign by the Africa Centre and the New Communities Partnership aimed at encouraging immigrants to register and vote. Since the last local elections, there was a great increase in the immigrants registered to vote, 44%, and a rise of immigrant candidates.

Ireland: Political party to register 'within weeks', Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the institution of a new political party in Ireland. The party is formed mostly by former Green Party members, and it will address green and social justice issues.

Ireland: Fine Gael embolded by poll findings, Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the latest opinion poll in Ireland. According to the poll, released on June 27, Fine Gael is the most popular party with 33% of the votes, while the Labour party would be the second (27%) and Fianna Fáil the third (24%). The Green Party would only win 2% of the votes.

Ireland:Carey defends legislation delaying Údarás na Gaeltachta elections, The Irish Times

Minister for Gaeltacht affairs Pat Carey has proposed legislation to extend the term of the 20 member authority to seven and a half years from five and a half years, which would postpone the election scheduled for October.

Ireland: Avoiding the electorate, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the failure to hold by-elections in Ireland. Lawmakers are accused of not calling the by-elections to fill up three vacancies in the Dáil, one of which have been there for a year. The government risks to lose all three seats and to weakened its majority.

Ireland: Four groups plan to register as parties, Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the institutions of new parties in Ireland. Plenty of new groups are planning to register as political parties and run for the next general elections. Among these new formations New Vision, Direct Democracy Ireland and the Reform Party are the largest ones.

Ireland: Fine Gael seeking 'at least' 70 seats in next election, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the election campaign in Ireland. The new deputy secretary of Fine Gael, James Reilly, announced his plan to win 'at least' 70 seats in the next general elections. Currently, Fine Gael holds 50 seats in the Dáil, a great increase since its campaign in 2002 (3 seats).

Ireland: Garda ombudsman asks for vote inquiry review, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission's request for a more detailed investigation about misplaced votes in the North Wester constituency during the last European Parliament elections. The Garda Síochána (police force of the Republic of Ireland) will have to investigate again on the 3,000 votes originally attributed to candidate Declan Ganley, but belonging to independent candidate Fiachra Ó Luain. The recheck and attribution of the votes did not impact on the results of the elections.

Ireland: Gilmore rules out coalition deal with Fianna Fáil, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses coalition building talks in Ireland. The Labour Party leader, Eamon Gilmore, announced that he will not seek a coalition with Fianna Fáil and he is confident that the party will win at least 50 seats in the next general elections.

Ireland: Fifty attend meeting to set up a new party, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the intention to institute a new national political party in Ireland. 50 people attended a meeting in a pub in Kilkenny, to create a new party that would "replace Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael”. According to the promoter, Leo Armstrong, the provisional title of the party would be “The Irish Independents’ Party”.

Ireland: Byelections should be held 'within six months', The Irish Times (2010)

This article presents the final report of the Oireachtas (Irish National Parliament) committee. This committee had to examine possible electoral reform measures, regarding in particular by-elections. The report stated that if a vacancy occurs in the Dáil, it must be filled out within 6 months in order to respect the principle of equality of representation. Furthermore, the report concluded that there is not compelling need to reform the current electoral system, but called for more effective voter education measures and the institution of an independent electoral commission.

Ireland: Call for voting age to fall to 17, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the report of the parliamentary Committee on electoral reform. The Committee made a series of recommendations, but concluded that no major reform is needed. Among other things, the committee recommended to lower the legal voting age from 18 to 17 years old.

Ireland: No major elections before spring, The Irish Times (2010)

This article presents the updates for the electoral law for the Dublin Municipality. The legislation to allow the people to directly-elect the mayor of Dublin will probably be reviewed by the Cabinet in the end of August, and will pass through the Oireachtas only in the fall.

Ireland: Children's right poll unlikely before 2011, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the Irish government's decision to postpone the children's rights referendum. The constitutional referendum was supposed to be held this year, but due to concerns over the wording, it will be postponed.

Ireland: Most women TDs against quotas, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the introduction of gender quotas in the Irish political parties. The Irish Times interviewed all 23 women in the Irish Dáil, and it turned out that most of them think that parties should not be required to adopt quotas.

Ireland: 'I don't believe quotas are a solution to imbalance', The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses a proposal to introduce mandatory gender quotas for political parties in Ireland. Most women, however, in the Dáil believe that gender quotas are not the right solution for the poor representation (in Dáil, there are 23 women out of 166 members).

Ireland: Women TDs opposed to quota criticised, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the reaction of the National Women's Council to the opposition to introduce mandatory gender quotas for political parties. Yesterday, women TDs criticized the quota system, and stated that this is not the right way to solve the problem. The National Women's Council replied that this shows a lack of solidarity with other women, and believes that women opposing this system are not able to suggest any other measure. There are only 23 women TDs in 166-seat Dáil (13%).

Ireland: More women needed to represent true democracy, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the gender representation in Irish politics. Among the 23 women in the Dáil, the majority refuses to introduce mandatory gender quotas in political parties, and yet there is a great under-representation of women in politics. A 2009 report of the Joint Oireachtas Justice Committee, concluded that in Ireland the “overall masculine image of politics” remains as a powerful as ever.

Ireland's ranking for female politicians is dismal, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the latest discussion on the introduction of gender quotas for political parties in Ireland. Last week, the Joint Committee on the Constitution issued a report encouraging political parties to present more women candidates and many discussions followed, as most of the women in the Dáil rejected the quota system.

More women in politics will help Ireland, says historian, The Irish Times (2010)

This article comments the latest discussion about the introduction of gender quotas in Ireland. An historian, Dr. Sandra McAvoy, believes that involvement of women in Irish politics would help the Irish society in general. There 23 women in Dáil (out of 166) and 20 in the Seanad (out of 60). A conference will take place on September 18th to discuss this issue.

Ireland: Gender quotas end up perverting democratic choice, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the principles of mandatory gender quotas. In Ireland, a report showed that women are strongly underrepresented in the Parliament (both in the Dáil and in the Senate) and suggested the introduction of mandatory gender quotas for political parties. According to this article good intentions would translate into a mess in practice.

Ireland: Cabinet silent on by-election court challenge, The Irish Examiner (2010)

This article reports on the High Court challenge regarding by-elections in Ireland. Since June 2009, vacancies in the Donegal and other constituencies have not been filled up. Senator Pearse Doherty asked the High Court to intervene in this issue, as the government's delay in calling by-elections would violate the citizens' right to representation. The delay is caused by the Cabinet's division on whether or not to call the by-elections together with four referenda, a move that would expose the government to a series of potential defeats.

Ireland: FF would have been on 50 seats if we had an election in June, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the Irish electoral system. In particular, the author criticize the "seat bonus" that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael receive every time smaller parties or independents do not reach the minimum threshold to enter the parliament. Furthermore, the author believes that the system does not favor smaller parties.

Ireland: 'Urgent' need for more women TDs, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the gender imbalance in Irish politics. The National Women's Council of Ireland released a statement about the 'urgent' need to have more women in the Dáil. Ireland is in the 88th position in the world for female representation, as only 14% of the deputies in the Dáil are women. In 1990, Ireland was in 37th in world.

Ireland: Greens fail to press FF on dates for by-elections, The Irish Independent (2010)

This article reports on the schedule for the upcoming polls in Ireland. The Green Party and the Fianna Fail still cannot agree on the dates for the three by-elections and the children's rights referendum, and whether or not to hold them on the same day. Experts believe that this delay is due to the parties' fear of losing the by-elections, which would make the Dáil voting numbers much tighter. The High Court will hear a judicial review on this matter in October.

Ireland: Greens target corporate donations in reform plans, The Sunday Business Post (2010)

This article discusses the Green Party's proposal to ban corporate donations to political party, reform local government and set up an independent electoral commission. The Greens will present this reforms as part of their broader electoral and political reform due in the fall.

Ireland: FG focused on winning next election - Kenny, RTE (2010)

This article reports on the statement by the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny about possible early elections. Mr Kenny stated that the party is getting ready for elections, that he predicts will be in the spring.

Ireland: Women's limited role in politics highlights defective system, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the discussion on the gender issue in Irish politics. Recently, two women TDs have announced their resignations, and this triggered new debates on the underrepresentation of women in the Irish Dáil. Since 1992, the percentage of women in the Dáil remained the same, halting a slow trend that started in 1977. The author outlines the history of the gender representation in Ireland, and tries to find the root causes of these issue.

Ireland: Voters divided on need for a general election, Irish Independent (2010)

According to a poll on Tuesday, voters in Ireland are split about whether the time is right for a general election with 49 per cent are in favor and 47 per cent are opposed.

Ireland: Grealish's call for election adds to pressure on Coalition, Irish Times (2010)

GALWAY TD Noel Grealish, who has backed the Fianna Fáil-Green Party Coalition since 2007, has called for an immediate general election, putting the current Government under more pressure.

Ireland: FG ends vote pairing deal in attempt to prompt early election, The Irish Times (2010)

Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Féin will prompt an early election as the Dáil resumes this week by enforcing stricter pairing arrangements and pressurizing the government to hold outstanding byelections.

Ireland: Little doubt next election will be three-way fight, The Irish Times (2010)

The latest poll by the Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI shows that there are a continuing surge for the Labour Party, a decline in support for Fine Gael and a steadying in the Fianna Fáil ranks. The poll results signal the next election will be a genuine three-way contest.

Ireland: FF TD explains merger tweet. The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the Twitter message that was published by Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews about a possible merger between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael after the next election. This message triggered an enormous response on Twitter.

Ireland: Coughlan calls for short byelection campaign, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the by-elections in Ireland. Tánaiste Mary Coughlan stated that the Government is appealing the judgment that there was an unreasonable delay in holding the by-election to the Supreme Court. Ms Coughlan argued that all members of the Parliament should not “accept that it is a matter for the courts, rather than the Oireachtas, to decide when by-elections should be held". The by-elections are scheduled for November 25.

Ireland's financial rescue triggers early elections, Deutsche Welle (2010)

This article reports on the decision to call for early elections in Ireland. This week, Prime Minister Brian Cowen secured a financial rescue and members from his party and from the opposition asked for early elections. The Prime Minister stated that he will call for early elections after the conclusion of the budgetary process. The two main opposition parties, Labour and Fine Gael, demanded an immediate dissolution of parliament instead.

Irish elections: Fianna Fáil's slip before the fall, International Business Times (2010)

This article discusses the political situation in Ireland, and the possibility to hold early elections. The author also explains and discusses the electoral system.

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Ireland: Latest poll confirms FF support at record low of 17%, The Irish Examiner (2010)

This article reports on the latest opinion polls in Ireland. Two different opinion polls (by Red C and Ipsos MRBI) show that Fianna Fáil reached a record low popularity in these past few weeks (17%), and coalition partners the Greens are experiencing similar difficulties (reaching 2%). In the 2007 general elections, the party received 42% of the votes, while the Greens 4.69%. No date has been set for the next general elections, but they will probably be held on March.

Ireland: Next leader from younger generation, says Lenihan, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the statements of the Irish Minister of State Conor Lenihan regarding the next elections in Ireland. The Minister stated that the party will present new and young politicians in the next general elections.

Ireland: Fianna Fáil U-turn on Seanad looks to have sealed fate of Upper House, The Irish Times (2011)

This article discusses the possibility to hold a referendum to abolish the Seanad in Ireland. A senate had existed in the country since its Independence but was abolished by Fianna Fáil Éamon de Valera in 1936, but then reinstated in the 1937 Constitution. If the referendum will be hold together and approved by the electorate, it would require major constitutional changes.

Ireland: FG opens election campaign with Obama-style web forum, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the beginning of the general election campaign in Ireland. Fine Gael decided to shut down its main website (made of hundreds of pages) and replace it with a a single page containing a video message from party leader, Enda Kenny, and a forum where voters are invited to share their views on policy and the future of the country. According to the party, it is the first time that interactive technology is used in an Irish elections. This is said to be the biggest consultation exercise to date with the Irish electorate.

Ireland: New Seanad will be elected even if referendum is held to abolish it, The Independent (2011)

This article reports on the possible referendum to abolish the Upper House of the Oireachtas, the Seanad, in Ireland. The political parties are still discussing this possibility, and also the possible date to hold the poll.

Ireland: Seanad vote on election day 'very ambitious', RTE News (2011)

This article reports on the debates regarding a possible referendum to abolish the Seanad in Ireland. According to some politicians, it would be 'very ambitious' to try to hold a referendum on the same day as the General Election.

Ireland: Reform the Dáil to fix democracy dysfunction, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the possible outcomes of the referendum on the abolition of the Seanad in Ireland. The author is in favor of such a referendum and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of holding it.

Ireland: Fianna Fail set to lose half its senators when 24th Seanad is elected, The Independent (2011)

This article reports on the latest updates in Ireland. The parties are already preparing for the 2011 general elections, and a recent opinion poll revealed that - if the Upper House is not abolished - Fianna Fail is set to lose half of its Senators in the elections. The party's senators are strongly opposing the government's proposal to hold a referendum on Election Day.

Irish election likely at the end of March - opposition, Reuters (2011)

This article discusses the possible date for the next elections in Ireland. Prime Minister Brian Cowen pledged to call an early election as soon as the parliament will pass the 2011 budget, and according to some MPs the last bill will be presented to the Senate on February 26. Considering that a minimum of three weeks must be granted for the electoral campaign, the next election will likely be in the end of March. The ruling Fianna Fail, which has had a leading role in the past 90 years of the Irish politics, will probably suffer a defeat.

Ireland: Epic fail, The Economist (2011)

This article discusses the possible outcomes of the next elections in Ireland. According to the author, the era of dominance of the Fianna Fail party is over. Fianna Fail governed Ireland for three out of every four years since 1932, but in the next election it will likely lose most of its voters. According to the latest opinion poll, the Prime Minister's approval rating is 14%, while only 17% of the electorate supports his party. On the other hand, 44% of the people interviewed support Eamon Gilmore, leader of the opposition Labour Party.

Ireland: Norris in election plea to councillors, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates for the presidential election in Ireland. Independent senator David Norris announced his decision to appeal to all councilors in the country for his nomination. According to the Constitution, a presidential candidate must be nominated by either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. According to a Red C Poll, Mr Norris is the frontrunner in the competition to become the next president (27%).

Ireland: Top banking expert Mathews to stand for Fine Gael in election, The Irish Independent (2011)

This article reports on the latest updates in Ireland. Banking consultant Peter Matthews announced his decision to run in the upcoming general elections with Fine Gael. Other potential candidates from the financial world are emerging in all parties.

Ireland: Fine Gael seeks immediate election following Cowen conference, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the political situation in Ireland. Fine Gael demanded an immediate general election, to give people the possibility to have their say in the current economic crisis.

Ireland: Labour will table no-confidence motion if Election is not called: Gilmore, The Irish Examiner (2011)

This article reports on the possibility to hold early elections in Ireland. Labour leader Eamon Gilmore stated that if the government will not set a date for the next general elections by the end of January, the Labour Party will present a motion of no confidence.

Ireland: Group urges voters to prioritise equality in next election, The Irish Examiner (2011)

This article reports on the discussions for the upcoming election in Ireland. The Equality and Rights Alliance launched its campaign ahead of the general election, urging Irish citizens to vote for people who will protect the most vulnerable sectors of society and guarantee equality and human rights.

Ireland: Date of general election on the agenda, RTE News (2011)

This article reports on the latest updates from Ireland. On Wednesday, January 19, Prime Minister Brian Cowen will meet with Green Party leader John Gormley to discuss, among other things, the date of the next general elections.

Ireland: Coalition to discuss election timetable after Cowen win, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the latest updates regarding the election timetable in Ireland. On Tuesday, January 18, Prime Minister Cowen won a confidence vote for his leadership in Fianna Fáil. The Prime Minister will now hold talks with Green Party leader John Gormley, and they will also discuss the timing of the next general election.

Ireland: Cowen stays as leader of Ireland; challenger Martin resigns, Bloomberg (2011)

This article reports on the passing of a vote of confidence among the Fianna Fail lawmakers to support Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen. His opponent, Foreign Minister Micheal Martin resigned right after the vote. Cowen will now draft a timetable for the passing of the Financial Bills, and then he will meet the Green Party leader to discuss a possible new date for the next elections.

Ireland: Blow for Fine Gael as long-serving TD stands down, The Irish Independent (2011)

This article discusses the resignation of Bernard Allen, long-established TD representing Fine Gael. Mr Allen announced his sudden retirement, motivated by health-related reasons. Mr Allen has been re-elected in Cork North Central district since 1981, and Fine Gael will not face serious difficulties in winning that seat.

Ireland: Election in April or later unacceptable, says Gormley, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the possible date for the next election in Ireland. The Green Party stated that it would be "unacceptable" to hold the general election in April or later. As a matter of fact, the party's leader John Gormley is advocating to hold election in March.

Ireland: Greens want election by end of March, RTE News (2011)

This article reports on the discussions for the next date for the general elections in Ireland. Green Party leader John Gormley stated that the country needs elections by March, and that it will still be possible to pass the Financial Bill by that time.

Ireland: Leaders' debates: a television history, The Irish Times (2011)

This article traces the history of television debates among candidates. The first debate was organized in 1982, and taoiseach Garret FitzGerald faced Fianna Fáil leader Charles Haughey. The latest debate was hold in 2007, and taoiseach Bertie Ahern emerged against Enda Kenny.

Ireland: Martin calls for political reform, The Irish Times (2011)

This article presents the newly elected Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Mr Martin called for major political reform, and he confirmed his willingness to cooperate with other political parties and engage in discussions on this issue. Mr Martin expressed his concerns on the system used to select candidates, which could create certain degree of "elitism".

Ireland: Party leaders clash over election debates format, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the discussions over the three-way television debate among candidates in Ireland. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny is opposing the idea of having such a debate, which was presented by the new Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Mr Kenny, however, would be willing to have a five-way televised debate with the leaders of all the political parties.

Ireland: Election campaigns get underway, TV3 (2011)

This article reports on the beginning of the election campaign in Ireland. The three biggest parties launched their campaigns yesterday (February 2nd), and they will now carry out tours around the country.

Ireland: Election is Fine Gael's and Labour Party's for the taking, poll shows, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the latest opinion poll carried out in Ireland. According to the poll, Fine Gael is leading the electoral race with 33%. On the other hand, the Labour Party is supported by 24% of the people interviewed and Fianna Fáil is at an all-time low, 15%. The poll also showed the rise of the Independent and Other (15%), and the fall of the Green Party (1% - its lowest since 2008).

Ireland: Political reform taking centre stage in campaigns, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the ongoing electoral campaign in Ireland. The three major parties will release their manifestos in the coming week, and according to some observers the political reform will be a major issue in in the upcoming elections. Fianna Fáil, for example, already proposed an electoral reform to introduce a mixed system and measures to guarantee gender balance.

Ireland: The electorate is exhausted - and we have weeks to go, The Irish Times (2011)

This article discusses the political situation in Ireland as the elections are approaching. According to the author, the electorate is already tired of the electoral campaign and of the topics discussed in the debates. The author also discusses the main candidates' positions and ideas.

Ireland's Fine Gael party rises to 35%, survey for Post shows, Bloomberg (2011)

This article reports on the results of a recent opinion poll conducted by the Sunday Business Post in Ireland. According to this poll, the main opposition party Fine Gael is supported by 35% of the people interviewed (a 2 points increase), while Fianna Fail is supported by 17% and the Labour Party by 22%. Lastly, Sinn Fein would receive 13% of the votes.

Ireland: Debates have role to play in elections but must be better organised, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the discussions over the televised debates among candidates in Ireland. Televised debates are now features of most nations’ election campaigns, and the author argues in favor of having such debates among candidate of the February 25th election.

Irish election favourite refuses to take part in TV debate, The Guardian (2011)

This article reports on the discussions over the televised debates in Ireland. Fine Gael's candidate, Enda Kenny, stated that he will not participate in the televised debate on Ireland's TV3 station, arguing that this debate clashes with his election schedule. Mr. Kenny's two main rivals, Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin and Labour's Eamon Gilmore, strongly criticize his decision. Veteran Irish journalist Vincent Browne will host the TV3 debate.

Ireland: Nominations for general election to close today, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the latest update from Ireland. Nominations for the 2011 general elections will close today, February 9. In the meantime, yesterday two candidates - Micheál Martin and Eamon Gilmore - faced each other in the first major TV debate of the campaign.

Ireland: Big increase in Independent candidates, RTE News (2011)

This article reports on the closing of the nominations for this month's General Election. So far, the trends in the nominations show an increased in the number of independent and minor parties candidates. Fianna Fáil presented less candidates, while the other two major parties Fine Gael and Labour presented many more compared to 2007.

Ireland: Voter registration deadline expires, RTE News (2011)

This article reports on the deadline for voter registration in Ireland. Today (February 8) will be the last day to register and hand in the relevant documents to the local authorities. The election officials invite all citizens to submit queries and questions to www.checktheregister.ie.

Ireland: Kenny, Gilmore and Martin for TG4 debate, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the discussions over a televised debate among the three major party leaders for the elections in Ireland. Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael’s Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore of the Labour Party have agreed to a televised debate held in Galway and aired by TG4. It will be the first time a television debate of this kind has been staged outside Dublin.

Ireland: FF runs 30 fewer candidates, The Irish Times (2011)

This article discusses the final candidates' list in Ireland. Yesterday, all political parties had to present their candidates, and a few new trends emerged. Fianna Fáil nominated fewer candidates compared to last election, while Fine Gael and Labour nominated many more. In total, 567 candidates have been nominated, 97 more than in 2007, and 85 of them are women (15%).

Ireland: Television debate rules must be changed, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the latest updates on the discussions over the televised debates in Ireland. The author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of having such a debate, and the main issues and topics that could be discussed.

Backgrounder: Basic facts about Irish general election, Xinhua New (2011)

This article reports on the general elections in Ireland. The poll, held on February 25, was the first electoral event since the financial crisis in the country. On February 1, the Dail (lower house) was dissolved and Prime Minister Brian Cowen asked President Mary McAleese to call the general election. In the election, 566 candidates ran for the 166 seats in the Dail.

Ireland: Angry electorate coldly voted to liquidate Fianna Fáil, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports and comments the results of the general election in Ireland. After decades of Fianna Fáil dominance, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and the Labour Party won the election. The winners, however, were almost ignored by the press that focused on the once unthinkable Fine Gael's defeat.

Ireland: Kenny and Gilmore to renew talks on forming coalition, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the election talks that followed the general elections in Ireland. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore are holding meetings to discuss the possibility of a coalition government. Recounts are still going on in some districts, but the results are already impressive: the Labour Party had its best electoral performance ever and 17 Independent TDs were elected.

Ireland: Kenny hails democratic revolution at ballot box, The Irish Times (2011)

This article discusses the results of the February general elections in Ireland. Fine Gael's success in the poll was described as "historic". Coalition talks are now underway, and Fine Gael, with almost twice as many seats as Labour, will expect at least nine seats in the Cabinet of a possible coalition government.

Ireland: Inaccessible voting stations 'inexcusable', The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the Irish Wheelchair Associations' statements on the general election management. According to this Association, thousands of voters with disability have been disenfranchised by a failure to provide fully accessible polling stations. Spokesman Micheal Doyle stated that approximately 750,000 people in Ireland have a disability together with their families, and that their right to vote of this significant portion of the electorate must never be taken for granted.

Ireland: Gains reflect 'reconquest' of Ireland, says Adams, The Irish Times (2011)

This article comments the results of the general election in Ireland. Sinn Féin has substantially increased its number of seats in the 166-members Dáil: from 5 TDs to 13 (maybe 1-2 more, as recounts are still going on). The party received over 10% of the votes, a significant increase since 2007 (6%) and 2002 (2.5%).

Ireland: Island voters undeterred by strong winds as turnout hits 76%, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the voter turnout in Clare Island, Ireland. The weather was very discouraging, and only 15% of the eligible voters had voted by1 pm, but eventually turnout was almost 76% when the polling closed. Traditionally, Clare Island’s turnout has tended to be higher than the mainland. During the European and local elections in 2009, for example, turnout was about 70%. The total island electorate is 2,575.

Ireland: Fianna Fáil massacred as left secures first majority, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports and comments the results in Dublin of the February general elections. Fianna Fail suffered a "dramatic annihilation" in the capital, where it won only 1 seat (19 before the election). According to the author, the Dublin results show the gravity of the party's fall down. In the capital's 47 Dáil seats, the poll brought major changes: the left parties (Labour, the United Left Alliance and Sinn Féin) won the majority of the seats for the first time (44% of the votes - 26 seats). The Labour Party alone doubled its number of seats (from 9 to 18), while the Green Party crashed from 8% to 3%. 544,790 people voted in Dublin.

Ireland: All change in Dáil as work begins on new seating plan, The Irish Times (2011)

This article reports on the outcomes of the February elections in Ireland. Next Wednesday, the 31st Dáil will sit, and the new government will probably have the biggest majority of TDs ever.

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Ireland: Political gender quota to rise to 40% after election, Irish Times (2011)

The article reports that several key changes to Irish candidate eligibility are going to be realized following the next election, the most significant of which is the increase of the electoral gender quota from 30% to 40%.

Ireland: Three referendums to take place on election day, Irish Times (2011)

The article reports that referendums "on whistleblowers, the Abbeylara judgment and on judicial pay will take place in October on the same day as the presidential election," according to Irish Minister Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The article also touches on possible referendum issues that are being exluded from the upcoming survey.

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