Most Green TDs see drop in first preferences

by Mike Tue Jun 19, 2007 16:01

"4. More people by far either did not vote or spoiled their vote than voted for any political party. ....the anarchists can therefore claim victory a huge victory."

An interesting theory, until one considers how many votes the Anarchy Party would have gotten, were there one.

To say that a non-vote is a deliberate abstention, is farcical.

It is relevant to say that people are getting increasingly fed up because no matter who they vote for, the politicians do what they like anyway, against popular opposition from the electorate. But it is not fair to say that Anarchy is a preferred option by the Irish people.

by Paddy the Plasterer Wed May 30, 2007 11:54

+Nearly 100,000 people gave the Green Party their first preference vote, a gain of 25,456 votes from the last election (96,936 votes in 2007, compared to 71,470.) This represents an increase of just under one per cent – 4.69 per cent of first preferences in 2007 compared to 3.85 per cent in 2002, and 2.8 per cent in 1997.

+Party Leader Trevor Sargent TD in Dublin North won the most first preference votes of any Green candidate (7,448), while John Gormley TD in Dublin South East won the greatest share of first preference votes (13.8 per cent of total valid votes cast).

+Mary White is the first female TD for both the constituency of Carlow Kilkenny and the Green Party.

by Rational Ecologist Mon May 28, 2007 16:29

To all those who think they can read the mind of the Irish electorate....think again. This was a poor result for all in opposition. The job was to get rid of FF/PD. This was partially successful. Michael, Liz and the PD'S were sent packing and rightly so. The reason they were sent packing was not that the middle classes in Dublin had been persuaded by the arguements of anarchism. I think Michael Mac did himself no favours by his personal attack on Gormley and Liz doesn't do the work on the ground.
Brian Cowen is fast looking like the Taoiseach-elect and sooner rather than later. Expect Bertie to bow out next year. Tribunal clouds are gathering on his horizon.
Big tragedy in Cork is the loss of Dan Boyle. This will be a particular blow to the anti-incineration camapaign. The loss of the one member who is fundamentally opposed to incineration. FG may make promises on the doorsteps, however, don't hold your breath.
A Summer of discontent looms and to this end the Greens would be best served in opposition rather than trying to defend the indefensible.
Trevor and Eamon don't be so anxious to get into bed with Bertie.

by Dorothy Gale Mon May 28, 2007 15:27

"And did Mary White's vote not increase this time? "

Nope. Mary Whites % vote on the 1st count fell marginally by 0.19%. But the SF vote was up marginally by 0.38%. Mary got over 30% of the SF vote when their candidate was eliminated. She also got a 15% transfer from the PDs & O'Brien LP, 16% from FG. She then got a 40% transfer from Townsend the other LP candidate. Finally she took 60% of MJ Nolans transferable surplus.

by Cian Mon May 28, 2007 14:49

I saw a lot of spoiled votes this time - and one of them interestingly had a big circle A on it!

Sargents vote is down - but had a running mate this time so that explains part of it. And did Mary White's vote not increase this time?

by Anarchist Realist Mon May 28, 2007 01:56

1. I assume you believe that Bertie and George Bush were proven right by getting most votes - that's the logic of your argument.

2. I feel that you are overstating the influence of anarchists a smidgeon. There are all sorts of factors influencing voter turnout as well as how strongly anarchists make their point. Or maybe we're being too modest? Maybe all 1 million 7 thousand odd of the registered voters who didn't vote have been convinced by anarchist arguments? We'll schedule the revolution for next Thursday so.

3. Voter turnout in this election was 67.15%, the third lowest in the history of the state. This was marginally up on 2002 (62.75 +4.7%) and 1997 (66% + 1.15%). However, the electoral register has been severely pruned since 2002. Some estimates are that the 2002 turnout would have been about 68% if the register had been pruned before that election - so this turnout may actually represent a decrease in real participation. [ http://harrymcgee.blogspot.com/2007/05/inside-politics-....html ]

4. More people by far either did not vote or spoiled their vote than voted for any political party. About 1.007 million people abstained, while Fianna Fail got about 0.83 million votes. If we add in the unknown number who were not registered, the anarchists can therefore claim victory a huge victory. We will dissolve the state next Monday.

by Ann R Kissed Sun May 27, 2007 23:09

"I think anarchists called this one right again .... what a farce!"

That's why turnout was up 5%. Their argument was so well made that more people engaged with the system.

by Ride On Sun May 27, 2007 22:40

I think anarchists called this one right again .... what a farce!!

by billy idle Sun May 27, 2007 22:25

At least the Greens returned with the same number seats. The same can't be said for Mcdowell's band of redundant right wingers. I must say it gave me immense pleasure seeing him humbled in front of a large audience and rightly given some of his own medecine by a motley crew of hecklers. I wouldn't normally dance on any ones grave but I'll make an exception in this case.

by John Sun May 27, 2007 21:45

So did nearly all left-wing TDs in this election. Yippee!