General Election 2024

Election Shenanigans: Counting Votes, Winning Hearts, and Family Legacies!

Dive into the thrilling adventures of Election 2024 as we count votes, witness family dynasties, and navigate the twists and turns of politics in Ireland!

As the dust settles on the first day of counting in the General Election 2024, it's anything but a quiet affair. Conor McMorrow's A-to-Z guide highlights the ever-persistent theme of dynasties in politics, showing that for many candidates, politics is indeed a family affair. With familiar faces reappearing on ballot papers around the country, it seems that family ties are as important as campaign strategies! Who knew the Dáil could double as a family reunion?

On the ground, Minister of State Pippa Hackett faced an uphill battle in her bid for a Dáil seat, ultimately falling short despite her efforts. Meanwhile, in Wicklow, the Taoiseach Simon Harris danced his way back into power, topping the poll with a confident 16,869 first preference votes as Fine Gael continues their chase for that elusive second seat. It’s a close race, turning Wicklow into a political battleground with plenty of drama.

Over in Mayo, things are heating up as Sinn Féin's Rose Conway-Walsh finds herself in a nail-biting contest for the fifth seat. The stakes are high with Mark Duffy, Lisa Chambers, and Patsy O'Brien also in the ring. With candidates trading places in the vote tally, the suspense is akin to an edge-of-your-seat thriller—who will make it to the Dáil, and who will sadly be voted off the island?

In Cork South-West, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns showed her might with nearly 10,000 first preference votes, proving to be a transfer-friendly force. Meanwhile, the Taoiseach expressed his relief at avoiding a Sinn Féin surge, with exit polls revealing Fine Gael snagging 21% of first-preference votes. It seems the only surge happening is a wave of enthusiasm among the voters!

As we gear up for the next chapters of this electoral saga, let’s remember that the political stage isn't merely about numbers—it's about personalities, promises, and the interesting (sometimes comical) soap opera that is Irish politics. Speaking of soap operas, did you know that some of the very first candidates considered running for office were actually soap makers? Talk about business acumen! And finally, if you thought family rivalries were limited to reality TV, think again. The Dáil has seen its fair share of political family feuds that could make any soap opera look like a mild tea party!