The Practicalities

Victor

http://www.unison.ie/stories.php3?ca=9&si=14252&breakingnews=1

"Polling stations will open for three hours longer this year than in any previous election. It is hoped the 7.30am to 10.30pm opening time will boost voter turnout, which has steadily fallen in recent times.

Candidates have until next Friday, May 3rd, to get their nominations in. To stand for election to Dail Eireann a candidate must be an Irish citizen and at 21 by polling day.

Party candidates are nominated by their party, but Independent candidates must have their nomination paper seconded by 30 registered voters from the constituency in which they are standing.

Every Irish or British citizen living in Ireland is entitled to a vote.

The electorate currently stands at 2,952,000, 8% higher than in 1997.

166 (sic)* seats in 42 constituencies are up for grabs. The magic number is 84 (sic)*, which gains an overall majority. Fianna Fail were the last party to achieve this in 1997 (sic)**. "

---

*Only 165 seats are open as the Ceann Comhairle (Dáil Chairman) is automaticaly re-elected. Consequently only 83 seats are required for a mojority.

**was not achieved. Fianna Fáil currrently have 73 seats, having lost approximately 3 during the course of the last (28th) Dáil. Last time an overall majority achieved was in 1977.

Victor

Press statement: http://www.environ.ie/press/election2002.html

stereo_steve

You only have to be 18 to vote not 21 like you said above.

Victor

Originally posted by stereo_steve
You only have to be 18 to vote not 21 like you said above.

"To stand for election to Dail Eireann a candidate must be an Irish citizen and at 21 by polling day. "

stereo_steve

Sorry! Must have been day dreaming when I read it!

cornell babe

forget about the logistics of it!

if you are eligible to vote in this year's irish general electio then may 17th is your crunch day and it is crucial you recognise the importance of your role in this election!

you only have ONE choice to make.

you only have ONE vote.

you only have ONE chance

[enough advertising - thank you - Victor]