The Other End Of The Spectrum

With the news of the total wipe out of the Green Party as well as Fianna Fáil, the majority of the headlines were of course dominated by the major candidates. However, spare some thoughts for the smaller candidates who also suffered heavy defeats. Four candidates across the country, all running as independents, received less than thirty first preference votes:

Sean Forkin (Mayo)

Benny Cooney (Dublin Central)

John Dominic Keigher (Dublin SE)

Peadar Ó'Ceallaigh (Dublin SE)

29

25

27

18

Now, in order to be placed on the ballot one must complete the necessary forms, including obtaining the backing of thirty signatures. So, in this case, these candidates failed to even receive the votes of all the people who nominated them. After weeks of campaigning, one can only imagine that this must be utterly galling.