Jump to content

2020 Irish general election

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2020 Irish general election
← 2016 8 February 2020 2024 →
160 seats in Dáil Éireann[a]
81 seats needed for a majority
Opinion polls
Turnout62.7% Decrease 2.4 pp
  First party Second party Third party
 
Micheál Martin TD (cropped).jpg
Mary Lou McDonald, February 2018 (cropped).jpg
Leo Varadkar TD (cropped).jpg
Leader Micheál Martin Mary Lou McDonald Leo Varadkar
Party Fianna Fáil Sinn Féin Fine Gael
Leader since 26 January 2011 10 February 2018 2 June 2017
Leader's seat Cork South-Central Dublin Central Dublin West
Last election 44 seats, 24.3% 23 seats, 13.8% 50 seats, 25.5%
Seats won 38 37 35
Seat change Decrease 6 Increase 14 Decrease 15
Popular vote 484,320 535,595 455,584
Percentage 22.2% 24.5% 20.9%
Swing Decrease 2.1 pp Increase 10.7 pp Decrease 4.7 pp
  Fourth party Fifth party Sixth party
 
Eamon Ryan 2020 (cropped).jpg
Brendan Howlin (official portrait) 2020 (cropped).jpg
Róisín Shortall TD and Catherine Murphy TD cropped.jpg
Leader Eamon Ryan Brendan Howlin Catherine Murphy
Róisín Shortall
Party Green Labour Social Democrats
Leader since 27 May 2011 20 May 2016 15 July 2015
Leader's seat Dublin Bay South Wexford Kildare North
Dublin North-West
Last election 2 seats, 2.7% 7 seats, 6.6% 3 seats, 3.0%
Seats won 12 6 6
Seat change Increase 10 Decrease 1 Increase 3
Popular vote 155,700 95,588 63,404
Percentage 7.1% 4.4% 2.9%
Swing Increase 4.4 pp Decrease 2.2 pp Decrease 0.1 pp
  Seventh party Eighth party Ninth party
 
S–PBP
Peadar Tóibín (official portrait) 2020 (cropped).jpg
I4C
Leader Collective leadership Peadar Tóibín None
Party Solidarity–PBP Aontú Inds. 4 Change
Leader since n/a 28 January 2019 n/a
Leader's seat n/a Meath West n/a
Last election 6 seats, 3.9% Did not exist 4 seats, 1.5%
Seats won 5 1 1
Seat change Decrease 1 New Decrease 3
Popular vote 57,420 40,917 8,421
Percentage 2.6% 1.9% 0.4%
Swing Decrease 1.3 pp New Decrease 1.1 pp
Taoiseach before election

Leo Varadkar
Fine Gael

Taoiseach after election

Micheál Martin
Fianna Fáil

The 2020 Irish general election took place on Saturday 8 February, to elect the 33rd Dáil, the lower house of Ireland's parliament. The election was called following the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil by the president, at the request of the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, on 14 January 2020. The members, Teachtaí Dála (TDs), were elected by single transferable vote in multi-seat constituencies. It was the first election since 1918 to be held on a weekend. Following the election, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil entered into a historic coalition government.

The election was an unprecedented three-way race, with the three largest parties each winning a share of the vote between 20% and 25%. Fianna Fáil finished with 38 seats (including one TD returned automatically as outgoing Ceann Comhairle). Sinn Féin made significant gains; it received the most first-preference votes, and won 37 seats, the party's best result since 1923. Fine Gael, the governing party led by Varadkar, came third both in seats (35) and in first-preference votes. International news outlets have described the result as a historic break from the two-party system, as it was the first time in almost a century that neither Fianna Fáil nor Fine Gael won the most votes. Furthermore, the combined vote share of the two traditional main parties fell to a historic low.[3][4] The leaders of those parties had long ruled out forming a coalition government with Sinn Féin.

The 33rd Dáil first met on 20 February. The outgoing Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl of Fianna Fáil, was re-elected, reducing to 37 the number of Fianna Fáil TDs. Four candidates were proposed for the position of Taoiseach, but none were successful. Varadkar formally resigned as Taoiseach that day as he was constitutionally obliged to do, but he and the other members of the government continued to carry out their duties until the appointment of their successors.[5] Negotiations to form a new government continued through to June, impacted by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland.[6] A Programme for Government agreed by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party was published on 15 June 2020.[7][8] On 26 June, all three parties voted to enter government under the Programme for Government. On 27 June, Micheál Martin was appointed as Taoiseach and formed a new government. The parties agreed that in December 2022, Varadkar would serve again as Taoiseach.[9]

Background

[edit]

Since the 2016 Irish general election, Fine Gael had led a minority government with the support of Independent TDs, including the Independent Alliance. It relied on a confidence and supply agreement with Fianna Fáil.

On 3 December 2019, a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy proposed by Catherine Murphy for the Social Democrats was defeated, with 53 votes in favour to 56 votes against and 35 registered abstentions.[10] On 9 January 2020, Independent TD Michael Collins called for a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health Simon Harris.[11] On 14 January, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar sought a dissolution of the Dáil which was granted by the president, with the 33rd Dáil to convene on 20 February at 12 noon.[12][13] The election was set for 8 February, the first time a general election was held on a Saturday since 1918.[14][15]

Electoral system

[edit]

Members of Dáil Éireann known as TDs (Dáil deputies) were elected by single transferable vote (STV) from 39 constituencies with between three and five seats. Voters complete a paper ballot, numbering candidates 1, 2, 3, etc. in order of their preference. Ballot boxes are sent to the constituency count centre after polls close and are counted the following morning. Voters may mark as many or as few preferences as they wish. Each ballot is initially credited to its first-preference candidate but if the first preference candidate is elected or eliminated on later counts, the vote may be transferred to the next usable preference, in which case it is not used to elect the candidate marked as the first preference. (The vote is only used to elect one candidate in the end or none at all.)[16] The whole-vote method is used for transfers of surplus votes held by elected candidates.[17] As the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, did not announce his retirement, he was automatically returned, and the remaining 159 of the 160 seats were up for election.[18]

Constituency boundary changes

[edit]

A Constituency Commission, convened in July 2016 under the provisions of the Electoral Act 1997 with High Court judge Robert Haughton as chair, made recommendations on changes to constituency boundaries after publication of initial population data from the 2016 census.[19][20] The commission had some discretion but was constitutionally bound to allow no more than a ratio of 30,000 people per elected member, and was required by law to recommend constituencies of three, four or five seats, and to avoid – as far as was practicable – breaching county boundaries. The Commission report, released on 27 June 2017, recommended an increase in the number of TDs from 158 to 160 elected in 39 constituencies.[21][22] These changes were implemented by the Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2017.[23][24] The election of the 33rd Dáil was therefore held using the new boundaries, for 160 seats.

Retiring incumbents

[edit]

The following members of the 32nd Dáil did not seek re-election.

Constituency Departing TD[b] Party First elected Date confirmed
Cavan–Monaghan Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin Sinn Féin 1997 7 March 2018[25]
Clare Michael Harty Independent 2016 13 January 2020[26]
Cork North-Central Jonathan O'Brien Sinn Féin 2011 6 January 2020[27]
Cork South-West Jim Daly Fine Gael 2011 20 September 2019[28]
Dublin Bay North Tommy Broughan Independent 1992 22 January 2020[29]
Dublin Bay North Finian McGrath Independent 2002 14 January 2020[30]
Dublin Central Maureen O'Sullivan Independent 2009 16 January 2020[31]
Dublin Fingal Brendan Ryan Labour Party 2011 8 January 2020[32]
Dún Laoghaire Maria Bailey Fine Gael 2016 22 January 2020[33]
Dún Laoghaire Seán Barrett Fine Gael 1981 6 December 2019[34]
Kerry Martin Ferris Sinn Féin 2002 18 November 2017[35]
Limerick City Michael Noonan Fine Gael 1981 18 May 2017[36]
Longford–Westmeath Willie Penrose Labour Party 1992 5 July 2018[37]
Louth Gerry Adams Sinn Féin 2011 18 November 2017[38]
Mayo Enda Kenny Fine Gael 1975 5 November 2017[39]
Sligo–Leitrim Tony McLoughlin Fine Gael 2011 28 June 2018[40]
Waterford John Deasy Fine Gael 2002 28 November 2017[41]
Waterford John Halligan Independent 2011 15 January 2020[42]

Campaign

[edit]
Dáil constituencies used in the 2020 election.

The campaign officially began after the dissolution of Dáil Éireann on 14 January 2020 and lasted until polling day on 8 February 2020. the Polling was just over a week after the United Kingdom (which includes Northern Ireland) withdrew from the European Union, making it the first major election to be held within the EU after Brexit. The election took place on a Saturday for the first time since the 1918 election.[43] Leo Varadkar said that the change of day was to prevent school closures (many schools in Ireland are used as polling stations) and to make it easy for third-level students and those working away from home to vote.[44]

Nomination of candidates closed on Wednesday, 22 January. A record number of women were nominated, with 162 of the 531 candidates.[45] This was the first Irish general election in which there was a female candidate running in every constituency. If a party does not have a minimum of 30% male and 30% female candidates, it forfeits half of their state funding. At close of nominations, Fine Gael had 30.5% female candidates, Fianna Fáil had 31%, Labour had 32%, Sinn Féin had 33%, People Before Profit had 38%, the Green Party had 41%, and the Social Democrats had 57%, all passing the quota.[46]

Parties contesting a general election for the first time included Aontú, the Irish Freedom Party, the National Party and RISE (as part of S–PBP).

Voter registration via the Supplementary Register of Voters closed on 23 January, with very high registration taking place on the last day – Dublin City Council, for example, reporting 3,500 registrations on the final day allowed, and a total of 14,000 additional registrations, reported to be twice the normal amount for a general election.[47]

On 3 February 2020, the returning officer for Tipperary cancelled the writ of election there, as required by Section 62 of the Electoral Act 1992, after the death of candidate Marese Skehan.[48] However, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government formed a view that the 1992 provision breached the constitutional requirement that elections take place within 30 days of a Dáil dissolution, so on 5 February he issued a Special Difficulty Order allowing the election to proceed on the same date as other constituencies.[49][50][51] Skehan's name remained on the ballot paper.[52][53]

Party manifestos and slogans

[edit]
Party/group Manifesto (external link) Other slogan(s) Refs
Fine Gael A future to Look Forward to "Building a Republic of Opportunity, Taking Ireland Forward Together." [54][55]
Fianna Fáil An Ireland for all / Éire do chách [54][55]
Sinn Féin Giving workers & families a break "Time for change", "Standing up for Irish unity" [54][56]
Labour Party Building an equal society Archived 3 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine [54]
S–PBP[c] People Before Profit[c] Planet Before Profit Archived 3 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine "Socialism for the 21st century" [57]
Solidarity[c] "Real change, not spare change" [58]
RISE[c] [59]
Social Democrats Hope for better. Vote for better. "Invest in better" [54]
Green Party Want Green? Vote Green! Archived 3 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine "The future belongs to all of us" [54][60]
Aontú The political system is broken. Let's fix it. "Think outside the political cartel" [61]

Television debates

[edit]
2020 Irish general election debates
Date Broadcaster Moderator(s) Participants —   Name  Participant    N  Party not invited/did not participate  Notes
FG FF SF Lab S–PBP GP SD Aon
22 Jan Virgin One Pat Kenny Varadkar Martin N N N N N N [62]
27 Jan RTÉ One Claire Byrne Varadkar Martin McDonald Howlin Boyd Barrett Ryan Shortall N [63]
30 Jan Virgin One Ivan Yates
Matt Cooper 		Varadkar Martin McDonald Howlin Barry Ryan Murphy N [64]
4 Feb RTÉ One David McCullagh
Miriam O'Callaghan 		Varadkar Martin McDonald N N N N N
6 Feb RTÉ One David McCullagh
Miriam O'Callaghan 		N N N Howlin Coppinger Ryan Shortall Tóibín
6 Feb Virgin Media Ivan Yates
Matt Cooper 		Coveney Calleary Doherty N N N N N Debate among Deputy Leaders
6 Feb[65] TG4 Páidí Ó Lionáird Kyne Calleary Ó Laoghaire N Ó Ceannabháin Garvey Ó Tuathail Mhic Gib Debate in Irish[66]

The first leaders' debate took place on Virgin Media One on 22 January, but was restricted to Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin.[67]

A leaders' debate featuring seven party leaders/representatives took place on RTÉ One on Monday 27 January, from NUI Galway.[68][69]

On 27 January, RTÉ published an article explaining its rationale as to whom it invited to appear in televised leadership debates.[70] Aontú announced that it would seek a High Court injunction to prevent the broadcast of the leaders' debate scheduled for the same day but later in the day they announced that they would not proceed with the action.[71]

A further RTÉ debate was scheduled for 4 February, again on RTÉ One, and featuring only Varadkar and Martin. Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, had objected to her exclusion, and Sinn Féin threatened legal action if it was excluded from this debate.[72] On 3 February, RTÉ announced that it had invited McDonald to participate in the final debate, in part due to Sinn Féin's standing in recent opinion polls, and Sinn Féin confirmed that it would accept the invitation.[73][74]

A final debate between the leader of smaller parties took place on 6 February on RTÉ One.

Candidates

[edit]

The table below lists all of the nominated candidates.[75] Elected candidates are shown in bold text.

^ *: Outgoing TD

Constituency Fine Gael Fianna Fáil Sinn Féin Labour Solidarity–PBP Green Social Democrats Independent Others
Carlow–Kilkenny Pat Deering[*]
Patrick O'Neill
John Paul Phelan[*] 		Bobby Aylward[*]
John McGuinness[*]
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor 		Kathleen Funchion[*] Denis Hynes Adrienne Wallace (PBP) Malcolm Noonan Alan Hayes
Angela Ray 		Helena Byrne (Renua)
Melissa O'Neill (IFP)
Cavan–Monaghan Heather Humphreys[*]
Sandra McIntyre
T.P. O'Reilly 		Robbie Gallagher
Brendan Smith[*]
Niamh Smyth[*] 		Matt Carthy
Pauline Tully 		Liam van der Spek Emmett Smith (PBP) Tate Donnelly Joseph Duffy Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
Clare Pat Breen[*]
Joe Carey[*]
Martin Conway 		Cathal Crowe
Timmy Dooley[*]
Rita McInerney 		Violet-Anne Wynne Theresa O'Donohue (PBP) Róisín Garvey David Barrett
Trudy Leyden
Michael McNamara
Joseph Woulfe 		Michael Leahy (IFP)
Conor O'Brien (Renua)
Cork East Pa O'Driscoll
David Stanton[*] 		James O'Connor
Kevin O'Keeffe[*] 		Pat Buckley[*] Seán Sherlock[*] Liam Quaide Thomas Kiely
Mary Linehan-Foley
Shane O'Grady
Sean O'Leary 		Conor Hannon (Aontú)
Frank Shinnick (IFP)
Cork North–Central Colm Burke
Lorraine O'Neill 		Tony Fitzgerald
Sandra Murphy
Pádraig O'Sullivan[*] 		Thomas Gould John Maher Mick Barry[*] (S) Oliver Moran Sinéad Halpin T J Hogan
Ger Keohane
Diarmaid Ó Cadhla
Stephen O'Donovan
Kenneth O'Flynn
Sean O'Leary 		James Coughlan (WP)
Finian Toomey (Aontú)
Cork North–West Michael Creed[*]
John Paul O'Shea 		Aindrias Moynihan[*]
Michael Moynihan[*] 		Colette Finn Ciarán McCarthy Seán O'Leary Becky Kealy (Aontú)
Tara Nic Domhnaill (IFP)
Cork South–Central Jerry Buttimer
Simon Coveney[*] 		Micheál Martin[*]
Michael McGrath[*] 		Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire[*] Ciara Kennedy Bobby Murray Walsh (PBP) Lorna Bogue Patricia O'Dwyer Paudie Dineen
John Donohoe
William O'Brien
Sean O'Leary 		Anna Daly (Aontú)
Cork South–West Karen Coakley
Tim Lombard 		Margaret Murphy O'Mahony[*]
Christopher O'Sullivan 		Paul Hayes Kevin O'Connor (PBP) Bernadette Connolly Holly Cairns Alan Coleman
Michael Collins[*]
Sean O'Leary 		Mairéad Ruane (Aontú)
Donegal Martin Harley
Joe McHugh[*] 		Pat "the Cope" Gallagher[*]
Charlie McConalogue[*] 		Pearse Doherty[*]
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn 		Michael White Peter Casey
Niall McConnell
Arthur McGuinness
John O'Donnell
Thomas Pringle[*] 		Mary T. Sweeney (Aontú)
Dublin Bay North Richard Bruton[*]
Catherine Noone 		Seán Haughey[*]
Deirdre Heney 		Denise Mitchell[*] Aodhán Ó Ríordáin Bernard Mulvany (PBP)
Michael O'Brien (S) 		David Healy Cian O'Callaghan Michael Burke
Conor Creaven
Brian Garrigan
John Lyons
Linda McEvoy
Sean O'Leary 		Ben Gilroy (IFP)
Proinsias O'Conarain (Aontú)
Dublin Bay South Eoghan Murphy[*]
Kate O'Connell[*] 		Jim O'Callaghan[*] Chris Andrews Kevin Humphreys Annette Mooney (PBP) Eamon Ryan[*] Sarah Durcan Norma Burke
Peter Dooley
Mannix Flynn
John Keigher
Sean O'Leary 		Jacqui Gilborne (Renua)
Ben Scallan (IFP)
Dublin Central Paschal Donohoe[*]
Deirdre Duffy 		Mary Fitzpatrick Mary Lou McDonald[*] Joe Costello Gillian Brien (PBP)
Rita Harrold (S) 		Neasa Hourigan Gary Gannon Christy Burke
Patrick Clohessy
Sarah Louise Mulligan
Sean O'Leary
Dolores Webster 		Ian Noel Smyth (Aontú)
Éilis Ryan (WP)
Dublin Fingal Alan Farrell[*]
James Reilly 		Lorraine Clifford-Lee
Darragh O'Brien[*] 		Louise O'Reilly[*] Duncan Smith Terry Kelleher (S)
John Uwhumiakpor (PBP) 		Joe O'Brien[*] Paul Mulville Tony Murphy
Gemma O'Doherty
Sandra Sweetman 		Dean Mulligan (I4C)
Alistair Smith (UP)
Dublin Mid–West Vicki Casserly
Emer Higgins 		John Curran[*]
Catriona McClean 		Eoin Ó Broin[*]
Mark Ward[*] 		Joanna Tuffy Gino Kenny[*] (PBP) Peter Kavanagh Paul Gogarty
Francis Timmons 		David Gardiner (WP)
Dublin North–West Noel Rock[*] Paul McAuliffe Dessie Ellis[*] Andrew Montague Conor Reddy (PBP) Caroline Conroy Róisín Shortall[*] Ian Croft
Niall Fitzgerald 		Stephen Redmond (NP)
Dublin Rathdown Josepha Madigan[*]
Neale Richmond 		Deirdre Conroy
Shay Brennan 		Sorcha Nic Cormaic Lettie McCarthy Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin (PBP) Catherine Martin[*] Patrick Noonan
Shane Ross[*] 		Liam Coughlan (Aontú)
Dublin South–Central Catherine Byrne[*] Catherine Ardagh Aengus Ó Snodaigh[*] Rebecca Moynihan Bríd Smith[*] (PBP) Patrick Costello Tara Deacy Robert Foley
Alan Kerrigan
Richard Murray
Sean O'Leary 		Joan Collins[*] (I4C)
Serina Irvine (NP)
Dublin South–West Colm Brophy[*]
Ellen O'Malley Dunlop 		John Lahart[*]
Charlie O'Connor
Deirdre O'Donovan 		Seán Crowe[*] Ciarán Ahern Sandra Fay (S)
Paul Murphy[*] (RISE) 		Francis Noel Duffy Carly Bailey Mick Duff
Colm O'Keeffe
Katherine Zappone[*] 		Philip Dwyer (NP)
Ann Marie Condren (Renua)
Dublin West Emer Currie
Leo Varadkar[*] 		Jack Chambers[*] Paul Donnelly Joan Burton[*] Ruth Coppinger[*] (S) Roderic O'Gorman Aengus Ó Maoláin Peter Casey
Sean O'Leary
Stephen O'Loughlin 		Edward Mac Manus (Aontú)
Dún Laoghaire Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Mary Mitchell O'Connor[*]
Barry Ward 		Cormac Devlin
Mary Hanafin 		Shane O'Brien Juliet O'Connell Richard Boyd Barrett[*] (PBP) Ossian Smyth Dave Quinn John Waters Con Óg Ó Laoghaire (IFP)
Mairéad Tóibín (Aontú)
Galway East Ciarán Cannon[*]
Pete Roche 		Donagh Killilea
Anne Rabbitte[*] 		Louis O'Hara Marian Spelman Eoin Madden Peter Reid Seán Canney[*]
David O'Reilly 		Deaglán Mac Canna (Renua)
Martin Ward (Aontú)
Galway West Seán Kyne[*]
Hildegarde Naughton[*] 		Ollie Crowe
Éamon Ó Cuív[*] 		Mairéad Farrell Níall McNelis Conor Burke (S)
Joe Loughnane (PBP) 		Pauline O'Reilly Niall Ó Tuathail Catherine Connolly[*]
Mike Cubbard
Noel Grealish[*]
Daragh O'Flaherty 		Cormac Ó Corcoráin (Aontú)
Kerry Brendan Griffin[*]
Mike Kennelly 		John Brassil[*]
Norma Foley
Norma Moriarty 		Pa Daly Cleo Murphy Ted Cronin
Danny Healy-Rae[*]
Michael Healy-Rae[*]
Sean O'Leary 		John Bowler (IFP)
Sonny Foran (Aontú)
Kildare North Bernard Durkan[*]
Anthony Lawlor 		James Lawless[*]
Frank O'Rourke[*] 		Réada Cronin Emmet Stagg Paul Mahon (PBP) Vincent P. Martin Catherine Murphy[*] David Monaghan
Wayne Swords 		Séamus Ó Riain (Renua)
Kildare South Martin Heydon[*] Suzanne Doyle
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (CC)[*]
Fiona O'Loughlin[*] 		Patricia Ryan Mark Wall Róisín Uí Bhroin (PBP) Ronan Maher Linda Hayden Cathal Berry
Fiona McLoughlin Healy 		Anita Mhic Gib (Aontú)
Laois–Offaly Marcella Corcoran Kennedy[*]
Charles Flanagan[*] 		Barry Cowen[*]
Pauline Flanagan
Seán Fleming[*]
Peter Ormond 		Brian Stanley[*] Noel Tuohy Stephen Tynan (PBP) Pippa Hackett John Leahy
Carol Nolan[*] 		John Daly (NP)
Noel O'Rourke (Renua)
Ken Smollen (IDP)
Limerick City Maria Byrne
Kieran O'Donnell 		James Collins
Willie O'Dea[*] 		Maurice Quinlivan[*] Jan O'Sullivan[*] Mary Cahillane (S) Brian Leddin Jenny Blake Frankie Daly Rebecca Barrett (NP)
Michael Ryan (Aontú)
Limerick County Tom Neville[*]
Patrick O'Donovan[*] 		Michael Collins
Niall Collins[*] 		Séighin Ó Ceallaigh Claire Keating Con Cremin
Robert O'Donnell
Richard O'Donoghue 		John Dalton (Renua)
Cristín Ní Mhaoldhomhnaigh (NP)
Conor O'Donoghue (Aontú)
Longford–Westmeath Peter Burke[*]
Micheál Carrigy
Gabrielle McFadden 		Joe Flaherty
Robert Troy[*] 		Sorca Clarke Alan Mangan Dom Parker (S)
Barbara Smyth (PBP) 		Louise Heavin Donal Jackson
Anna Kavanagh
Frank Kilbride
Kevin "Boxer" Moran[*] 		James Reynolds (NP)
Louth John McGahon
Fergus O'Dowd[*] 		Declan Breathnach[*]
James Byrne 		Imelda Munster[*]
Ruairí Ó Murchú 		Ged Nash Audrey Fergus (PBP) Mark Dearey Topanga Bird
David Bradley
Albert Byrne
Peter Fitzpatrick[*] 		Cathal Ó Murchú (IFP)
Eamon Sweeney (Renua)
Mayo Alan Dillon
Michelle Mulherin
Michael Ring[*] 		Dara Calleary[*]
Lisa Chambers[*] 		Rose Conway-Walsh Kamal Uddin Joe Daly (PBP) Saoirse McHugh Gráinne de Barra
Seán Forkin
Gerry Loftus
Stephen Manning 		Paul Lawless (Aontú)
Daithí Ó Fallamháin (IFP)
Meath East Regina Doherty[*]
Helen McEntee[*] 		Thomas Byrne[*]
Deirdre Geraghty-Smith 		Darren O'Rourke Annie Hoey Andrew Keegan (PBP) Seán McCabe Joe Bonner
Sharon Keogan 		Seamus McDonagh (WP)
Emer Tóibín (Aontú)
Meath West Damien English[*]
Noel French
Sarah Reilly 		Shane Cassells[*] Johnny Guirke Séamus McMenamin Ronan Moore John Malone (Renua)
Peadar Tóibín[*] (Aontú)
Roscommon–Galway Aisling Dolan Orla Leyden
Eugene Murphy[*] 		Claire Kerrane Kenny Tynan (PBP) Julie O'Donoghue Thomas Fallon
Michael Fitzmaurice[*]
Denis Naughten[*] 		Paul Hanley (NP)
James Hope (Aontú)
Sligo–Leitrim Frank Feighan
Thomas Walsh 		Shane Ellis
Marc MacSharry[*]
Eamon Scanlon[*] 		Martin Kenny[*] Nessa Cosgrove Gino O'Boyle (PBP) Bláithin Gallagher James Conway
Marian Harkin
Mary O'Donnell
Bernie O'Hara
John Perry
Sean Wynne 		Declan Bree (I4C)
Anne McCloskey (Aontú)
Paul McWeeney (NP)
Oisín O'Dwyer (Renua)
Tipperary Garret Ahearn
Mary Newman Julian 		Jackie Cahill[*]
Sandra Farrell
Imelda Goldsboro 		Martin Browne Alan Kelly[*] Rob O'Donnell Joe Hannigan
Séamus Healy[*]
Michael Lowry[*]
Mattie McGrath[*]
Marese Skehan 		Dolores Cahill (IFP)
Waterford John Cummins
Damien Geoghegan 		Mary Butler[*]
Eddie Mulligan 		David Cullinane[*] John Pratt Úna Dunphy (PBP) Marc Ó Cathasaigh Bernadette Philips
Matt Shanahan 		Rónan Cleary (Aontú)
Wexford Michael W. D'Arcy[*]
Paul Kehoe[*] 		James Browne[*]
Malcolm Byrne[*]
Lisa McDonald
Michael Sheehan 		Johnny Mythen Brendan Howlin[*] Deirdre Wadding (PBP) Paula Roseingrave Ger Carthy
Bart Murphy
Verona Murphy 		Jim Codd (Aontú)
Seanie O'Shea (I4C)
Wicklow Andrew Doyle[*]
Simon Harris[*]
Billy Timmins 		Pat Casey[*]
Stephen Donnelly[*] 		John Brady[*] Paul O'Brien Sharon Briggs (PBP) Steven Matthews Jennifer Whitmore Joe Behan
Valerie Cox
Tom Dunne
Anthony FitzGerald
Charlie Keddy
William King
John Larkin
John Snell 		Seamus Connor (Aontú)
Eileen Gunning (NP)

Opinion polls

[edit]
Main article: Opinion polling for the 2020 Irish general election

Opinion polls on voting intentions were conducted regularly. Polls were published on an approximately monthly basis by The Sunday Business Post (which uses the Red C polling company) and The Sunday Times (which used the Behaviour and Attitudes polling company for all of its polls since 2016 until its final poll prior to the election, for which it used Panelbase).

Less frequent polls were published by The Irish Times, Sunday Independent, Irish Mail on Sunday, RTÉ News, and others.

The chart below depicts the results of opinion polls since the previous general election.

Graph of opinion polls conducted. Trend lines represent local regressions.

All opinion polls shown below were commissioned by print or broadcast media outlets, with the exception of the Survation poll conducted up to 2 February 2020, which was commissioned by Sinn Féin.

Color key:

  Exit poll   Private poll

Results

[edit]
Map showing the party winning the most first-preference votes in each constituency.

Polls opened at 7 am UTC and closed at 10 pm. The total poll was down by 2.2% to 62.9% compared to the previous election, despite it being held on a Saturday. However, severe weather warnings were in place over much of the country due to Storm Ciara.

Counting of the votes commenced at 9 am on 9 February and concluded at 11:59 pm on 10 February, with Galway East being the first constituency to report and Cavan-Monaghan being the last constituency to report.[146][147]

The result showed a close contest between three parties. Fianna Fáil won 38 seats (including Seán Ó Fearghaíl returned automatically as outgoing Ceann Comhairle), six fewer than in 2016. Sinn Féin won 37 seats, a gain of fifteen over the previous election. Fine Gael, the party of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, won 35 seats, a fall of 15 from the 2016 election. Among the smaller parties, the Green Party showed the largest gains, increasing from three to twelve seats, a gain of nine over the previous election. Sinn Féin received the most first-preference votes nationwide, finishing a close second in seats. No single party secured more than 25% of the first-preference votes, nor more than 25% of the seats. According to Dublin City University political scientist Eoin O'Malley, it was the most fragmented Dáil ever, with the effective number of parties at 5.95.[148]

Journalists commented on the effects of Sinn Féin's late surge and unexpectedly high first-preference vote. John Drennan listed eleven constituencies where it might have won another seat had it run an extra candidate.[149] Marie O'Halloran observed that Sinn Féin transfers affected the outcome of 21 constituencies, favouring other left-wing parties.[150] Sean Murray noted that Solidarity–People Before Profit benefited most from Sinn Féin transfers.[151]

The Green Party also had their best-ever result, with 12 seats, reflecting increased interest in environmentalism and climate change in Ireland.[152][153]

The Social Democrats had their best-ever result, with 6 seats; they attributed this to focusing their efforts on winnable seats rather than fielding candidates in every constituency.[154]

Minor far-right and anti-immigration parties (the National Party, Irish Freedom Party and Anti-Corruption Ireland) fared very poorly, winning less than two percent wherever they stood. However, some independent politicians who had expressed anti-immigration views were elected, like Verona Murphy and Noel Grealish.[155][156]

Election to the 33rd Dáil – 8 February 2020[157][158][159]
Party Leader First-preference votes Seats
Votes % FPv[d] Swing (pp) Cand.
[75] 		2016 Out. Elected
2020 		Change
Fianna Fáil Micheál Martin 484,315 22.18 Decrease1.96 84 44 45 38[a] Decrease6
Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald 535,573 24.53 Increase10.80 42 23 22 37 Increase14
Fine Gael Leo Varadkar 455,568 20.86 Decrease4.43 82 50[e] 47 35 Decrease15
Green Eamon Ryan 155,695 7.13 Increase4.43 39 2 3 12 Increase10
Labour Brendan Howlin 95,582 4.38 Decrease2.17 31 7 7 6 Decrease1
Social Democrats Catherine Murphy
Róisín Shortall 		63,397 2.90 Decrease0.08 20 3 2 6 Increase3
Solidarity–PBP[c]

•People Before Profit
•Solidarity
•RISE

Collective leadership 57,420

40,220
12,723
4,477 		2.63

1.84
0.58
0.21 		Decrease1.28

Decrease0.12
Decrease1.37
new 		37

27
9
1 		6

3
3
new 		6

3
2
1 		5

3
1
1 		Decrease1

Steady
Decrease2
new
Aontú Peadar Tóibín 41,575 1.90 new 26 New 1 1 Increase1
Inds. 4 Change None 8,421 0.39 Decrease1.07 4 4 1 1 Decrease3
Irish Freedom Hermann Kelly 5,495 0.25 new 11 New 0 0 Steady
Renua Vacant 5,473 0.25 Decrease1.91 11 0 0 0 Steady
National Party Justin Barrett 4,773 0.22 new 10 New 0 0 Steady
Irish Democratic Ken Smollen 2,611 0.12 Increase0.07 1 0 0 0 Steady
Workers' Party Michael Donnelly 1,195 0.05 Decrease0.10 4 0 0 0 Steady
United People Jeff Rudd 43 <0.01 new 1 New 0 0 Steady
Independent — 266,353 12.20 Decrease3.7[f] 125 19[f] 22[f] 19 Steady
Vacant — — — — — — 1 — —
Total Valid 2,183,489 99.20
Spoilt votes 17,703 0.80
Total 2,201,192 100 — 552[75] 158 158 160[a] Increase2
Registered voters/Turnout 3,509,969 62.71

Voting summary

[edit]

First preference vote share of different parties in the election.

  Sinn Féin (24.5%)
  Fianna Fáil (22.2%)
  Fine Gael (20.9%)
  Green (7.1%)
  Labour (4.4%)
  Social Democrats (2.9%)
  PBP–Solidarity (2.6%)
  Aontú (1.9%)
  Inds. 4 Change (0.4%)
  Other (13.1%)
First-preference vote share
Sinn Féin
 
 24.5%
Fianna Fáil
 
 22.2%
Fine Gael
 
 20.9%
Green
 
 7.1%
Labour
 
 4.4%
Social Democrats
 
 2.9%
People Before Profit–Solidarity
 
 2.6%
Aontú
 
 1.9%
Independents 4 Change
 
 0.4%
Others
 
 0.9%
Independent
 
 12.2%
First-preference vote share of constituencies contested
Sinn Féin
 
 25.1%
Fianna Fáil
 
 22.2%
Fine Gael
 
 20.9%
Green
 
 7.1%
Social Democrats
 
 6.2%
Labour
 
 5.5%
Independents 4 Change
 
 3.5%
People Before Profit–Solidarity
 
 3.3%
Aontú
 
 2.9%
Others
 
 1.2%
Independent
 
 12.4%

Vote transfers summary

[edit]
Summary of vote transfers
Party Surplus (1st count) Surplus (Later count) Elimination
Counts Votes Counts Votes Counts Votes
Sinn Féin 27 120,595 4 2,762 3 18,990
Fianna Fáil 5 4,986 32 124,173
Fine Gael 2 2,702 4 8,117 38 171,759
Independent 4 7,343 5 9,200 77 131,727
Green Party 1 969 2 989 23 90,082
Labour 1 417 25 68,602
Social Democrats 2 2,336 13 33,770
Solidarity–PBP 3 5,843 29 57,009
Aontú 25 43,831
Independents 4 Change 2 6,882
Irish Freedom Party 11 7,744
Renua 11 6,484
National Party 10 5,900
Irish Democratic Party 1 3,941
Workers Party 4 1,626
United People 1 97
Totals 34 131,609 26 34,650 See note below 772,617

Note: Elimination counts often include multiple candidates. There were 253 counts at which candidates were eliminated — these often included candidates from different parties

Seats summary

[edit]

Share of Dáil seats of different parties in the election.

  Fianna Fáil (23.7%)
  Sinn Féin (23.1%)
  Fine Gael (21.9%)
  Green (7.5%)
  Labour (3.8%)
  Social Democrats (3.8%)
  Solidarity–PBP (3.1%)
  Aontú (0.6%)
  Inds. 4 Change (0.6%)
  Other (11.9%)
Dáil seats
Fianna Fáil
 
 23.7%
Sinn Féin
 
 23.1%
Fine Gael
 
 21.9%
Green
 
 7.5%
Labour
 
 3.8%
Social Democrats
 
 3.8%
Solidarity–PBP
 
 3.1%
Aontú
 
 0.6%
Independents 4 Change
 
 0.6%
Independent
 
 11.9%

TDs who lost their seats

[edit]
Party Seats lost Name Constituency Other offices held Year elected
Fianna Fáil
16
 Bobby Aylward Carlow–Kilkenny 2007[g]
John Brassil Kerry 2016
Declan Breathnach Louth 2016
Malcolm Byrne Wexford 2019
Pat Casey Wicklow 2016
Shane Cassells Meath West 2016
Lisa Chambers Mayo 2016
John Curran Dublin Mid-West 2002[h]
Timmy Dooley Clare 2007
Pat "the Cope" Gallagher Donegal Leas-Cheann Comhairle 2016[i]
Eugene Murphy Roscommon–Galway 2016
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony Cork South-West 2016
Kevin O'Keeffe Cork East 2016
Fiona O'Loughlin Kildare South 2016
Frank O'Rourke Kildare North 2016
Eamon Scanlon Sligo–Leitrim 2007[j]
Fine Gael
12
 Pat Breen Clare Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation 2002
Catherine Byrne Dublin South-Central Minister of State for Health Promotion 2007
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy Laois–Offaly 2011
Michael W. D'Arcy Wexford Minister of State at the Department of Finance 2007[k]
Pat Deering Carlow–Kilkenny 2011
Regina Doherty Meath East Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection 2011
Andrew Doyle Wicklow Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2007
Seán Kyne Galway West Government Chief Whip 2011
Mary Mitchell O'Connor Dún Laoghaire Minister of State at the Department of Education 2011
Tom Neville Limerick County 2016
Kate O'Connell Dublin Bay South 2016
Noel Rock Dublin North-West 2016
Labour
2
 Joan Burton Dublin West 1992[l]
Jan O'Sullivan Limerick City 1998
Solidarity–PBP
1
 Ruth Coppinger Dublin West 2014
Independent
4
 Séamus Healy Tipperary 2000[m]
Shane Ross Dublin Rathdown Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport 2011
Kevin Moran Longford–Westmeath Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform 2016
Katherine Zappone Dublin South-West Minister for Children and Youth Affairs 2016
Total 35 — — — —

Government formation

[edit]

With 160 TDs in the 33rd Dáil (including the Ceann Comhairle who casts a vote only in the case of a tie), 80 TDs were needed to form a governing coalition. A smaller group could form a minority government if they negotiated a confidence and supply agreement with another party.

During the campaign, the leaders of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil had ruled out forming a coalition government with Sinn Féin.[162] Some in Fianna Fáil were reported to favour going into coalition with Sinn Féin over renewing an arrangement with Fine Gael. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald announced her intention to try to form a coalition government without either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil, but she did not rule out a coalition with either party.[162] After the results came in on 10–11 February, Leo Varadkar continued to rule out a Fine Gael coalition with Sinn Féin, while Micheál Martin changed tack and left open the possibility of a Fianna Fáil–Sinn Féin coalition or a grand coalition with Fine Gael.[163] On 12 February, Varadkar conceded that Fine Gael would likely go into opposition. Varadkar argued that since Sinn Féin achieved the highest vote, it had the responsibility to build a coalition that allows it to keep its campaign promises, and that Fine Gael was "willing to step back" to allow Sinn Féin to do so.[164]

Sinn Féin stated an intention to form a broad left coalition; combined, left-leaning parties have 67 seats (37 Sinn Féin, 12 Green, 6 Labour, 6 Social Democrats, 5 Solidarity–PBP, and 1 Independents 4 Change), but other parties of the left have raised doubts about such a prospect. In addition, Sinn Féin would have needed the support of at least 13 independents (out of 19 total) to form a government.[163][165]

A Fianna Fáil–Fine Gael coalition would have had 73 seats and so needed support from smaller parties or independents to form a government. A Fianna Fáil–Sinn Féin coalition would have had 74 seats, which would also have required smaller party or independent support.[166] These three options in an opinion poll the week after the election received respective support from 26%, 26%, and 19% of voters, with 15% preferring another election.[167]

On 20 February, the new Dáil met for the first time. The Fianna Fáil number dropped to 37 when Ó Fearghaíl was re-elected as Ceann Comhairle on the first day of the 33rd Dáil.[168] No candidate for Taoiseach succeeded in securing support of the Dáil. Varadkar, having failed to be re-elected Taoiseach, resigned, in line with the constitutional requirement where a Taoiseach fails to enjoy the support of a majority of the Dáil. He and the other members of the government continued to carry out their duties pending the appointment of their successors. It was reported that Fine Gael was prepared to go into opposition.[169] On 11 March, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael entered detailed talks to establish a coalition, potentially with the Green Party, and deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland.[170][171] As of 17 March, those talks were still scheduled for later that week. However, the Green Party suggested that it would not join such a coalition, preferring a national unity government.[172] On 4 April, it was reported that FF and FG were making progress on their talks, and that the Labour Party was preferred to the Green Party as the third coalition partner due to internal divisions in the Green Party. However, the Labour Party stated that it preferred to remain in opposition. Another option would be a grand coalition which could reach a majority with the support of independents, but such a coalition would be fragile. Some Fine Gael politicians predicted another election in September, which Fianna Fáil was eager to avoid.[173]

On 14 April, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael reached a coalition agreement, which includes a rotation for Taoiseach. However, they lacked a majority and needed to bring other parties or independents into the coalition to form a government.[174] The Greens required an annual 7% cut to carbon emissions, among other demands, to participate as the third party of government; these demands did not include Green leader Eamon Ryan participating in the taoiseach rotation scheme, despite rumours to the contrary.[175][176][177] The Social Democrats, Aontú, and technical groups of independents also expressed varying degrees of interest in entering into government formation negotiations with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.[178][179][180][181]

A draft programme for government was agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Green Party on 15 June 2020. It was determined that the position of Taoiseach would rotate between Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar. Martin would serve as Taoiseach for the first half of the term, with Varadkar as Tánaiste; the two would switch positions for the second half of the term.[7] The programme needed the approval by each party's membership. Fianna Fáil and the Green Party require a simple majority and a 67% majority, respectively, in a postal ballot of all members, while Fine Gael uses an electoral college system, with its parliamentary party making up 50% of the electorate, constituency delegates 25%, councillors 15% and the party's executive council filling the final 10%.[182]

On 26 June, Fine Gael voted 80%, Fianna Fáil voted 74% and the Green Party voted 76% in favour of the programme. Clare Bailey, the leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland – a branch of the Irish Green Party – publicly rejected the idea of the Greens being part of the coalition deal with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. She said the coalition deal proposed the "most fiscally conservative arrangements in a generation".[183] The coalition deal allowed for a government to be formed on 27 June, with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin serving as Taoiseach until December 2022.[184][185] Subsequently, the Dáil voted on 27 June to nominate Micheál Martin as Taoiseach. He was appointed afterward by President Michael D. Higgins and announced his cabinet later that day.[186]

Polling

[edit]
Pollster/client(s) Date(s)
conducted 		Sample
size 		Broad left coalition Fianna Fáil–Fine Gael Fianna Fáil–Sinn Féin New election Lead
Sunday Business Post/Red C 12–14 Feb 3,700 26% 26% 19% 15% Tie

Seanad election

[edit]

The Dáil election was followed by the 2020 Seanad election to the 26th Seanad.

Notes, citations and sources

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Including Seán Ó Fearghaíl (FF), returned automatically for Kildare South as outgoing Ceann Comhairle, under Art. 16.6 of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 1992.[1][2]
  2. ^ On 19 May 2018, Dara Murphy of Cork North-Central announced his intention to retire at the next general election. However, he subsequently resigned from Dáil Éireann on 3 December 2019, leaving his seat vacant at dissolution.
  3. ^ a b c d e People Before Profit, Solidarity and RISE contested this election as Solidarity–People Before Profit. People Before Profit had 27 candidates, Solidarity had 9 candidates, and RISE had 1 candidate. They issued separate manifestos.
  4. ^ Parties are entitled to public funding proportionate to their first-preference vote (subject to a minimum 2% FPv).[160]
  5. ^ Including Seán Barrett, returned automatically in 2016 for Dún Laoghaire as outgoing Ceann Comhairle.[161]
  6. ^ a b c The 2016 figures include 4.2% first-preference votes and six TDs from the Independent Alliance, which is not a political party.
  7. ^ Aylward lost his seat in 2011 but regained it in 2015.
  8. ^ Curran lost his seat in 2011 but regained it in 2016.
  9. ^ Gallagher was previously a TD from 1981 to 1997, and from 2002 to 2009.
  10. ^ Scanlon lost his seat in 2011 but regained it in 2016.
  11. ^ D'Arcy lost his seat in 2011 but regained it in 2016.
  12. ^ Burton lost her seat in 1997 but regained it in 2002.
  13. ^ Healy lost his seat in 2007 but regained it in 2011.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Electoral Act 1992, s. 36: Re-election of outgoing Chairman of Dáil (No. 23 of 1992, s. 36). Act of the Oireachtas. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book on 4 December 2015.
  2. ^ "33rd Dáil 2020: Kildare South". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
  3. ^ "'Seismic break for two-party system': UK and US media react to Election 2020". The Irish Times. 10 February 2020.
  4. ^ "Ireland's two-party system shaken by Sinn Fein surge". Associated Press. 7 February 2020. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020.
  5. ^ O'Halloran, Marie (20 February 2020). "Varadkar remains in caretaker capacity after Dáil fails to elect new taoiseach". The Irish Times. Dublin. Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  6. ^ Leahy, Pat; Kelly, Fiach (11 March 2020). "FG and FF to start government formation talks propelled by Covid-19". The Irish Times. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  7. ^ a b "Agreement reached on draft programme for government". RTÉ. 15 June 2020. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  8. ^ Little, Conor (26 October 2020). "Change gradually, then all at once: the general election of February 2020 in the Republic of Ireland". West European Politics. 44 (3): 714–723. doi:10.1080/01402382.2020.1830539. hdl:10344/9501. ISSN 0140-2382.
  9. ^ "FF, FG and Green Party agree historic coalition deal". 26 June 2020. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  10. ^ "Confidence in the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] – Votes – Dáil Éireann (32nd Dáil) – 3 December 2019". Houses of the Oireachtas. 3 December 2019. Archived from the original on 4 December 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  11. ^ Ó Cionnaith, Fiachra (9 January 2020). "TD calling for no-confidence vote in Simon Harris". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 10 January 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  12. ^ "President signs warrant for the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil". President of Ireland. 14 January 2020. Archived from the original on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  13. ^ "Forógra (Proclamation)" (PDF). Iris Oifigiúil (5): 90. 17 January 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  14. ^ "Minister Murphy makes an order appointing Saturday 8 February as the General election polling day". Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. 14 January 2020. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  15. ^ "Irish election: first-ever Saturday general election vote". BBC News. 8 February 2020. Archived from the original on 9 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  16. ^ "Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives)". Inter-Parliamentary Union. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2019.; "Electoral Act 1992 [Part XIX]". Irish Statute Book. 5 November 1992. Archived from the original on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  17. ^ Farrell and McAllister, Australian Electoral Systems, p. 60
  18. ^ Kelly, Olivia (10 February 2020). "Election 2020: Sean Ó Fearghaíl (Fianna Fáil)". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  19. ^ "Commission established to review Dáil and European Constituencies". Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. 14 July 2016. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  20. ^ "Constituency Commission". www.constituency-commission.ie. Archived from the original on 21 July 2019. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  21. ^ "Introduction and summary of recommendations" (PDF). Constituency Commission 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 November 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  22. ^ "Dáil constituencies where no change is recommended" (PDF). Constituency Commission 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 November 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  23. ^ "Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2017". Irish Statute Book. 23 December 2017. Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  24. ^ "The January polls and the Impact of the Constituency Commission 2017 report changes: Constituency-level analysis of the Irish Times-Ipsos MRBI (24th January 2018) and Sunday Times- Behaviour & Attitudes (21st January 2018) opinion polls". Irish Elections: Geography, Facts and Analyses. 26 January 2018. Archived from the original on 19 June 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
  25. ^ McMorrow, Conor (7 March 2018). "Sinn Féin's Ó Caoláin will not contest next election". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 7 March 2018. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  26. ^ O'Regan, Eilish (13 January 2020). "Dr Michael Harty will not seek re-election as TD". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  27. ^ "Sinn Féin's O'Brien will not contest next general election". RTÉ News. 6 January 2020. Archived from the original on 6 January 2020. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  28. ^ "Fine Gael's Jim Daly will not contest next general election". RTÉ News. 20 September 2019. Archived from the original on 20 September 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  29. ^ "Independent TD Tommy Broughan announces retirement from Dáil". The Irish Times. 22 January 2020. Archived from the original on 22 January 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  30. ^ "Finian McGrath confirms he won't stand in February election". Irish Examiner. 14 January 2020. Archived from the original on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  31. ^ "Maureen O'Sullivan announces she will not run for re-election in Dublin Central". The Irish Times. 16 January 2020. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  32. ^ "Labour TD Brendan Ryan will not contest general election". RTÉ News. 8 January 2020. Archived from the original on 9 January 2020. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  33. ^ "Maria Bailey is not seeking re-election to the Dáil". RTÉ News. 22 January 2020. Archived from the original on 22 January 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  34. ^ "Leo Varadkar's tenure as Taoiseach may soon be over". Irish Examiner. 6 December 2019. Archived from the original on 8 December 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  35. ^ "Martin Ferris says he will stand down as TD". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 19 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  36. ^ "Michael Noonan to step down as Finance Minister - and won't run again for Dáil". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 23 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  37. ^ Mullooly, Ciaran (5 July 2018). "Penrose says he will not contest next general election". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 5 July 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  38. ^ "Adams says he will step down as Sinn Féin President". RTÉ News. 18 November 2017. Archived from the original on 19 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  39. ^ "Fine Gael in Castlebar begin search for new candidate after Enda Kenny announcement". The Connacht Telegraph. 6 November 2017. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  40. ^ "Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD wont contest next general election". Shannon Side. 28 June 2018. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  41. ^ "FG's John Deasy will not seek re-election due to health concerns". The Irish Times. 28 November 2017. Archived from the original on 29 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  42. ^ "John Halligan retires after 30 years in politics". The Irish Times. 15 January 2020. Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  43. ^ McGing, Claire (20 January 2020). "Election 2020: Saturday voting not a solution for low voter turnout". The Irish Times. The cases of Ireland's very limited experience with Saturday voting to date, which includes the second Nice Referendum in 2002, the Children's Referendum in 2012 and a Tipperary South by-election in 2001, did not enhance voter turnout.
  44. ^ Slattery, Joel (14 January 2020). "Taoiseach explains thinking behind Saturday election". BreakingNews. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  45. ^ McConnell, Daniel (23 January 2020). "Record number of women for 2020 election". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  46. ^ McAllister, Edel (23 January 2020). "Slight increase in women candidates for General Election". RTÉ. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  47. ^ Kilraine, John (23 January 2020). "'Very high' last minute voter registration in Dublin city". RTÉ. Archived from the original on 23 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  48. ^ "Notice of counctermand". Tipperary Returning Officer. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2020.; Murphy, David (3 February 2020). "Tipperary vote postponed after death of candidate". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020.; Burne, Louise (4 February 2020). "Voting in Tipperary to be held February 28 or 29 'at the earliest' following candidate's death". Extra.ie. Archived from the original on 4 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  49. ^ "Electoral staff told Tipperary vote will go ahead on Saturday". RTÉ News. 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
  50. ^ "Special Difficulty Order — Dáil Election in the Tipperary Constituency to be held on 8 February 2020". Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. 5 February 2020. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  51. ^ Electoral Act 1992 (Special Difficulty) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 34 of 2020). Signed on 5 February 2020. Statutory Instrument of the Government of Ireland. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved from Irish Statute Book on 8 February 2020.
  52. ^ McConnell, Daniel (5 February 2020). "Marese Skehan's name to remain on ballot with Tipp vote set to go ahead on Saturday". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  53. ^ "Tipperary". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  54. ^ a b c d e f "Ireland's General Election 2020: who would you vote for?". Irish Central. 21 January 2020. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  55. ^ a b Cunningham, Paul (14 January 2020). "It's game on as campaigning begins in Election 2020". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  56. ^ Hutton, Brian. "'Uninspiring' election slogans fail to sell political parties". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  57. ^ "Planet Before Profit" (PDF). pbp.ie. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  58. ^ "What we stand for". www.solidarity.ie. Archived from the original on 4 March 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  59. ^ "What we stand for". www.letusrise.ie. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  60. ^ @greenparty_ie (25 January 2020). "That's a wrap on our #GE2020 manifesto launch" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  61. ^ "Aontú's mantra is change but their policies seem like more of the same". Enniscorthy Guardian. 13 September 2019. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  62. ^ Brennan, Cianan (22 January 2020). "Varadkar Opens Door To Grand Coalition". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 23 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  63. ^ Morahan, George (22 January 2020). "McDonald to face-off with Varadkar and Martin in RTE leaders' debate next Monday". Extra. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  64. ^ O'Dwyer, Sarah (28 January 2020). "Cork TD to take part in TV party leaders debate". Echo Live. Archived from the original on 29 January 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  65. ^ "Díospóireacht na bPáirtithe ar TG4" (in Irish). RTÉ. 31 January 2020. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  66. ^ Aontú [@AontuIE] (7 February 2020). "Ireland is suffering under Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  67. ^ Duffy, Rónán (22 January 2020). "Personal drug use and a potential grand coalition: The key moments from the first head-to-head TV debate". The Journal. Archived from the original on 23 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  68. ^ Finn, Christina (27 January 2020). "'There's a fair few nutters in every party': The key moments from the RTÉ leaders' TV debate". The Journal. Archived from the original on 28 January 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  69. ^ "As it happened: Claire Byrne Live leaders' debate". RTÉ. 27 January 2020. Archived from the original on 28 January 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  70. ^ "RTÉ and party leaders' debates explained". RTÉ. 27 January 2020. Archived from the original on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  71. ^ "Aontú will not seek injunction over RTÉ debate". RTÉ. 27 January 2020. Archived from the original on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  72. ^ O'Connell, Hugh (22 January 2020). "Sinn Féin issues legal letter to RTÉ over debate exclusion". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 23 January 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  73. ^ "Mary Lou McDonald to take part in leaders' debate". RTÉ News. 3 February 2020. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  74. ^ McDermott, Stephen (5 February 2020). "'It'd be like asking John Delaney to take over the FAI again': The key points from tonight's RTÉ debate". The Journal. Archived from the original on 4 February 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
  75. ^ a b c Kavanagh, Adrian Kavanagh (19 April 2017). "Candidates for the 2020 General Election by Dáil constituency". Irish Elections: Geography, Facts and Analyses. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
  76. ^ "Three-way tie: FG, FF and SF all level at 22% support - exit poll". RTÉ. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  77. ^ "Election 2020 exit poll: FF 22%, FG 22%, SF 22% - three-way tie for share of vote: Hung Dáil almost certain when election votes counted". The Irish Times. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  78. ^ Brennan, Michael. "Fianna Fáil support plunges after 'Votegate' | BusinessPost.ie". www.businesspost.ie. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  79. ^ "Poll suggests Fine Gael overtakes Fianna Fáil as most popular party". RTÉ News. 19 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  80. ^ "Opinion poll suggests three-point lead for Fianna Fáil over Fine Gael". RTÉ News. 21 September 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  81. ^ McShane, Ian. "Sunday Times September 2019 Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  82. ^ Brennan, Michael (15 September 2019). "Surge in Fianna Fáil support ahead of impending general election". Sunday Business Post. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  83. ^ "Fianna Fáil still most popular party in latest opinion poll". RTÉ News. 20 July 2019. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  84. ^ McShane, Ian. "Sunday Times July 2019 Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  85. ^ "Five-point lead for Fianna Fáil". RTÉ News. 15 June 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  86. ^ "378419 – RTE – Exit Poll – European Elections, Local Elections and Divorce Referendum – le Gaeilge FINAL" (PDF). Red C. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
  87. ^ a b Cunningham, Paul (18 May 2019). "Greens gain as two polls released ahead of elections". RTÉ News. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
  88. ^ "Red C 2019 Poll" (PDF). Red C Research. 16 May 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  89. ^ Corcoran, Aisling (11 May 2019). "Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll shows gains for Independents, but decline for Sinn Féin". The Irish Times. Retrieved 13 May 2019. Aisling Corcoran is a director of Ipsos MRBI
  90. ^ a b Kenny, Aisling (20 April 2019). "New opinion polls carry conflicting news for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil". RTÉ News. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  91. ^ Regan, Mary (30 March 2019). "Support for Sinn Féin drops five points, poll suggests". RTÉ News. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  92. ^ McMorrow, Conor (16 March 2019). "Fine Gael extends gap over Fianna Fáil, poll suggests". RTÉ News. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  93. ^ Leahy, Pat (7 March 2019). "Irish Times poll: Varadkar's approval rating slumps to lowest level". The Irish Times. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  94. ^ Brennan, Michael. "Sinn Féin soars after its motion of no confidence in Simon Harris | BusinessPost.ie". www.businesspost.ie. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  95. ^ McCarthy, Justin (16 February 2019). "FG and FF support unchanged after strike, poll suggests".
  96. ^ Brennan, Michael (26 January 2019). "Latest #sbpoll @sundaybusiness @REDCResearch results". @obraonain. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  97. ^ "Drop in support for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin gains three points - poll". RTE.ie. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  98. ^ Hade, Emma Jane (17 January 2019). "Emma Jane Hade on Twitter". @emmajhade. Retrieved 18 January 2019.
  99. ^ "Drop in support for Sinn Féin, opinion poll suggests". RTE.ie. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  100. ^ O'Brien, Stephen (22 December 2018). "Stephen O'Brien on Twitter". @sob999. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  101. ^ Ryan, Philip (16 December 2018). "Poll: Public becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Varadkar and Fine Gael". Independent.ie. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  102. ^ Lehane, Mícheál (15 December 2018). "Fine Gael remains most popular party, opinion poll suggests". RTÉ. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  103. ^ "Hugh O'Connell on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  104. ^ "Stephen O'Brien on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  105. ^ "Gap between main parties narrows, new poll suggests". RTE.ie. 17 November 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  106. ^ "Red C poll: Exit poll: 61% of voters think term of presidency should be reduced". RTÉ News. 26 October 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  107. ^ "Presidential Election & Blasphemy Referendum Exit Poll 26th October 2018" (PDF). Red C/RTÉ. 26 October 2018. p. 31. Retrieved 30 October 2018. First Preference Vote Intention – 26th October 2018
  108. ^ Brennan, Michael (20 October 2018). "Red C poll: Budget bounce for Fianna Fáil while government emerges unscathed from Naughten resignation". Sunday Business Post. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  109. ^ McShane, Ian. "Sunday Times October 2018 Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  110. ^ "Poll: 44% in favour of general election". The Irish Times. 16 October 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  111. ^ McMorrow, Conor (12 October 2018). "Poll suggests significant lead for Higgins in Presidential Election". RTÉ. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  112. ^ "Gavan Reilly on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  113. ^ McShane, Ian. "B&A Sept 2018 Poll" (PDF).
  114. ^ "Hugh O'Connell on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  115. ^ Brennan, Michael. "Fianna Fáil support drops ahead of Dáil return | BusinessPost.ie". www.businesspost.ie. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  116. ^ McCarthy, Justin (15 September 2018). "FG open up 11 point gap over FF, opinion poll suggests". RTE.ie. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  117. ^ "Europe Elects on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  118. ^ "Gavan Reilly on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  119. ^ McMorrow, Conor (21 July 2018). "Two-year low in support for FF, opinion poll suggests". RTE.ie. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  120. ^ McShane, Ian (22 July 2018). "B&A July 2018 Poll PDF" (PDF).
  121. ^ "Stephen O'Brien on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  122. ^ McShane, Ian (June 2018). "B&A June 2018 Poll PDF" (PDF).
  123. ^ Brennan, Michael. "Fine Gael emerges unscathed from cervical check scandal - while Sinn Féin also rises - poll | BusinessPost.ie". www.businesspost.ie. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  124. ^ "Red C May 2018 Poll" (PDF). Red C Research. 5 June 2018.
  125. ^ "Stephen O'Brien on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  126. ^ Ryan, Philip (5 May 2018). "Poll: Mary Lou now a more popular leader than Micheál Martin". Independent.ie. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  127. ^ "Kantar Millward Brown Poll data May 2018 Poll" (PDF).
  128. ^ "Fine Gael remains most popular party, opinion poll suggests". RTE.ie. 28 April 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  129. ^ "Gavan Reilly on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  130. ^ "Support for Fine Gael and Leo Varadkar falls in latest poll". www.irishtimes.com. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  131. ^ "Poll suggests drop in support for Fianna Fáil". RTE.ie. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  132. ^ "Red C March 2018 Poll" (PDF). Red C Research. 22 March 2018.
  133. ^ Dowling, Brian (17 March 2018). "Poll suggests rise in SF support since McDonald elected". RTE.ie. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  134. ^ "B&A March 2018 Poll" (PDF).
  135. ^ "Boost in support for Fianna Fáil, opinion poll suggests". RTE.ie. 24 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  136. ^ "RedC Feb 2018 Poll" (PDF).
  137. ^ "Fine Gael surge ahead of Fianna Fail in latest Sunday Independent opinion poll - Independent.ie". Independent.ie. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  138. ^ "Millward Brown February 2018 Poll" (PDF).
  139. ^ O'Brien, Stephen (17 February 2018). ".@FineGael hits highest level since 2011 in @SunTimesIreland @banda_ie #poll seriespic.twitter.com/yZQdamB9W8". @sob999. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  140. ^ "B&A Poll Feb 2018" (PDF).
  141. ^ Brennan, Michael. "Fine Gael support surges in latest opinion poll | BusinessPost.ie". www.businesspost.ie. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
  142. ^ "Red C Jan 2018 Poll" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  143. ^ "Varadkar's approval jumps to 60% as voters show their satisfaction". www.irishtimes.com. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  144. ^ "Dip in support for Fine Gael, opinion poll suggests". RTE.ie. 20 January 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  145. ^ "B&A January 2018 Poll" (PDF).
  146. ^ "Voters go to the polls after parties hear demand for change from electorate". The Irish Times. February 2020. Archived from the original on 8 February 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  147. ^ "Full house: Here are your 160 TDs elected in the 2020 general election". The Journal. 11 February 2020. Archived from the original on 11 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  148. ^ @AnMailleach (11 February 2020). "The Effective Number of Parties, which measures fragmentation, in the 33rd Dáil is 5.95. That's the most fragmented Dáil ever. Compared to 4.93 in the last Dáil, and 3.03 in 2007. It has an impact on government formation..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  149. ^ Drennan, John (9 February 2020). "The 11 seats Sinn Fein left behind in Election 2020 which could have changed everything". Extra.ie. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  150. ^ O'Halloran, Marie (11 February 2020). "Election 2020: Sinn Féin surpluses added extra dimension to transfer battle". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 3 March 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  151. ^ Murray, Sean (10 February 2020). "Back from the dead: How Sinn Féin surpluses helped bring left-wing candidates over the line". TheJournal.ie. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  152. ^ McGrath, Dominic (10 February 2020). "Neither a ripple nor a wave - the Green Party's record-breaking election". TheJournal.ie. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  153. ^ Leahy, Pat (28 May 2019). "Changing political climate helps Green shoots to thrive". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  154. ^ McGrath, Dominic (16 February 2020). "'No paper candidates': How the Social Democrats' GE2020 strategy reaped electoral success". TheJournal.ie. Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  155. ^ Gallagher, Conor. "Election 2020: Far-right candidates put in dismal showing". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  156. ^ McDermott, Stephen. "Far-right parties barely register after polling less than 1% in most constituencies". TheJournal.ie. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  157. ^ "33rd DÁIL GENERAL ELECTION 8 February 2020 Election Results" (PDF). Houses of the Oireachtas. pp. 68–79. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 May 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  158. ^ "Election 2020 National Summary". Irish Times. Archived from the original on 7 February 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  159. ^ "General Election 2020 Results". RTÉ News. 9 February 2020. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  160. ^ "Electoral Act 1997". electronic Irish Statute Book (eISB). Part III. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.; Leogue, Joe (11 June 2019). "Renua will continue to collect €250k despite having no elected representatives". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  161. ^ "Dún Laoghaire: 2016 general election". Irish Elections. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  162. ^ a b Carroll, Rory (9 February 2020). "Sinn Féin to try to form ruling coalition after Irish election success". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  163. ^ a b Carroll, Rory (11 February 2020). "Sinn Féin begins efforts to form leftwing coalition in Ireland". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 February 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  164. ^ Goodbody, Will (12 February 2020). "Varadkar says Sinn Féin must now build a coalition". RTÉ. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  165. ^ Hutton, Brian; Bray, Jennifer; Carswell, Simon. "Smaller parties raise doubts over prospect of a Sinn Féin-led leftist coalition". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  166. ^ "What are the possible coalition options for the next government?". The Journal. 11 February 2020. Archived from the original on 11 February 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  167. ^ "26% want 'grand coalition' involving Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and smaller parties - poll". Breaking News. 16 February 2020. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  168. ^ "Seán Ó Fearghaíl re-elected as Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil". The Irish Times. 20 February 2020. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  169. ^ Carroll, Rory (20 February 2020). "Varadkar resigns as Irish government enters stalemate". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  170. ^ Leahy, Pat; Kelly, Fiach. "FG and FF to start government formation talks propelled by Covid-19". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  171. ^ Cunningham, Paul (11 March 2020). "Significant progress towards new government - now what?". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  172. ^ Ryan, Philip (17 March 2020). "Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ramp up talks on government formation". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  173. ^ Kelly, Fiach. "Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil inch towards government formation". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  174. ^ Carroll, Rory (14 April 2020). "Ireland's Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil close to forming coalition government". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 16 April 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  175. ^ "Greens demand 7% carbon emissions cut if they are to enter government". www.irishexaminer.com. 23 April 2020. Archived from the original on 26 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  176. ^ "Government formation: Green Taoiseach 'not on our agenda', insists Eamon Ryan". www.irishexaminer.com. 22 April 2020. Archived from the original on 25 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  177. ^ "Michael Healy-Rae would consider leaving Ireland if Eamon Ryan became Taoiseach". www.irishexaminer.com. 23 April 2020. Archived from the original on 2 May 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  178. ^ "Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael policy document leaves questions unanswered for Social Democrats". www.irishexaminer.com. 21 April 2020. Archived from the original on 26 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  179. ^ "Social Democrats will not be third leg of Government table with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil". www.irishexaminer.com. 22 April 2020. Archived from the original on 25 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  180. ^ "Aontú open to joining government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael". www.irishexaminer.com. 20 April 2020. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  181. ^ "Rural independents hold 'frank and blunt' meeting with two big parties". www.irishexaminer.com. 21 April 2020. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  182. ^ Hurley, Sandra (15 June 2020). "Selling the deal: Party memberships have final say on government". RTÉ. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  183. ^ "Irish government: Clare Bailey of Green Party rejects coalition deal". BBC News. 21 June 2020. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  184. ^ Lehane, Mícheál (26 June 2020). "FF, FG and Green Party agree historic coalition deal". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  185. ^ Finn, Christina (26 June 2020). "It's a yes: FF, FG and Greens to enter coalition after members back government deal". TheJournal.ie. Archived from the original on 27 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  186. ^ "Micheál Martin becomes new Irish PM after vote". BBC News. 27 June 2020. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
Poll references
  1. ^ Leahy, Pat. "Sinn Féin leads way in Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll with highest support ever". The Irish Times. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  2. ^ "Sinn Fein draw level atop opinion poll days from Irish election". The Star. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  3. ^ "Election 2020: SF draws level with FF in new poll while FG continues to struggle". Red C/Business Post. 2 February 2020. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  4. ^ "Election 2020: Poll shows Sinn Féin heading for second place as Fine Gael falters". The Times. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  5. ^ Lee, John (26 January 2020). "Bad news for Leo! Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin surge at midway point, latest poll".
  6. ^ Lehane, Mícheál (26 January 2020). "Poll indicates Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin rise in support".
  7. ^ Leahy, Pat. "Irish Times poll January 2020: FF edges ahead of FG as SF surges in new Ipsos MRBI poll". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  8. ^ "Irish Times Poll Portal". The Irish Times. 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  9. ^ Cunningham, Paul (19 January 2020). "Opinion poll suggests Fianna Fáil has 12-point lead on Fine Gael". RTÉ News. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
  10. ^ McShane, Ian (19 January 2020). "Sunday Times January 2020 Poll" (PDF). B&A. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  11. ^ "Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil neck and neck - poll". RTÉ News. 22 December 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  12. ^ McShane, Ian (23 December 2019). "Sunday Times December 2019 Poll" (PDF). B&A. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  13. ^ Ryan, Órla (24 November 2019). "Fine Gael support drops but it's still the most popular party, according to poll". TheJournal.ie.
  14. ^ "RedC Nov 2019 Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  15. ^ "Sunday Times November 2019 Report" (PDF). Behaviour and Attitudes. 12 November 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  16. ^ McShane, Ian (12 November 2019). "Sunday Times November 2019 Poll" (PDF). B&A. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  17. ^ Leahy, Pat. "Irish Times poll: Varadkar's approval rating rises above 50%". The Irish Times. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  18. ^ "Irish Times Poll Portal". The Irish Times. 13 October 2019. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  19. ^ McShane, Ian (20 May 2018). "May Opinion Poll 2018" (PDF). Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  20. ^ McShane, Ian (23 April 2018). "April Opinion Poll - 18 April 2018" (PDF). banda.ie. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  21. ^ "Irish Times Poll Portal". The Irish Times. 23 January 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  22. ^ McCarthy, Justine (24 December 2017). "Poll boost helps Fine Gael end year on a high". The Sunday Times. ISSN 0956-1382. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  23. ^ "irelandthinks". irelandthinks. January 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  24. ^ Leahy, Pat. "Fine Gael support surges on back of Brexit row". The Irish Times.
  25. ^ "Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI Poll". The Irish Times.
  26. ^ "Opinion poll suggests drop in support for Fine Gael". 25 November 2017 – via www.rte.ie.
  27. ^ Colwell, Richard (27 November 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll November 17" (PDF). Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  28. ^ McShane, Ian (12 November 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll - November 2017" (PDF). Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  29. ^ Colwell, Richard (27 October 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll October 17" (PDF). Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  30. ^ McShane, Ian (10 October 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll - October 2017" (PDF).
  31. ^ Leahy, Pat. "'Irish Times' poll: Almost half voters happy with Varadkar". The Irish Times.
  32. ^ "Irish Times Poll Portal". The Irish Times. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  33. ^ "FG up three points in early poll boost". Business Post.
  34. ^ Colwell, Richard (26 September 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll September 17" (PDF). Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  35. ^ "Fine Gael is riding high in the latest opinion poll". Retrieved 18 September 2017.
  36. ^ McShane, Ian (17 September 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll - September 2017" (PDF). Retrieved 18 September 2017.
  37. ^ "'Support for Fine Gael rises, opinion poll suggests'". RTÉ. 23 July 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  38. ^ "National Opinion Poll:July 2017" (PDF). Sunday Independent/Millward Brown. 23 July 2017. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  39. ^ "Micheál Martin is well ahead of Leo Varadkar in the satisfaction ratings". 16 July 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  40. ^ McShane, Ian (16 June 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll - July 2017" (PDF). Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  41. ^ "Red C Poll: Leo fails to get leadership bounce". Business Post.
  42. ^ Colwell, Richard (9 July 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll - July 17" (PDF). Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  43. ^ "Increase in support for Fine Gael, opinion poll suggests". RTÉ.ie. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  44. ^ McShane, Ian (10 June 2017). "General Election Opinion Poll - June 2017" (PDF). Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  45. ^ "Increase in support for Fine Gael, opinion poll suggests". RTÉ.ie. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  46. ^ "General Election Opinion Poll - May 17" (PDF). 28 May 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  47. ^ "Fine Gael remains Ireland's most popular party". 13 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  48. ^ "Fianna Fáil extends lead over Fine Gael in latest poll". Newstalk.
  49. ^ "Fine Gael back on top in new opinion poll". Newstalk.
  50. ^ "Polling Trends Suggest General Election Unlikely" (PDF). Red C/The Sunday Business Post.
  51. ^ McShane, Ian (12 March 2017). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes March 2017 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 13 March 2017.
  52. ^ Leahy, Pat (2 March 2017). "Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil almost level". The Irish Times. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  53. ^ "Irish Times Poll Portal". The Irish Times. 4 March 2017. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  54. ^ Brennan, Michael (25 February 2017). "Support for SF surges to new high - Red C poll". The Sunday Business Post. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  55. ^ "Is Fine Gael Leadership Battle All Over or All to Play For?" (PDF). Red C/The Sunday Business Post. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  56. ^ "After the ugliest week in years, FF re-emerges as poster boy'". Sunday Independent. 19 February 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
  57. ^ "National Opinion Poll: February 2017" (PDF). Sunday Independent/Millward Brown. 19 February 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
  58. ^ McShane, Ian (12 February 2017). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes February 2017 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  59. ^ Brennan, Michael (28 January 2017). "FF big winner as government support drops". The Sunday Business Post. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  60. ^ "Government Under Pressure as Fianna Fail Make Gains" (PDF). Red C/The Sunday Business Post. 26 January 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  61. ^ McShane, Ian (21 January 2017). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes January 2017 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  62. ^ McShane, Ian (18 December 2016). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes December 2016 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  63. ^ "Fianna Fáil pulls ahead of Fine Gael to become most popular party". The Irish Times. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  64. ^ "Irish Times Poll Portal". The Irish Times. 6 December 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  65. ^ "The Difficult Balancing Act for Fianna Fáil – Nov 16 Poll" (PDF). RED C. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  66. ^ "The Difficult Balancing Act for Fianna Fáil – Nov 16 Poll" (PDF). RED C. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  67. ^ McShane, Ian (13 November 2016). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes November 2016 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  68. ^ "AAA-PBP surges to record high". The Sunday Business Post. 30 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  69. ^ "Are AAA-PBP gains more than just a one off?" (PDF). Red C/The Sunday Business Post. 23 October 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  70. ^ "Exclusive poll: Fine Gael sees slip in support despite 'giveaway Budget'". Sunday Independent. 23 October 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
  71. ^ "National Opinion Poll: October 2016" (PDF). Sunday Independent/Millward Brown. 23 October 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  72. ^ McShane, Ian (12 October 2016). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes October 2016 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  73. ^ "Fianna Fáil level with Fine Gael after Seven Point drop in support". The Irish Times. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  74. ^ "Irish Times Poll Portal". The Irish Times. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  75. ^ "FF sees support slip for first time since election". The Sunday Business Post. 25 September 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  76. ^ "No Momentum for Change Helps Govt. Survival Propects" (PDF). Red C/The Sunday Business Post. 25 September 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  77. ^ McShane, Ian (18 September 2016). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes September 2016 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  78. ^ "Four out of 10 people believe Taoiseach should 'quit now' - new Red C poll". Irish Independent. 29 July 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  79. ^ "Fianna Fáil Most Popular Party" (PDF). Paddy Power. 29 July 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  80. ^ "Surge in FF support ratchets up pressure on Kenny". The Sunday Business Post. 17 July 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  81. ^ "General Election Opinion Poll" (PDF). The Sunday Business Post. 17 July 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  82. ^ McShane, Ian (19 July 2016). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes July 2016 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  83. ^ "Massive surge in support for Fianna Fáil, poll shows". The Irish Times. 7 July 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
  84. ^ "Irish Times Poll Portal". The Irish Times. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  85. ^ "Poll exclusive: Public confidence in Independents crashes". Sunday Independent. 3 July 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
  86. ^ "National Opinion Poll: June 2016" (PDF). Sunday Independent/Millward Brown. 3 July 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  87. ^ McShane, Ian (15 June 2016). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes June 2016 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  88. ^ "General Election Opinion Poll" (PDF). The Sunday Business Post. 29 May 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  89. ^ "Fianna Fáil has overtaken Fine Gael in popularity". The Journal. 14 May 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  90. ^ McShane, Ian (May 2016). "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes May 2016 Opinion Poll" (PDF). Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  91. ^ "Paddy Power Red C poll: Voters want Varadkar to replace Kenny". Irish Independent. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  92. ^ "General Election Opinion Poll" (PDF). Paddy Power. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  93. ^ "Fianna Fáil overtakes Fine Gael in latest opinion poll". The Sunday Times. 16 April 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  94. ^ "General Election Opinion Poll" (PDF). The Sunday Times. 16 April 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  95. ^ "Another general election would produce no major gains for FF or FG". The Sunday Business Post. 12 March 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  96. ^ "General Election Opinion Poll" (PDF). The Sunday Business Post. 12 March 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
Poll footnotes
  1. ^ This column includes figures for Independents 4 Change and Aontú when available.
  2. ^ Aontú is on 1.9%.
  3. ^ a b c d e f The figure for 'Others/Independents' is the remainder when all others are removed. As with all such calculations, the figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an Renua is not mentioned.
  5. ^ a b c d e IA are not mentioned.
  6. ^ a b c Aontú is on 1%.
  7. ^ Aontú is on 2%.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g The poll makes no distinction between different groupings of Independents, the Independent Alliance is included in the figure for Others.
  9. ^ a b c d e Aontú is on 0%.
  10. ^ The 9% figure for 'Others/Independents' is the remainder when all others are removed. As with all such calculations, the figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects.
  11. ^ a b c Aontú has 1%.
  12. ^ The 9% figure for 'Others/Independents' is the remainder when all others are removed. As with all such calculations, the figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects.
  13. ^ The 9% figure for 'Others/Independents' is the remainder when all others are removed. As with all such calculations, the figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects.
  14. ^ The 10% figure for 'Others/Independents' is the remainder when all others are removed. As with all such calculations, the figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects.
  15. ^ The 13% figure for 'Others/Independents' is the remainder when all others are removed. As with all such calculations, the figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects.
  16. ^ Aontú is on 2%.
  17. ^ The 16% figure for 'Others/Independents' is got by adding the cited 2% for Aontú to the 14% cited for 'other Independent candidates'. As with all such calculations, the figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects.
  18. ^ a b c d e The 18% figure shown for Independents/Others is calculated by subtracting the cited source's 4% for the Greens from that source's 22% for Independents and all other parties except Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, and Labour, so the 18% figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects. The cited source does not give figures for other parties or alliances, but states that it includes the Green Party, Social Democrats and Solidarity-PBP.
  19. ^ A figure for 'Others/Independents' is not mentioned in the cited source, but has been calculated by subtracting the other parties from 100%, so the figure shown may be slightly inaccurate due to rounding effects.
  20. ^ Renua has less than 1%.
  21. ^ Aontú has less than 1%.
  22. ^ This figure includes 2% for Independents 4 Change.
  23. ^ Social Democrats are not mentioned.
  24. ^ a b c d e Renua is featured in Others.
  25. ^ This figure includes 1.5% for Independents 4 Change.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://wiki.eso.workers.dev/w/index.php?title=2020_Irish_general_election&oldid=1263755339"