By Dan Walsh
The election for President of Ireland to replace Michael D. Higgins will be held on Friday, with voting open from 7am to 10pm.
The important message to the public is to participate in the electoral process and make use of your right to vote, as such opportunities are infrequent.
On the ballot paper will be three names; Connolly, Gavin and Humphreys, in that order, and a little photo beside them to help the gender illiterate! All information is good.
Leading up to election day has been dull and unexciting and the danger is that of a stay away election and the statistician’s tell us that a low turnout can upset their poll predictions.
So, let’s get to the candidates. Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys have been out and about actively campaigning although the amount of time they spent canvassing in Wexford didn’t last any longer than a normal dinner break for the rest of us!
Then why should they come to Co. Wexford when the government partners imposed the party whip on their councillors and blocked the path of others seeking a nomination through the local authority process.
This leads to Jim Gavin, who struggled in the televised debates and withdrew from the campaign early on. Shortly after he announced his withdrawal late on a Sunday night, WexfordLocal.com reported, based on reliable sources, that Gavin’s name would still appear on the ballot paper.
Gavin’s posters remain up, with new ones reportedly appearing on poles. A vote for Gavin will be used in the count process.
Could Gavin’s strong showing in the Presidential Election finally generate public interest if he finishes first or second? It’s unlikely, but with Fianna Fail’s influence and disillusioned voters who refuse to participate, it’s still possible.
If Gavin tops the poll – and while it may be a sensational outcome, and it is not insurmountable – I believe he will accept the seven years tenure of the Arás?
If Gavin were to top the poll and refuse the office of President, a new election would be triggered under the Constitution and must be held within 60 days.
Despite a lacklustre build-up and low turnout, the Presidential Election could deliver a dramatic and unexpected outcome. Make sure your vote counts.
WexfordLocal.com 