How Ireland Voted 2016

This book is the definitive analysis of the 2016 Irish general election and is the eighth book in the well-established How Ireland Voted series. The 2011 election in Ireland was characterised as an earthquake, but the aftershocks visible in the 2016 election were equally dramatic. This election saw the rout of the government that had presided over a remarkable economic recovery, and marked a new low for the strength of the traditional party system, as smaller parties and independents attracted almost half of all votes. The first chapter sets the context, and later ones investigate the extent to which the outgoing government fulfilled its 2011 pledges, and how candidates were selected. The success or otherwise of campaign strategies is assessed, the results and the behaviour of voters are analysed, and the aftermath, when it took a record length of time to form a government, is explored. Other chapters examine the consequence of new gender quotas for candidate selection, consider thereasons for the unusual success of independents, and reflect on the implications. The book also reveals intriguing insights into the candidates’ experiences of the election, both successful and unsuccessful. It will be of use to students, teachers and scholars of Irish politics, as well as the wider reader interested in Irish politics and elections.

“A well-written, timely and authoritative analysis of this fascinating Irish election. What on earth is happening to the traditional parties? Why so many independents? How can a stable government ever be formed given all this? How did the new gender quota work out? A respected team of seasoned academics tell us all we need to know.” (Professor Michael Laver, New York University, USA)

“Combining expert insight into the long-term changing nature of Irish elections and Ireland’s political system, and authoritative understanding of the 2016 campaign, result and consequences, this book reveals how important the 2016 election is for understanding the broad phenomenon of rising support for independents, how this has happened in Ireland, and why it matters. A brilliant combination of fact, explanation, insight and detail, ‘How Ireland Voted 2016’ offers an unparalleled insight into the 2016 Irish election and its place in the trajectory of Irish political behaviour. Gallagher and Marsh bring together the perfect mix of detail and the big picture, expertise and breadth. They provide an excellent overview of an election which marks a crucial time point in an evolving picture of change in Irish politics that anyone interested in elections needs to understand.” (Professor Jane Green, University of Manchester, UK)

“This volume brings together the leading experts of Irish politics who deliver a clear, insightful and very timely analysis of the 2016 election. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish electoral politics.” (Professor Sara Hobolt, London School of Economics, UK)

“Throughout much of Europe, voters are nowadays often rebelling against established parties and politicians. Ireland is no exception. Here some of finest scholars of the subject explain how the near century old traditional patterns of Irish electoral politics have been disrupted like never before - and assess the implications for the future of the country’s democracy.” (Professor John Curtice, University of Strathclyde, UK)

Michael Gallagher is Professor of Comparative Politics in the Department of Political Science in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. He has published on parties, elections and electoral systems. Recent books as co-editor include Politics in the Republic of Ireland, (5th ed, 2010), Representative Government in Modern Europe (5th ed, 2011) and The Politics of Electoral Systems (2008). He has been a visiting professor at City University of Hong Kong, Université de Lille and New York University.

Michael Marsh is Emeritus Professor of Political Science in Trinity College University of Dublin, Ireland, and was formerly Professor of Comparative Political Behaviour, and served variously as Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and Vice Provost/Chief Academic Officer of the University. He has published over 100 professional articles and book chapters on parties, elections and public opinion, and was principal investigator for the 2002, 2007 and 2011 Irish National Election Studies, co-author of The Irish Voter (2008) and co-editor of The Conservative Revolution (2016).