Election 2024 . Not that one, though the Trump victory is sure to influence some of what we are threatened and promised. presumably we'll have a date soon.

[DeanElderberry]

Any wise thoughts?

Not to worry, DublinFemale, here's what Citizen's Information says about polling cards:

You do not need your polling card to vote.
However, you do need to bring identification.
If you did not get a polling card, you can find your polling station on your local authority's website.
Voting in a general election

There's lots of info on that website [Citizens' Information] and the Electoral Commision's website about making sure your name is on the register and how to vote and how the votes are counted etc. It's there all year round, not just before elections.
Ireland's Statutory, Independent Electoral Commission

The TV ads encouraging people to register and vote are very funny, I love the holiday in the Antarctic one😂 I like that they used humour to get the message across about how to make sure you can vote, instead of some bland grey public service announcement that people mightn't notice, or pay attention to.

I saw this interesting article about strategic voting, but I'm not sure I understood it all!

Here it is for people with more subtle brains than mine
Why it pays to vote all the way down the ballot paper – The Irish Times

I got mine last week but my dh hasn't recieved his yet... He's on the register so all is good. He didn't have his last time either, brought utility bill & passport to the polling station but it wasn't checked.

Hard to trust any of them really!
He later tried to say someone had accessed his account and posted this.

Who did this? Did Zara King identify?

No but clearly a SF candidate.

Whoever he is, he's clearly thick!!

Can anybody predict what makeup the next government could be?

Setting aside my own preferences I am looking at a

FF SF and SD coalition.

I think the tide is with these 3 parties.

Or SF FF and independents.

From my reading it seems likely to be FG - FG and labour/independents.

However I'd prefer if SF were in there. Although I don't agree with them on everything by any means, I think we need a more left government to tackle housing and inequality.

Sorry that's FF- FG and labour/independents

But will they all have enough seats to meet the qouta?

My ideal outcome would be FG FF and SD.
From my research I think this is the best combo for people with disabilities which is a priority for me. I think the SD would help keep them to the left a bit.

Personally I would never vote for SF, Independent Ireland or Aontu.

No idea

I can see it FF - FG, with a few Independents.

SD's have lost CM & RS they are not rerunning, that's 2 seats open, Holly Cairns has just given birth, I assume she ran again but will not be around until at least mid next year.

I would be very surprised if Soc dems keep DC seat, Gary Gannon has not being optically active for the area and it's been noticed.

If FF are the top party they would probably have a preference for FG as they have worked quite well together and have the most in common.
I cannot see FG and SF working together.
I know Labour and Greens (I think?) have talked about a left alliance so this may come into play if they cannot make up the numbers with just one small party.

My personal preference is FF, Aontú & Independents. I'm a conservative voter & these align with me.
I can't see it happening but this would be my ideal government.

Michael Martin said yesterday he would go back in with FG. Im pretty sure FG won't go with SF.

First time ever I will be giving SF a vote as I do believe we need to try something new for the housing situation.

We are in serious trouble and the current policies are not delivering.

It's such a shame they have lost CM & RS.
I know what you mean about Gary Gannon. I think he had the lowest attendance in the Dail out of all the TDs which is worrying.

Matt Carty was very good on last night's debate. Won't be voting SF but he is a very good public speaker.

I do understand where you are coming from but I couldn't bring myself to vote for them. I believe Mary Lou is doing well in her canvassing though and she is keeping fairly quiet so I wouldn't be surprised if they have a big surge.

Michael Martin has ruled out going in with SF literally just now. FG has also ruled out going in with SF.. So that's two clearer options either FG/FF /independent ireland/Aontú /independents or FG/FF & the left leaning parties. The first option would be my personal preference.

Just seen that too. I do like MM. I think he's done a good job as leader of FF.
Although I believe he did say before the last election that he would never go into coalition with FG!
There is the possibility that SF could get enough seats not to need one of the other bigger parties. If any of the three of them could do it I think it would be SF.

He's also said he won't go in with Aontú so that may rule them out too.
I also like him too he has led FF well esp during covid which was unknown territory for all. You are right SF may swing it yet. There has also been a big swing in support for them the past couple of weeks. I'd imagine they would prefer the left leaning alliance with the smaller parties but I could be wrong.

I don't believe a word any of them say! They'll get into bed with anyone when it comes down to it. They all just want power, end of.