Weekend Voting - Response from Fine Gael

Frank Flannery, Fine Gael Director of Elections, has asked me to respond to your query.

"Fine Gael attempted to force the Government- and all future Governments- to hold elections at the weekends when we brought our Private Members Bill to the floor of the Dail. Fianna Fail and the PDs voted it down. We are committed to introducing it in Government. There follows a press statement outlining our proposals."

Kind regards
Stephen Lynam
Policy Officer
Fine Gael Election Campaign 2007.



Fine Gael to Make Weekend Voting Law - Naughten

Fine Gael are to introduce a new law which would ensure that voting for all elections must be held between Friday and Sunday" said local TD Denis Naughten.

“The last election that was held on a Friday saw the turnout increase by one sixth and we as politicians must ensure all those who wish to vote are given the maximum opportunity to do so”.

“It is totally unacceptable that the Taoiseach wants to reduce the number of people who actually cast their vote on election day and it begs the question; "What is Fianna Fáil afraid of?"

"The fact is that Friday voting works. In 1994, the European Elections were held on a Thursday with a turnout of about 44%. However, when the 2004 European and Local Elections were switched to a Friday, turnout rose dramatically to 58.58%”.

“The new Fine Gael law will ensure all elections are held on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays”.

"Every voter must be given the maximum opportunity to vote, and Friday polling is one way to do this as is opening the polls earlier and closing them later. Holding the election on a Thursday will effectively disenfranchise thousands of people, and Fianna Fáil must explain why they think it is beneficial to disqualify so many from the vote."