A look at the H-Block candidates that ran in the 1981 General Election, not just the Official Anti H-Block Armagh candidates but others such as Independent Fianna Fáil, Peoples Democracy and Anti H-Block Independents.
I’ve created a website for the podcast too, should you wish to listen to other episodes etc..
This episode covers The Cannabis Legalisation Party who ran two candidates in The 1997 General Election and The Justice Party of Ubi Dwyer who ran in two of the elections in the early 80’s. Theres an obituary of Ubi Dwyer here which gives a great insight into his time in the UK especially.
You’ll find the rss feed and links to other providers here
From the 1981 General Election “Solve Your Housing Problems with Fine Gael” giving details of what Fine Gael in Government would do to solve housing issues.
From 1981 a Booklet produced by Fianna Fail, “Campaign Manual- Notes for Canvassers and Speakers” which gives details of party policy, The Hunger Strikes, criticises Fine Gael and Labour and also briefly covers issues such as Abortion. It’s 36 pages so I’ve scanned and uploaded it in pdf format
Many thanks to the sender.
From the 1981 General Election a leaflet from Vincent Doherty of Peoples Democracy running in Dublin North Central which was Charles Haugheys constituencey. The leaflet also has a message of support from Bernadette McAliskey. He polled 1481 votes and missed out on a seat.
Many thanks to the sender
An issue of the members newsletter “Iris Fianna Fail” produced for the 1981 Ard Fheis which was the 50th Fianna Fail Ard Fheis. Lots of interesting reading including an account of the founding of the party and the first Ard Fheis. I’ve uploaded it in pdf here or click on the image to launch
Fianna Fail 1981 General Election song. I’m told that it was probably sung by Cathal Dunne, nephew of Jack Lynch. Cathal represented Ireland in the 1979 Eurovision. Apologies for the quality in the second half of the song especially.
Many thanks to the sender.
From the 1981 General Election Leaflets from Hunger Striker Kevin Lynch who was running in Waterford. He polled 3,337 votes but failed to win a seat. He died on the 1st August 1981.
Many thanks to the sender
A bumper post of pictures, newspaper cuttings and leaflets that Charlie Flanagan kindly pictured and sent me (many thanks again).
The first two pictures are from the 1969 General Election Campaign.
Then we have a 1981 General Election flyer from Oliver J Flanagan, Johny Butterfield, Tom Enright and Charlie McDonald (Oliver J Flanagan and Tom Enright were elected result here).
Then the front page of the Irish Times from August 18th 1953 where Oliver J ‘took his jacket off’ ! , he was campaigning in the Galway South By Election.
The a great clipping of Charlie Flanagan and Brian Cowen from the 1987 General Election Campaign.
Then some invites to the 1975 and also the 1976 Fine Gael Ard Fheis.
Finally a picture from the 1966 Presidential Platform.
From the 1981 General Election campaign a wonderful novelty in a book of matches produced for Labour Dublin South candidates John Horgan, Eithne Fitzgerald and Frank Buckley. None of the three were elected.
Many thanks to the sender
From the 1981 General Election an Ad for Fianna Fail Kerry South candidates John O’Donoghue, Chub O’Connor and John O’Leary. John O’Leary was the only one of the three elected.
Many thanks to the sender.
3 samples of Typical Shopping Baskets from election material. Starting off with Labour in 1981 then Fianna Fail in 1977 and lastly Fine Gael in 1979
From the 1981 General Election A ‘Vote Fine Gael’ Sticker .
From the 1981 General Election in Cavan Monaghan, a sad notice to electorate concerning the passing of Fine Gael candidate Mona Hobans mother. The notice mentions that the candidate “will not be in a position to visit as many areas as possible”.
Hoban, a County Cavan based Councillor polled 1,741 votes.
From the 1981 General Election a poster for H-Block candidate Tom McAllister who was running in Clare. “Stand up to Britain -Vote T. McAllister -Vote the prisoners No. 1”
McAllister (an INLA prisoner) polled 2,120 votes.
Many thanks to the sender
From the 1981 General Election a leaflet from Labour Party candidate in Kerry South Michael Moynihan. In this 1982 General Election Moynihan won a seat. It was his first time to be elected to the Dail having stood six times previously the first attempt being as far back as 1954.
The leaflet covers local as well as National issues with a message from then Labour Leader Frank Cluskey.
Click to enlarge the images.
From the 1981 General Election a leaflet for Fianna Fail South Kerry candidates John O’Donoghue, Tim Chub O’Connor and John O’Leary. O’Leary won a seat. (Result here)
It was Chub O’Connors last General Election as he failed to regain the seat he lost in 1977. The 1981 General Election was John O’Donoghues first General Election, it was 1987 before he won a seat.
Click to Enlarge.
From the 1981 general election a leaflet from Wexford Fianna Fail candidates Lorcan Allen, Sean Browne, Gus Byrne, Hugh Byrne. The FF ticket would have been unusual in that all four names would have been at the top of the ballot paper. Despite that only Lorcan Allen and Hugh Byrne were elected and Sean Browne lost his seat.
Aside from profiles and a message from the candidates ,We also have Haugheys message to the electorate from that 1981 election.
Click on the images to enlarge.
Irish Election Literature 
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