Irish Election Literature

… what you maybe meant to keep…

‘Some Notes on Ireland’s Premier Political Party’ – a 1989 Fianna Fail Leaflet June 15, 2010


From 1989 a leaflet distributed by the Sean Lemass Cumann in Maynooth entitled ‘Some Notes on Ireland’s Premier Political Party
We get a little history of Fianna Fail as well as party Philosophies and attacks on both Labour and Fine Gael. The leaflet is also very much of its time in that it harks back to Fianna Fail basics, or what were Fianna Fail basics.

The electoral record of the pasty reflects it’s success in forming policies on national and constitutional issues that appeal to all sections of the Irish people. Fianna Fail has made a unique and historic contribution to the building up of our state and the welfare of its people. Its achievements have been the result of progressive policies formilated by a caring listening leadership in tune with a true cross section of our people.

That Fianna Fail is to the Left of Fine Gael may be seen in the party’s commitment to the problems of the small man….

The Labour party’s commitment to nationalisation in pursuit of a Social Workers’ Republic goes much further than is acceptable to the Fianna Fail view of the importance of individual rights and freedoms in society. Labour has also opposed Fianna Fail policy on free trade and Irish entry to the E.E.C.
In the field of economic and social development, the most significant advances of Fianna Fail in Government in recent years were the provision of free post-primary education for all, membership of the European Economic Community and the European Monetary System.

(more…)

 

2007 General Election stickers from the Workers Solidarity Movement


From the 2007 General Election, two stickers produced by the Anarchist group the Workers Solidarity Movement.

(more…)

 

1987 Fundraising Letter from Des O’Malley to Party Members -Progressive Democrats 1987 GE June 14, 2010


The 1987 General Election has been called and Des O’Malley writes to all members of the Progressive Democrats looking for funds.

 

1945 Fianna Fail Election Leaflet for Dun Laoghaire Borough.


First off many thanks to the sender.

A Fianna Fail leaflet from the 1945 Borough Council Elections in Dun Laoghaire. With the Presidential Election on the same day there is also a plea for voters to vote for Sean T O’Kelly.
Amongst the issues mentioned are Ground Rents, Housing, employment and the potential for Tourism in the Borough.

The candidate list is of great interest too.
Sean Brady (him at electionsireland.org) was a longstanding TD for the area.

Rogers, “Terry” was Ignatius Terence Rogers born in Roscommon, died in January 1968, an athlete, father of John Daniel Rogers (former amateur snooker champion) and Terence Ignatius Rogers (The Red Menace) bookmaker of some renown who was one of the first to open betting shops in England. He and his business partner sold their chain of offices to Ladbrokes thus making Terry Ireland’s youngest millionaire.

Hudson, “Brackie” was a relative of Sonny Hudson killed in Glasthule during the Civil war. Hudson Road in Glasthule was named after Sonny.

O h-Uadhaigh, Robert was a Barrister and the family had a law practise in Nassau Street up to the 1980’s.

Proud, Liam completed his studies, married Ann Daniel (her father was the Sub Agent and later Agent of Bank of Ireland, Anglesea Buildings, Dun Laoghaire) his son is a pianist. Liam Proud was also an Artist.

Michael O’Rourke had O’Rourkes Chemist in Dun Laoghaire. O Rourkes Park in Sallynoggin is named after him .

Matthew Cullen, Patrick Gallagher, Michael Kennedy and Oliver Moriarty were the other candidates.

Thanks also to contributors at http://www.dunlaoghairecounty.ie/ for helping with the History of the candidates.

(more…)

 

Youth Defence Membership leaflet from 2004 June 9, 2010


From around 2004 a membership leaflet from ‘Ireland’s only pro-life organisation for young people‘ Youth Defence.
According to the leaflet they have attracted more than 5000 members. There are commendations of Youth Defence (or YD) from amongst others The Evening Herald and Pope John Paul II.
It explains ‘What is YD?’ , ‘What Does YD Do‘ and ‘Why Get Involved?

Niamh Nic Mhathúna and Justin Barrett are amongst those Youth Defence members that have stood for election.

(more…)

 

‘LABOUR DRIVING THE NEXT GOVERNMENT-NO THANKS’ -Progressive Democrats -2007 GE June 3, 2010


One of a series of cartoons that were on Progressive Democrat election leaflets for the 2007 General Election.
This one attacking Labour. Presumably the PDs wanted to be in the driving seat.

 

Tom Crilly -Workers’ Party -1997 GE Dublin South East June 2, 2010


From the 1997 General Election a leaflet for Workers Party Candidate Tom Crilly running in Dublin South East. Tom Crilly got 694 votes.

(more…)

 

Irish Anti-War Movement poster for protest march to the Israeli Embassy on the 3rd of June 2010. June 1, 2010


A poster advertising the Irish Anti War Movements protest march from the Central Bank to the Israeli Embassy on the 3rd of June 2010. The march is to protest at the ‘Israeli massacre on Gaza Flotilla

 

‘We’ve made a difference.. You can too… Join Fianna Fail’ -2002 May 31, 2010


From 2002 a leaflet picked up in Wexford with the catchy heading ‘We’ve made a difference.. You can too..’
How?
‘Join Fianna Fail’

The Leaflet paints a wonderful picture of the time, pointing at employment growth, Peace and other items.

(more…)

 

‘ITS RIGHT TO SAY NO’ – Democratic Unionist Party – No to the Good Friday Agreement May 22, 2010


From the 1998 Good Friday Agreement campaign a DUP (or Ulster Democratic Unionist Party as the good Doctor refers to them in his message) leaflet urging voters to vote No to the Agreement.
‘The Pan Nationalist Front wants a ‘Yes’ vote to wreck the Union.’

Worthwhile reading all the objections and then seeing how much progress has been made in the last 12 years.
Ian Paisley concludes his ‘Dear Friend and Voter’ message with..
“The Agreement is a staging post to a united Ireland and has come about by abject surrender to IRA/Sinn Fein.
A “Yes” vote is a vote which the enemies of our Province and those who have surrendered to them are calling for.
You have the opportunity to save Ulster for the Union and for your offspring by voting “No”.
• A “No” vote means a positive and decisive blow struck at the heart of Ulster’s enemies.
• A “No” vote will block the slide to increased and eventual total Dublin rule.
• A “No” vote will save the RUC from destruction.
• A “No” vote will keep Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness out of any future government of Northern Ireland, and
• A “No” vote will demonstrate the determination of the Ulster people not to be bombed into Dublin rule by terrorist gangsters.
Stand up for Ulster! Stand up for your children and your heritage! Stand up for your children and your children’s children! Let the world know that the Ulster people will not be bullied, bribed or butchered into accepting fascist rule. It is suicidal to do otherwise. Your Friend and European Member of Parliament. For God and Ulster …”

(more…)

 

Mairead Byrne- Fianna Fail -1991 Locale Elections Celbridge


From the 1991 Local Elections, Fianna Fail candidate in Celbridge Mairead Byrne. She polled 488 votes and failed to get elected.
Celbridge based Byrne, at the time the Principal at Rathcoffey National School, was concerned with the provision of infrastructure in the region.
At the time North Kildare was expanding rapidly yet simple infrastructure was not being put in place.

 

Garda Representative Association (GRA) Questionnaire regarding Industrial Action 2010 May 18, 2010


From February 2010 a Questionnaire from the Garda Representative Association to members. Note how it is not called a Ballot (Is that because it’s not a Union?).
Its multiple choice too.
The Section 59 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005 refered to states that a person is guilty of an offence if he or she induces, or does any act calculated to induce, any member of the Garda Siochana to withhold his or her services or to commit a breach of discipline.
There is also a receipt to be signed of the questionnaire and that was to be put in an envelope and the lot sent off to an accountants office.

(more…)

 

Labour Party -Vote No to the Citizenship Referendum -2004 May 17, 2010


From the 2004 Citizenship Referendum a leaflet from the Labour Party urging a No vote.
The PDs, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were all urging a Yes vote.
Up until 2004 if your child was born in Ireland, you were entitled to citizenship.
The Referendum was passed by 79% Yes to 21% No

(more…)

 

Right To Work Campaign Poster for March on Tuesday 18th May


A Poster for the protest run by The Right To Work Campaign due next Tuesday (18th May).

 

Martin McGettigan-Fianna Fail -2009 Local Elections Donaghmede May 15, 2010


From the 2009 Local Elections in the Donaghmede ward, Fianna Fail candidate Martin McGettigan. Martin McGettigan received 1112 votes but failed to win a seat. He had previously stood for The PDs in 1987.
His running mate, Tom Brabazon did get in.

(more…)

 

‘Skipper for this storm too EAMON DE VALERA’ -Fianna Fail 1944 General Election Poster May 14, 2010


Got sent this gem from the 1944 general election. A Fianna Fail Poster ‘Skipper for this Storm Too’ EAMON DE VALERA
The ship symbolises neutral Ireland withDev at the helm.

 

Regards from Bertie- Letter looking for support for the Brother Maurice Ahern -2009 Local Elections,Dublin Central By-Election May 11, 2010


From 2009 and Bertie Ahern writes to voters in Dublin Central asking for a vote for the Brother Maurice Ahern in both the By Election and the local elections.

Bertie as ever in Dublin Central writes ‘Dear Neighbour’ as opposed to ‘Dear Voter’.
I am writing to thank you for the kindness and encouragement that has been extended to me…”
The content is of course as personal as ever. The elections give Bertie ‘a great opportunity to meet local residents and to catch up with you news and views…
He then goes on to ask for a vote for Maurice Ahern in both the Local Elections and the by-election.
Maurice Ahern finished fifth in the by-election on just 12.26% of the vote and also failed to win a seat in the Local Elections.

(more…)

 

Mary Heaslip -Progressive Democrats -1997 General Election -Wicklow May 10, 2010


From the 1997 General Elction, a flyer for Mary Heaslip running for The Progressive Democrats in Wicklow.
Mary Heaslip polled 1,726 votes and Lost her Deposit.
You might notice a similarity between the PD Tree Logo and the Tory one.

(more…)