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Abstract
The Irish Republic Dáil election held on 24 May 2007 was considered to be the most exciting in a generation or more. The early part of the campaign was dominated by questions relating to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s personal finances and the result of the election was wide open until the last days of the campaign. With hindsight the election was also significant for a number of other reasons. First, it marked the occasion when a Taoiseach was returned to power for the third time in a row, emulating the achievement of Eamonn De Valera and cementing Flanna Fáil’s position as the dominant party of power. Second, it was the first occasion of the Green party entering government. Third, Fine Gael had a remarkably good election and as a result the smaller parties failed to make anticipated gains, returning the Dáil to what looks suspiciously like the old two‐and‐a‐half party system.
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to thank Michael Marsh for his helpful comments and suggestions. As ever all errors are mine.
Notes
1. Election concerns, Irish Times, 5 December 2006.
2. Poll shows modest gains for government, Irish Examiner, September 2006.
3. FF floundering but can Kenny ride a rising tide?, The Irish Times, 5 May 2007.
4. Fianna Fáil’s U‐turn, The Irish Times, 4 May 2007.
5. Showtime is more like a showdown as Bertie is Browned off, The Irish Times, 4 May 2007.
6. Has Bertie passed his sell by date?, The Irish Times, 11 July 2007.
7. Greens get on their bikes, but opt for low‐key canvass, The Irish Times, 4 May 2007.
8. To the Joint Houses of Parliament, Westminster, 15 May 2007. Available at http://www.taoiseach. gov.ie/index.asp?locID=558&docID=3427.
9. Ahern’s performance proved the decisive factor, Sunday Business Post, 15 July 2007.
10. Polls are consistent but PR system always has last laugh, The Irish Times, 12 May 2007.
11. Major surge for Fianna Fáil as alternative loses support, The Irish Times, 21 May 2007.
12. Salad days over for Greens, it’s time to bite the bullet, The Irish Times, 14 June 2007.
13. Ahern now master of all he surveys, The Irish Times, 30 June 2007.
14. Back to the drawing board, The Irish Times, 14 July 2007.
15. Bertie tugs heartstrings and purse strings, The Irish Times, 26 May 2007.