The Rat Race - The Run up to Ireland's 2011 Presidential Election

image courtesy of theamerican.ie

This year's Irish presidential election has become something of a rat race. From dirty campaign tactics to the uncovering of lies and un-told truths of the candidates, the up-coming election appears to be more of a slagging match than a legitimate display of democracy.

With polling day looming, a survey was carried out in NUI Galway regarding the election and despite the strong affiliation the University holds with certain candidates, in particular Micheal D. Higgins, there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm surrounding the eligibility of any of the candidates. 

One student Rachel King admitted “I don’t have much interest in the election...No one stands out to me, but I’ll use my vote because I don’t think it’s right to waste it”. 

This theme re-appeared throughout the survey and another student Conal Houlihan admitted “I’m not keen on any of the candidates. They’re just not good enough”, he also felt their backgrounds let them down.

Although Seán Gallagher is currently topping the polls as favourite to win, it seemed Mary Davis and Micheal D. were the favourites among the NUIG student-body last week. The reasoning behind these choices was primarily down to the candidate' lack of shady pasts as well as their political backgrounds, with one student Rory Hogan suggesting them to be "the only legitimate candidates". 

Worryingly, many of the students that took part in the survey were un-aware or un-sure of the details of the referenda that will also take place on the day of the election. The referenda entail huge changes in the constitution. The referendum on inquiries by the Oireachtas is particularly important as it could bestow significant power to the houses of government to inquire into the actions of individuals if they feel it to be in the public interest.

Perhaps the Presidential candidates and their subsequent political parties would be doing more good by informing the people as opposed to digging up dirt on their opposition. Make sure you are informed on Thursday 27th October and check out http://www.referendum2011.ie/ for more information on the referenda.

Who will you vote for?