Dearey tops the poll in Dun Lughaidh mock election
IT was a general election with a difference as staff and students at St. Louis secondary school went to the polls in a ‘mock’ election’ on Friday last.
Polling day followed a highly organised campaign in the days and weeks since the real election was called for Saturday, February 8th.
All fifteen candidates, currently vying for votes from Louth’s electorate, saw their names added to the ballot sheet.
Voting was open to the entire student body, along with all staff members.
The mock election caused quite a stir as many pupils learned for the first time about the voting process.
Although no canvassing by any candidate was permitted, information on each contender was available so students and staff could make an informed decision.
Younger students learned about the system of PR (Proportional Representation) electoral system through the CSPE (Civic, Social, and Political Education) programme.
Teacher Orla Drumgoole told the Argus the results were certainly interesting!
‘We had a 66% turn out,’ said Orla. ‘ Elected on the first count with a huge surplus was Green Party candidate Mark Dearey.’
Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick was elected after the second count, while Sinn Fein’s Ruairi O Murchu, who is aiming to take the seat being vacated by Gerry Adams, was elected after the fifth count.
‘After all eliminations and without reaching the quota we deemed Declan Breathnach (FF) and Imelda Munster (SF) elected,’ said Ms. Drumgoole.
The success of long time contender for the Green Party Mark Dearey wasn’t surprising given the wide student support for the ‘Fridays for Future’ climate strikes
With a 66% of all those eligible casting their vote, the highest turnout came from first, second and third year students.
Interestingly, the lowest turnout was by sixth years, who happen to be those closest to voting age.
‘Interestingly, the younger students want the voting age to be reduced and the older ones don’t - they think they are not well enough informed.’
One fifth year student suggested they be given lessons in senior cycle on voting. They don’t do the CSPE programme at senior level.’