As I write, we are counting the results of the General Election to Dáil Éireann.

Our system is proportional representation. In my constituency there are five seats and 13 candidates.

I voted for each one, in order of my preference, from one to 13.

The Quota = (( Total Valid poll ) / ( number of seats plus one) plus one).....................so if there are 50,000 valid votes, and four seats, the quota is (50,000 / ( 4 + 1) ) + 1 = 10,001

 Anyone getting 10,002 first preferences is automatically elected.

If no one makes it on the first count, the bottom guy/gal is eliminated, and the second preferences of the folks who voted first for that candidate are distributed........................third count repeats this.................fourth likewise...................until  all the seats are filled.

frequently, 10 votes decide the issue.

You can start with the one you like best at No 1, or the one you like least at No 13.

Its like bullfighting, without the bull, the fight, or the sawdust.

It keeps them honest...............at least once every five years.

Is trúa liom go mór nár eirigh le Fine Gael san Olltoghachán, bhí dúil 'is súil orm go mbéidís san Ríaltas i Dáil Éireann. Faraor táimís faoí chois ag Fianna Fáil le cúig bliain eile * osna mór*

Inniu, 12ú Aibreán, chonaic me fainleóg amháin ghar le Aith Chinn na Gaillimhe, céad fainleóg an t-samhraidh. Buíochas mór le Dia faoi !

Shroich sé ceann scríbe seachtain roimh an t-am is gnáth.