Turnout was low and slow for most of the day as voters went to the polling stations to cast their votes in the race for the Áras, with the 2025 contest marred by accusations of candidate-blocking in the nomination process, and a choice of just two on the paper, though Jim Gavin still appeared despite withdrawing from the race.
But for some, the biggest story of the day was that #SpoilTheVote kept trending, and the sheer number of photos of spoiled votes appearing on social media. The count tomorrow will see whether the number of spoiled votes reaches the level indicted by opinion polls.
‘
Some messages on the initiative reached huge audiences as the day wore on, and news stories concentrated on turnout and the two candidates casting their own votes.
As #spoilthevote trended, Killarney chef, Paul Treyvaud, Post said “Never seen anything like this in my life. The response has been insane to the #spoilthevote campaign”.
Many spoiled votes shared on social media referenced the case of the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in Citywest this week, and expressed serious concerns regarding immigration.
Equally, many also referenced barrister and campaigner Maria Steen as their Number 1 preference – and were critical of the lack of choice on the ballot and the system which allowed the political parties to block nominations.
Others showed support for businessman Nick Delehanty who is well-known for commentary on IPAS payments and wastage in government spending.
It seemed an opportunity to make a statement for significant numbers of voters, and even to quote Pearse.
Tomorrow’s vote will tell whether the campaign brought disillusioned voters to the polls to spoil their vote in significant numbers.