Irish general election, 2002 - Definition and Overview

This article is part of the series Politics of the R. of Ireland

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Political parties Elections: President: 2004 Legislature: 2002

The 28th Dáil was dissolved by President McAleese on Thursday April 25, 2002 and a General Election announced for Friday May 17, 2002. The 29th Dáil assembled on June 6, 2002.

Results

Overview

The general election was significant for six major reasons:

• The re-election of the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrat government, the first occasion since 1969 when an Irish government won re-election;
• The meltdown in Fine Gael support, which saw the main opposition party drop from 54 to 31 seats, lose all but two seats in Dublin, and several prominent members, including
  • Alan Dukes - Former Leader of Fine Gael.
  • Jim Mitchell - Deputy Leader of Fine Gael.
  • Nora Owen - Former Minister for Justice.
  • Austin Currie - Former Presidential Election candidate.
  • Jim Higgins - Former Chief Whip.
  • Alan Shatter - Member of the Fine Gael Front Bench.
• The electoral success of Sinn Féin, which increased its seat number from 1 to 5.
• The failure of the Irish Labour Party, contrary to all expectations, to increase its seat total.
• The success of the Green Party, which increased its TDs from two to six, including its first TD outside of the capital, Dublin.
• The election of a large number of independent candidates.
• Being the first time electronic voting machines were used in an Irish election. They were used in two constituencies, Dublin West and Dublin North.

In the immediate aftermath of the election, Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan announced his resignation from the leadership. All other potential leaders having lost their seats, Enda Kenny was chosen as the new leader. Later in the year, Ruairí Quinn stepped down as leader of the Labour Party. He was replaced by Pat Rabbitte.

The 2002 election results provide little comfort for those who would like to see an alternative government in the lifetime of this Dáil. The non-government parties are fragmented and have major policy differences, and Fianna Fail can continue in government (with the support of independent TDs) even if the Progressive Democrats withdraw.

See also

• Government of the 29th Dáil
• Members of the 29th Dáil
• Irish General Election, 2007 (a possibility)