The ballot paper for Ireland\u2019s presidential election is unlawful \u2013 and gives an unfair advantage to Fine Gael and Fianna F\u00e1il\u2019s candidates. The Ditch will challenge this in the High Court if necessary. Here’s the letter we’ve sent the presidential returning officer.<\/p>\n
Re: Presidential election 2025<\/p>\n
A chara,<\/p>\n
The presidential returning officer\u2019s sample ballot paper for Ireland\u2019s presidential election is unlawful \u2013 and gives an unfair advantage to Fine Gael and Fianna F\u00e1il\u2019s candidates.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This ballot you\u2019ve circulated includes Fine Gael\u2019s Heather Humphreys\u2019s previous occupation. It lists Fianna F\u00e1il\u2019s Jim Gavin\u2019s previous occupation and employer. Independent Catherine Connolly\u2019s section lists only her current occupation.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
These biographical inclusions for Humphreys and Gavin are to be imposed on the electorate at the moment they cast their votes \u2013 it\u2019s unlawful and confers undue advantage on both. Humphreys isn\u2019t a government minister. Gavin isn\u2019t employed by the Defence Forces.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And the legislation is clear.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The presidential returning officer is responsible for ensuring all information included on the ballot is legal. Furthermore, he is required, under the Presidential Elections Act 1993, to \u201cobject to the description\u201d of a nominated candidate that is \u201cincorrect\u201d and \u201camend or delete it\u201d.<\/p>\n
A senior civil servant with experience working at the highest levels of government, the returning officer didn\u2019t do this.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At a time of distrust of electoral and political systems, it is essential that every possible effort is taken to maintain public faith. The Ditch questions why small, legally required efforts weren\u2019t made with the presidential election ballot \u2013 and why these small, but significant, advantages were granted to Fine Gael and Fianna F\u00e1il\u2019s candidates.<\/p>\n
The presidential returning officer needs to confirm that these details will be deleted from the ballot.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you fail to do so by Tuesday, The Ditch will attend the High Court to challenge your failure.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Background\u00a0<\/p>\n