Cork City returning officer steps down after three decades of elections

Returning officers play a central role in the democratic process ensuring that the election is administered effectively

Outgoing returning officer Martin Harvey (centre) at the count centre in Nemo. He said he does not favour the e-voting system. Picture: Larry Cummins 

The man who has overseen his last election in Cork City after more than three decades of service has hailed the transparency of Ireland’s democratic process.

Long-serving Cork City returning officer Martin Harvey described the paper-based proportional representation system as “fool-proof”.