Fianna Fáil TDs despair as wrong voting date published on by-election leaflet

The leaflet for John Stephens erroneously said the election was taking place on Thursday rather than Friday

Fianna Fáil councillor John Stephens on Seville Place for the forthcoming Dublin Bye Election next month. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Fianna Fáil TDs have expressed despair after the wrong day for the by-election was printed on the leaflet promoting their candidate in Dublin Central, John Stephens.

The leaflet erroneously said the election was taking place on Thursday, May 22, rather than the correct Friday, May 22.

Mr Stephens said the issue was only on a few election leaflets.

“There was a small number where the wrong date was put on it, but that was rectified,” Mr Stephens said.

However, Mr Stephens admitted he was unaware how many were impacted.

After the mistake was pointed out, some party TDs have reacted with annoyance at Fianna Fáil’s HQ.

“It’s symptomatic of what's wrong with Fianna Fáil headquarters. I don't see that that's the candidate making that call in the middle of a by-election,” one said.

Another TD audibly sighed when asked what they thought about the mistake.

However, yet another TD took a more sympathetic line, saying these things happen during an election campaign.

“In the rush of an election, small hiccups can happen,” they said.

Voters will go to the polls in the two by-elections in Dublin Central and Galway West tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it comes as Taoiseach Micheál Martin was confronted by members of jailed teacher Enoch Burke’s family during a canvass in Galway.

Mr Martin, who was out canvassing for Cillian Keane on Wednesday, was confronted by Mr Burke’s mother, Martina Burke.

Ms Burke repeatedly criticised Mr Martin during the confrontation, describing him as a “disgrace” and a “creep”.

“Sorry, do you mind. Keep your space now,” Mr Martin said, as a phone camera was pushed into his face.

Mr Martin later told those confronting him to move out of his way.

“I don’t mind what you say or do, but you’re not going to impede my progress,” he added.

Mr Burke has remained in prison for failing to purge his contempt over his continued breach of a court order barring him from attending Wilson’s Hospital School, his former workplace.

The teacher was suspended, before being dismissed, due to his conduct toward then-principal Niamh McShane at a school event in 2022, after he objected to using gender-neutral language.

Mr Burke’s dismissal is currently subject to a disciplinary appeals panel process.