Democracy in action: nine basic lessons

THE election result has taught us:

1. You can’t preach to people. Take note Niall Stokes of Hot Press magazine.

2. Eamon Dunphy always picks a losing horse.

3. The winner of the big debate does NOT lose the election.

4. We’re not as naive down here as nationalists in the North.

5. Political reporters covering the canvass made up negative stories about the response to FF in Dublin and Cork.

6. You actually need economic policies to get elected.

7. Writing anti-government letters to newspapers over every little thing doesn’t guarantee you a seat.

8. Jumping on every anti-government bandwagon sometimes backfires.

9. Just because everybody says you’re going to double your seat number doesn’t mean it will happen.

Edward O’Raghallaigh

Fiodhanatha

Muilleanncearr

Co na hIarmhí