Leave your mark in the ballot box

The elation of the Irish electorate in March 2011 quickly turned to deflation and angst.

Three years on, the words of Pat Rabbitte ring in their ears about lying to get elected; the electorate feels totally “shattered“, no doubt leading innumerable people to think, either “I will never vote again” or “I will spoil my vote at the local and EU elections”. The latter is a wasted vote; not even looked at by candidates.

The ancient Chinese proverb, “Revenge is a dish best served cold”, provides every dissatisfied elector with the best tool to teach Tweedledum and Tweedledee a lesson they will never forget.

Bertie’s “oul pencil” used properly on the ballot paper at the May elections will empower you.

The number of candidates on the ballot paper in your constituency is the number of votes you have; grasp this golden opportunity to number every box on the ballot paper, and reserve with relish the last four numbers in the order of your choice for the four main parties.

If even ten percent of a constituency did this it would send alarm bells off. Recall in the Meath East bye-election how FG crowed they had a massive win when in fact more than 50% of the electorate did not vote.

Put lead in your pencil in May and do your duty by casting your vote; be what Kenny and Gilmore and their nodding acolytes are not — “The indomitable Irishry” invoked by W B Yeats!

Declan Foley

Berwick

Australia