THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Municipal elections took place in County Kildare on 15th January 1920. This was the first time the proportional election system was used in County Kildare. The image below are instructions on the then new voting system from The Nationalist & Leinster Times of 10th January 1920.

THE MUNICPAL ELECTIONS (Leinster Leader Editorial, 3 January 1920)

The preparations which have been going on for some time past for the carrying out of Municipal elections are now practically complete and nominations have already been made in some centres and others will be received on Monday next. The proportional representation system of election is an innovation which, of course, requires exceptional attention from the officials who will be entrusted with carrying out the elections, but it is understood that the details are now completely mastered and will not present much difficulty. How far this applies to aspiring candidates and the electorate in exercising its choice of representatives remains to be seen… In many cases sitting members will seek re-election, while it is a foregone conclusion that the dominant political organisations and Labour Party will run candidates for every borough and urban council. While it is recognised that the popular political, and labour parties have strong organisations to back their claims for requiring representation, the P.R. system designed to prevent monopoly will ensure representation to other elements, but it is conceivable that majorities must be secured by the former. It many instances, the Transport and General Workers’ Union it is expected will combine with the republicans to secure the return of their nominees, and canvassing is already actively going on…..