Chapter 1. The Background to the Election.- Chapter 2. The Selection of Candidates.- Chapter 3. Campaign Strategies and Political Marketing.- Chapter 4. The View from the Campaign Trail .- Chapter 5. The Election results and the New Dáil.- Chapter 6. How the Voters Decided.- Chapter 7. Women and the Election.- Chapter 8. The Seanad Election.- Chapter 9. The Formation of the Government.- Chapter 10. Implications for the Irish Party System.

This book is the definitive analysis of the 2016 Irish general election and is the eighth book in the well-established How Ireland Voted series. The 2011 election in Ireland was characterised as an earthquake, but the aftershocks visible in the 2016 election were equally dramatic. This election saw the rout of the government that had presided over a remarkable economic recovery, and marked a new low for the strength of the traditional party system, as smaller parties and independents attracted almost half of all votes. The first chapter sets the context, and later ones investigate the extent to which the outgoing government fulfilled its 2011 pledges, and how candidates were selected. The success or otherwise of campaign strategies is assessed, the results and the behaviour of voters are analysed, and the aftermath, when it took a record length of time to form a government, is explored. Other chapters examine the consequence of new gender quotas for candidate selection, consider thereasons for the unusual success of independents, and reflect on the implications. The book also reveals intriguing insights into the candidates’ experiences of the election, both successful and unsuccessful. It will be of use to students, teachers and scholars of Irish politics, as well as the wider reader interested in Irish politics and elections.

“A well-written, timely and authoritative analysis of this fascinating Irish election. What on earth is happening to the traditional parties? Why so many independents? How can a stable government ever be formed given all this? How did the new gender quota work out? A respected team of seasoned academics tell us all we need to know.” (Professor Michael Laver, New York University, USA) “Combining expert insight into the long-term changing nature of Irish elections and Ireland’s political system, and authoritative understanding of the 2016 campaign, result and consequences, this book reveals how important the 2016 election is for understanding the broad phenomenon of rising support for independents, how this has happened in Ireland, and why it matters. A brilliant combination of fact, explanation, insight and detail, ‘How Ireland Voted 2016’ offers an unparalleled insight into the 2016 Irish election and its place in the trajectory of Irish political behaviour. Gallagher and Marsh bring together the perfect mix of detail and the big picture, expertise and breadth. They provide an excellent overview of an election which marks a crucial time point in an evolving picture of change in Irish politics that anyone interested in elections needs to understand.” (Professor Jane Green, University of Manchester, UK) “This volume brings together the leading experts of Irish politics who deliver a clear, insightful and very timely analysis of the 2016 election. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish electoral politics.” (Professor Sara Hobolt, London School of Economics, UK) “Throughout much of Europe, voters are nowadays often rebelling against established parties and politicians. Ireland is no exception. Here some of finest scholars of the subject explain how the near century old traditional patterns of Irish electoral politics have been disrupted like never before - and assess the implications for the future of the country’s democracy.” (Professor John Curtice, University of Strathclyde, UK)

"A well-written, timely and authoritative analysis of this fascinating Irish election. What on earth is happening to the traditional parties? Why so many independents? How can a stable government ever be formed given all this? How did the new gender quota work out? A respected team of seasoned academics tell us all we need to know." (Professor Michael Laver, New York University, USA) "Combining expert insight into the long-term changing nature of Irish elections and Ireland's political system, and authoritative understanding of the 2016 campaign, result and consequences, this book reveals how important the 2016 election is for understanding the broad phenomenon of rising support for independents, how this has happened in Ireland, and why it matters. A brilliant combination of fact, explanation, insight and detail, 'How Ireland Voted 2016' offers an unparalleled insight into the 2016 Irish election and its place in the trajectory of Irish political behaviour. Gallagher and Marsh bring together the perfect mix of detail and the big picture, expertise and breadth. They provide an excellent overview of an election which marks a crucial time point in an evolving picture of change in Irish politics that anyone interested in elections needs to understand." (Professor Jane Green, University of Manchester, UK) "This volume brings together the leading experts of Irish politics who deliver a clear, insightful and very timely analysis of the 2016 election. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish electoral politics." (Professor Sara Hobolt, London School of Economics, UK) "Throughout much of Europe, voters are nowadays often rebelling against established parties and politicians. Ireland is no exception. Here some of finest scholars of the subject explain how the near century old traditional patterns of Irish electoral politics have been disrupted like never before - and assess the implications for the future of the country's democracy." (Professor John Curtice, University of Strathclyde, UK)

Provides a comprehensive account of Ireland's exciting 2016 General Elections Features contributions by distinguished scholars analysing the election and by practising politicians giving their accounts of the campaign Includes analysis of voting behaviour, gender quotas, and government formation