Independents and the election: The party crashers

Abstract

The 2016 election saw a record number-23-of independent candidates elected, proportionally the most independents elected to any national parliament in a mainstream democracy since 1950. This chapter puts the result in context and details and explains this outcome. It explains what is meant by ‘independent’, and argues that their prevalence in Ireland is down to a combination of factors, including the preferential electoral system-multi-seat constituencies in a small population. The chapter uses data from the Radio Telefís Éireann Exit poll to explore why people voted independent in 2016. Finally, it argues against the widespread view that independents and good government are incompatible.