This pioneering analysis uses the results from the first ever Irish election study to provide a comprehensive survey of the motives, outlook and behaviour of voters in the Republic of Ireland. Building on the foundations laid down by previous work on comparative electoral behaviour, it explores long-term influences on vote choice, such as party loyalties and enduring values, as well as short-term ones, such as the economy, the party leaders and the candidates themselves. It also examines how people use their vote and why so many people do not vote at all.
Many features of Irish elections...

The power of the European Parliament has been steadily and visibly increasing in recent years. At the same time, however, the already low rate of turnout in European elections has declined. Based on extensive new data, this important study probes the foundations of participation, democracy, and legitimacy in the European Union, and examines the ways in which participation and democratic representation might be enhanced.