When the proportional representation system was being introduced to Ireland, it was explained as, instead of one person getting all the pie, several individuals got a slice of the cake.
At its core, the system is transparent and fair, but an inbuilt system of transferring votes, means you can be leap-frogged very quickly, despite having a commanding position.
Leap-frogged
For those awaiting their electoral fate, count centres are stressful environments. Reaching a quota, means you can look forward to an early night and get on with the business of celebrating.
Sinn Féin’s Pat Buckley, a sitting TD in the Cork East constituency, was in that comfortable position.
Full story in this week’s Print & Digital Edition
