By 1973, Fianna Fáil had been in power for 16 years. Fine Gael and Labour agreed a pre-election pact under a "National Coalition" banner in order to offer an alternative government.
Although Fianna Fáil increased its percentage of the vote, they lost six seats, and a Fine Gael-Labour coalition formed a government, led by Liam Cosgrave as Taoiseach.
Rodney Rice joins candidates campaigning in County Louth and finds that the voters are somewhat sceptical about the promises being made by the politicians.
Production Year
1973
Contributor
Rodney Rice (Reporter)
1973 GENERAL ELECTION
Sean D. Christian Democrat Dublin Bay Loftus
Candidate Sean D. Loftus changes his name by deed poll to ensure Christian Democrat appears on the ballot paper.
Production Year
1973
Contributor
John O'Donoghue (Reporter)
1973 GENERAL ELECTION
"People Made Up Their Minds Mainly By What They Saw On Television"
Television cameras follow Fine Gael leader Liam Cosgrave on the campaign trail. Cosgrave talks about the growing influence of television on politics and the electorate.
Production Year
1973
1973 GENERAL ELECTION
Need for a Strong Communist Voice in the Dáil
Michael O'Riordan is the first person to stand for the Communist Party in a general election since the 1930s.
