In 1982, there were two general elections. The first, held in February, followed the collapse of the Fine Gael-Labour coalition after the Government's budget had been defeated. Minister for Finance John Bruton had attempted to put VAT on children's shoes and the left-wing independent TDs who had been supporting the government had voted against the budget.
Although Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party, they would rely on the support of independent TD Tony Gregory and three Sinn Féin The Workers Party TDs to form a government.
The leaders of the two main political parties face each other for the first time in a televised debate prior to a general election.
Production Year
1982
Contributor
Barry Cowan (Presenter)
1982 GENERAL ELECTION FEBRUARY
Ted Nealon Predicts Another Election within a Year
Albert Reynolds of Fianna Fáil and Ted Nealon of Fine Gael give their opinions on who will lead the country on the morning of the election of the Taoiseach.
Production Year
1982
Contributor
Rodney Rice (Reporter)
1982 GENERAL ELECTION FEBRUARY
Tony Gregory
Newly elected TD Tony Gregory outlines the problems in his constituency.
Production Year
1982
Contributor
Eamonn O Muiri (Presenter)
Mairead Ni Eithir (Reporter)
1982 GENERAL ELECTION FEBRUARY
Power Cut During Election Coverage
A behind-the-scenes look at what goes into covering a general election. This includes what can go wrong, including when a power cut takes coverage of the elections off the air.
