Presenter Miriam O'Callaghan gives the background to the success of small parties and independents in the recent election.

'Prime Time' reporter Mike Milotte profiles successful candidates in the 1997 general election from minority parties or those who contested the election independently. Michael Lowry, Joe Higgins, Jackie Healy Rae, Mildred Fox, Harry Blaney, Thomas Gildea and Tony Gregory are shown in their various count centres and are interviewed briefly after they are elected.

'Prime Time' is RTÉ's main current affairs series and was first broadcast in 1998 and continues today.

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