Politics

Parties use social media to influence undecided voters

Electorate encouraged to vote and supporters called on to give lifts to polling stations

Before the celebrations (and commiserations), votes are counted for 48 hours - sometimes over and over again. Why does it take so long? Hugh Linehan reports.
Sarah Bardon
Fri Feb 26 2016 - 01:00

Political parties are urging supporters to use social media to encourage people to use their votes today.

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Féin have placed huge emphasis on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to influence undecided voters. The parties are also encouraging members to continue canvassing from 7am to 10pm today and to offer a lift to neighbours and elderly voters.

Fine Gael's director of elections, Brian Hayes, urged the party's supporters to make 20 or 30 calls to friends and family urging people to vote for the party's candidates, and text their contacts looking for votes.

He is also encouraging voters to offer a friend a lift to the polling station and to stand with candidates at junctions and commuter locations today.

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Stability

In a letter to supporters, Mr Hayes said a small number of votes would decide final seats. He wrote: “I believe we are on the cusp of returning to government. We can do this. Our message of stability and not risking the recovery is now getting real traction amongst the public.”

In a message to Labour supporters, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin urged them to talk to family, friends and colleagues about their vote. He also asked them to share an online graphic highlighting Labour achievements in Government.

Tactics

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald told supporters they had a “collective responsibility to get the vote out”. She asked people “to have a chat with your family and friends, ensure that they will vote tomorrow, and that they will vote for Sinn Féin”.

Fianna Fáil is also using similar tactics on social media and urging its supporters to contact friends and neighbours to encourage them to vote for the party.

Renua, Social Democrats, Anti-Austerity Alliance-People before Profit, the Green Party and the Independent Alliance are also putting a huge push on social media to ensure their supporters come out.