This book is the 9th volume in the established How Ireland Voted series and provides the
definitive story of Ireland's mould-breaking 2020 election. For the first time ever Sinn Féin
won the most votes the previously dominant parties shrank to a fraction of their former
strengths and the government to emerge was a coalition between previously irreconcilable
enemies. For these reasons the election marks the end of an era in Irish politics. This book
analyses the course of the campaign the parties' gains and losses and the impact of issues
especially the role of Brexit. Voting behaviour is explored in depth with examination of the
role of issues and discussion of the role of social cleavages such as class age and education.
The process by which the government was put together over a period of nearly five months is
traced through in-depth interviews with participants. And six candidates who contested Election
2020 give first-hand reports of their campaigns.
