Irish general election, 1977

The election for the 21st Dáil was held on June 16, 1977. The new members of Dáil Éireann assembled on July 5 when a Fianna Fáil government was appointed.

National

Overview

The 1977 General Election was one of the most significant for Fianna Fáil in all its history. It resulted in the defeat of the ruling National Coalition of Fine Gael and the Labour Party and the victory of Fianna Fáil. Jack Lynch became Taoiseach for the second time while the leaders of Fine Gael and the Labour Party, Liam Cosgrave and Brendan Corish respectively, resigned as leaders of their political parties.

Fine Gael and the Labour Party fought the election campaign as a team again. They hoped that their record alone would guarantee re-election, however, this was not the case. However, certain events including the resignation of President Ó Dálaigh in 1976 and the redrawing of constituency boundaries would go against the coalition. Fianna Fáil ran a tightly controlled campaign. They promised big tax cuts and increased public spending. Jack Lynch toured the country in an American-style meet and greet of the electorate.

Many commentators had predicted a return to power for the National Coalition, however, Fianna Fáil returned to government with a twenty-seat Dáil majority. It was and still remains the biggest Dáil majority ever achieved by a single party.

First time TDs

• Bertie Ahern
• Síle de Valera
• Martin O'Donoghue
• Charlie McCreevy
• Jim Mitchell
• Albert Reynolds
• Joe Walsh
• Michael Woods

Retiring TDs

• Justin Keating
• Conor Cruise O'Brien

By-Elections

• November 7, 1979: In Cork City the Labour Party loses its seat to Fine Gael. On the same day in Cork North East Fianna Fáil loses one of its seats to Fine Gael.
• November 23, 1983: Following the death of Joseph Brennan, Clem Coughlan retains the seat for Fianna Fáil in Donegal.

See also

• Government of the 21st Dáil