Daly calls for ‘county’ votes to be counted locally for referenda

Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Jim Daly, has written to the Cork County Sheriff, Ms. Sinead McNamara, asking for reconsideration of the current arrangement which sees county votes at referendums being hosted and counted in Cork city.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming referendum on the abolition of the Seanad, which is to be held on October 4th, Deputy Daly has described as unusual the current practice of transporting all the votes cast during a referendum in west Cork to the city to be counted.

“The votes cast in the county area should be counted in west Cork, providing a boost for the local economy on count day. The Cork County Sheriff, who is also the Cork County returning officer for the constituencies of Cork South West, Cork North West and Cork East, has the responsibility for the management and counting of votes at various referendums and elections. These three constituencies have a combined eligible electorate of 202,655. Following referenda, these votes are counted in a count centre located in Cork city, with the votes cast in the city constituencies being counted at a separate venue.

“Clonakilty has traditionally been the venue for the counting of votes cast at General Elections and the event contributed significantly to the local economy with hundreds of people visiting the town on count day. There is always strong interest in west Cork for the various elections and referenda results with these events attracting large numbers of people, many of whom stay in the town and spend locally in the various shops and restaurants. In addition to this, staff at the count centre will also dine in the local restaurants and hotels, providing an additional boost to the local economy.

“Local businesses will not be the only winners if the count is relocated back to West Cork. Count centres are a great source of education and contribute significantly to people’s interest and understanding of democracy.

“Clonakilty is very centrally located for people who have an interest in attending the vote counting events and also has more than adequate free parking and other services that people can avail of while in town for the day. Many people who have a genuine interest in the counts would not be as inclined to attend city centre locations, depriving them of the vibrant and exciting event that all previous counts, without exception, held at Clonakilty Community Hall have proven to be in the past.

“County votes for referenda would be a positive development for the town. I looking forward to receiving a response from Ms. McNamara and hope that she will look favourably on this request.”