ELECTION LINES: Latest from the campaigns in Meath East and West
Welcome to the Meath Chronicle Election Blog where we will store all the latest news and developments in Meath West and Meath East as we countdown to the 2024 General Election with polling day on November 29th.
***
29/11/24 - 5.30pm
29/11/24 - 3.30pm
Voter turnout in Meath East appeared higher than the average nationwide after the lunchtime rush, while things appeared slower in Meath West.
In Ashbourne there had been a 25per cent turnout at 2pm while 22 per cent had turned out in Kells.
In Meath West, there was a 17 per cent turnout in Enfield and 14.6 per cent in Navan.
Voter turnout at polling stations across the country is slightly up on 2020 in urban locations, with Dublin and commuter towns seeing higher early numbers.
29/11/24 - 2pm
Getting the vote out
29/22/24 - 1pm
Election Baby!
29/11/24 - 12pm
29/11/24 - 11.30am
Turnout At 11.30am averaging 10 per cent ....
St Mary's Trim 9.7
Ratoath 10.8
Scoil Olibheir Naofa, Bettystown 9
St Marys Enfield 9.1
St Colmcilles Kells 11
Dunboyne 8.9
Bohermeen 8.5
29/11/24 - 10.30am
The turnout in Meath at 9am was around 3 per cent
Ashbourne Community Centre 3.5 per cent
St Mary's Ashbourne 2.1
Bohermeen 3.5
Bettystown 3.78
St Mary's, Trim 3.3
Ballivor 3
St Oliver's Navan 3
St Colmcilles, Kells 2.7
29/11.24 - 10am
29/11.24 - 9am
GE2024... What you need to know ahead of voting
The polling centre locations and scheme for each of the Meath constituencies can be viewed here
28/11/24 - 9am
Every candidate here, interviews and profiles, who is saying what as election hour draws near
Meath East Decides: Interviews and Profiles of all the candidates in the new four-seat constituency
27/11/24 - 3pm
Election outcome is far from a foregone conclusion – Soc Dems
This country cannot afford to re-elect the same government if we want to deliver more affordable housing and better public services
We cannot afford to re-elect the outgoing government if we want to meaningfully tackle the crises in housing, health, childcare and disability services, according to Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan.
“Since this campaign began, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been acting as if they had the election all sewn up. However, their arrogance and sense of entitlement are clearly misplaced.
“At this late stage in the campaign, we are meeting a large number of undecided voters, meaning, in reality, the outcome of the election is very much to be determined and there is everything to play for.
“From the positive feedback our candidates have received, it is clear that our party’s message – in areas such as housing, childcare, education, health, climate action and disability – is resonating at the doors.
“There is significant momentum behind the Social Democrats as we enter the final few days of this campaign, with the most recent Irish Times poll putting us in fourth place. This is double the rating we had before the last election and is our highest ever showing in this poll.
“We are running 26 exceptional candidates in 25 constituencies and I am very hopeful that we can make a number of gains in these elections.
“This country badly needs a change of direction. We simply cannot afford another five years of the same government and the same failed policies.
“That is why I am today appealing to people – particularly undecided voters – to give the Social Democrats their first preference on Friday so we can have the strongest possible mandate after the election.”
27/11/24 - 11am
No clear winner in leaders' debate with few standout moments
The final leaders' debate aired on RTÉ on Tuesday night, and much like the current opinion polls, there was little between the three party leaders.
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald all put in more reserved performances than viewers are used to.
With so much riding on the debate, it seemed all three leaders were reluctant to go all out for a killer blow. READ ON...
26/11/2024 - 10am
Powersharing shows Sinn Féin can ‘hold it together’ in Republic, McDonald says
The UK Government is “not minded to fund the North correctly”, Mary Lou McDonald claimed as she defended Sinn Féin’s record in the power-sharing Executive. READ ON...
25/11/24 - 11am
Party leaders set for final Prime Time Debate
RTÉ’s Prime Time is set to host the final General Election 2024 Leaders’ Debate this Tuesday night, November 26, offering voters further opportunity to hear directly from Ireland’s leading political figures.
Presented by Miriam O’Callaghan and Sarah McInerney, the live broadcast will feature Fine Gael’s Simon Harris, Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin, and Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald. The debate promises in-depth discussion and rigorous questioning on the key issues shaping Ireland’s future, providing a platform for the prospective Taoiseach to share their vision with the electorate.
As part of RTÉ’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, the Prime Time Leaders’ Debate will feature live Irish Sign Language interpretation to ensure accessibility for our viewers from the Deaf and ISL community.
Ahead of the Leaders’ Debate Miriam O’Callaghan said, “'I am really looking forward to this leaders’ debate - they're always intense for everyone involved especially the leaders - but they're also always fascinating and engaging and a chance for viewers to see all three leaders up close and personal.”
Speaking on the debate Sarah McInerney said, "The Prime Time leaders debate takes place three days out from polling, when many people will be deciding who they want to lead the next government. It'll be the first and only debate between the three people contending for the office of Taoiseach. People want to know who is going to fix the housing crisis, who can address the cost of living in Ireland and who will tackle hospital waiting lists. Miriam and I will be working together to get answers for people on these key issues, and much more.”
Tune in live to RTÉ One, RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player this Tuesday, November 26 at 9:35pm for this pivotal event in the 2024 election cycle.
23/11/24 - 12pm...
What constituency am I in?
The general election on November 29th will send 174 TDs to the Dáil from 43 constituencies.
The electoral map has changed significantly since the last election, with four extra constituencies and 14 more seats. One of those extra seats is in Meath East, moving from a three to four seater. Meath West remains unchanged at three seats.
Use the map below provided by the Electoral Commission to find out which constituency you're in and how many TDs you’ll be voting to elect.
Type in your address or Eircode here to find your constituency.
23/11/2024 - 10am
Tanaiste visits Navan primary school that's been in temporary accommodation for 14 years
Mr Martin was supporting Cllr Aisling Dempsey during a visit to the Meath West constituency where he said he hoped she would claim one of the three seats up for grabs at next Friday's general election. Full story here...
23/11/2024 - 9am
Pylons a live wire election issue...public meeting to be held on Interconnector
According to the organisers the purpose of the meeting is to give concerned farmers, landowners and affected communities an update on the status of the project and to review the political party promises made prior to the last election. Full Story Here...
22/112024 - 4pm
Deputy Johnny Guirke encouraging traffic to slow down in and around Kilmessan today
22/11/2024 - 3pm
Tanaiste in town...pays visit to Ard Ri CNS and town centre
Tanaiste Micheal Martin was a special guest at Ard Ri CNS in Navan today where he congratulated the 360-pupil school's football team on their recent Cumann na mBunscol victory - the first in the school's history.
22/11/2024 - 11AM
ALERT: Taniaste Micheal Martin is due in Navan at Midday to canvass with Meath West Fianna Fail candidate
22/11/2024 - 11AM
In pole position or left at the starting line?…Harris zones in on seat gains in Meath
***
22/11/2024 - 10am
Balfe: Public transport option for commuters 'inadequate'
Public transport in Meath East remains inadequate for the needs of commuters, workers, students, shoppers, patients seeking medical care, and those travelling for social reasons, according to Labour candidate Eilish Balfe, who said that despite substantial population growth in Meath, the infrastructure remains stuck in the past, leaving many residents without viable transport options.
“I will urgently support direct routes from Ashbourne and Ratoath to Dublin, a feeder bus to the M3 train station, and the extension of bus routes to reach rural areas of Meath East.