Ardnagrath NS hosts its own general election!

As the country digests the numbers and the negotiations for forming a new government begin, the children of Ardnagrath NS, in Walderstown, Athlone, had their minds on their own political endeavours last week.

While the school already has a student council and a Junior Mayor, it took the opportunity to further develop its students understanding of Ireland’s political landscape by running its own general election.

Six brave 6th class students put their names in the hat to be elected to the two seats in the highly competitive Ardnagrath NS constituency.

Representing some of the main political parties, Sinn Féín, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, People Before Profit-Solidarity, the Green Party and one Independent candidate, the children got their teams together and developed election manifestos.

The week-long campaign involved researching their respective parties, looking at leaflets from local candidates, making their own posters and leaflets, and canvassing the school yard, classroom and indeed the staff room.

There was great excitement when the polling cards were delivered ahead of polling day on Monday, December 2, as the candidates made their final preparations for the leaders’ debate.

Although respectful for the most part, the debate did get a little heated at times as each of the candidates tried to get their manifestos across.

From no homework Mondays to extra yard time and new sport equipment, the children outlined their plans on how they would improve not only the school, but also the local community.

It is speculated that the Sinn Féin promise of freshly-baked muffins secured some of the teachers' votes.

Polling day was electrifying. The candidates and their supporters looked on anxiously as the staff at the count centre carefully sorted and counted each precious vote. Local Gardai and extra security were in attendance to ensure the integrity of the process.

As reflected in the real general election and the Athlone area, Ardnagrath’s Independent candidate, Donnacha, received a huge vote and was first to emerge victorious, reaching the quota on the first count and taking the first seat, but only just.

With no surplus to distribute, the candidates with the two lowest votes were eliminated and their votes distributed.

These votes from the Green Party’s Lauren and Fine Gael’s Annie helped Sinn Féin’s Sean and People Before Profit’s Drew.

Although it did not result in either candidate being elected, it did make for an interesting third count after Fianna Fáíl’s Mark’s votes were distributed.

In an unusual turn of events, both candidates ended up with the same numbers of votes, resulting in both candidates celebrating as the final transfers were made.

Following some consultation from the teachers, it was decided to increase the number of seats from two to three to allow for the unusual circumstances. But hey, didn’t they just increase the number of seats in Dáil Éireann anyway?

It won’t be long before the current pupils of Ardnagrath NS will be in a position to really take the reins from those in Leinster house.

These future leaders are starting early but it is safe to safe to say the future is bright with these young politicians coming on stream.