Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that the political system “needs to reflect” on the large number of spoiled ballots counted in the 2025 Presidential Election.
Spoiled votes outnumbered candidates in some constituencies, with many voters unimpressed with the candidates on the ballot paper.
Immigration and comments on the alleged sexual assault of a child last week were also prominently featured on spoilt ballots.
“I think every political leader, Government and Opposition - because they didn't vote Opposition either - needs to approach this with humility,” Simon Harris told reporters.
“We need to get under the bonnet of the fact that more and more people are finding themselves at a remove from politics."
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Mr Harris said that while turnout is typically lower in presidential elections, “there’s also other issues that we need to really consider and think about”.
“Ignoring people who wrote expletives are horrific things that nobody should ever write or abuse anybody, even through a ballot paper,” he said.
“A lot of people didn't do that; a lot of people actually wrote their thoughts and their views.
“I'm hearing that people even attached letters to their ballot paper - that's a fair bit of effort.
“I think the political system, including myself, we need to reflect on that.”
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Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she would see Catherine Connolly's victory as a “notable” step forward when it comes to achieving a united Ireland.
“The need for referendums on Irish unity have been very much front and centre [in this election],” she said.
“I am very happy to see that the combined opposition and those on the left now are of one voice and one mind in recognizing the need now for preparation for those referendums.
“I think that's a really, really positive and a very significant thing, actually.
“Another bit of a game changer in Irish political dialogue.”
Main image: Fine Gael party leader Simon Harris speaking to the media and reporters while arriving at the presidential count at Dublin Castle. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie. 25/10/2025
