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10 things about Ireland's general election the world needs to understand

Political discourse can involve One Direction. That’s how it works here.

CaXqHnaWwAAio5C Source: Twitter/@actuallykillian

AFTER A HECTIC five days of counting, the general election is over, and all 158 Dáil seats have been filled.

It’s been a wild ride, and we’re sure it looked mighty strange to the outside world. But it’s OK, guys – here’s what you need to understand.

1. It’s perfectly OK to ask your local candidate out on a date

timjackson Source: Facebook/Tim Jackson

This Donegal Independent candidate didn’t get a seat, but he did get a romantic dinner for two, so it all evens out.

2. Campaign merchandise only needs the most tenuous connection to the actual campaign

alan shatter Source: TheJournal.ie

Tennis balls. Because he’s ‘on the ball’, yeah?

Wet wipes. Because… Ah here, you get it.

3. Recording your own campaign song is essential

Source: Mattie McGrath TD/YouTube

Politicians in the US get popstars to support their campaigns.
Irish politicians BECOME the popstars.

4. Expanding into short film is even better

Source: Martin Heydon/YouTube

5. And looking for votes through poetry is pretty standard

6. Political spats can be centred around the members of One Direction

IMG_7055 Source: DailyEdge.ie

lucinda Source: Twitter/@LCreighton

Please observe the sh*tstorm this caused on Twitter. DISCOURSE.

7. And people gladly take voting advice from men wearing plastic bags on their heads

https://www.facebook.com/TheRubberbandits/videos/vb.45998897199/10153855579047200/?type=2&theater

Can’t see the video? Click here.

Hon the Rubberbandits.

8. Counties can be re-zoned at the wish of a candidate

paddymanning Source: Twitter/Alan Maguire

“Waterford, Co Kilkenny.”

9. A leaders’ debate on the national broadcaster can be completely derailed by a creaky floorboard

Tweet by @Elaine Byrne Source: Elaine Byrne/Twitter

Someone came in and fixed it during an ad break, but not before #thecreak began trending on Twitter and a whole parody account was set up in the floorboard’s honour.

10. This man isn’t Hulking out. He’s just really really happy

https://vine.co/v/i6lnLnnX1wm

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More: 11 of the most Irish things that have already happened in the election campaign>

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