In May 2007, the Irish people went to the polls in what was to turn out to be one of the most exciting General Elections in recent history.
In a special one hour documentary, THE NAKED ELECTION focuses on nine diverse candidates around the county who faced the people and asked them to elect them to the Dáil.
Unfolding in parallel to the gladiatorial contest between Bertie and Enda, this candid observational documentary is the story of their personal journeys in the two weeks leading up to polling day. For some the spoils, for others bitter disappointment (and the Seanad for the rest!).
The programme explores a world where shoe leather and family pedigree matters much more than the spindoctors’ strategies. It is a portrait of the gruelling life on the hustings, an insight into what makes politicians tick and a blow-by-blow account of the brutal bloodsport that is Proportional Representation.
As the nature of democratic campaigning changes forever, the programme also takes an affectionate look at the endangered species of the tallyman, as well as offering revealing behind the scenes footage of how the media covered the unfolding contest.
The candidates featured were:
Mary O’Rourke, Fianna Fáil, Longford Westmeath - The Great Dame of the Fianna Fáil party and the ultimate dynastic politician brings experience, attitude and rivalry to the hustings.
Dominic Hannigan, Labour, Meath East - This blogging candidate was voted the number one ‘Dáil Dude’ just before the real votes were cast that would decide his political fate.
Níall Ó Brolcháin, The Green Party, Galway West - Mayor Ó Brolcháin enjoyed mixed fortunes riding the wave of contaminated water towards the election.
Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin, Donegal South East - Part of the new generation of Sinn Féin candidates and a rising star of the party, the 29-year-old must now prove himself in the national arena.
Frank McNamara, The Progressive Democrats, Dublin South Central - Frank provides an opportunity to see how celebrity translates into politics on the doorstep.
Denis Naughten, Fine Gael, Roscommon - South Leitrim - Last time out Denis easily won the seat previously occupied by his late father. Re-election is truly a matter of family pride.
Jackie Healy Rae, Independent, Kerry South - The enigmatic, cap-wearing veteran is out to prove his critics wrong with the help of his son and campaign director Michael Healy Rae.
John McCarthy, Independent, Cork North Central - a passionate orator and truly independent spirit, John wants to give people suffering from mental illness a new and powerful voice.
Richard Boyd-Barrett, Independent, Dún Laoghaire - Sinead Cusack’s long lost son and the voice of the anti-war movement, Richard brings his liberal politics to the masses.
THE NAKED ELECTION distils thousands of hours of footage, hundreds of personal stories and dozens of twists and turns into one fascinating hour that captures the unique nature of our political system.