ABSTRACT
The chapter analyses the operation of Ireland’s electoral system, proportional representation by the single transferable vote (PR-STV). It explains why this rarely used system was chosen in the first place, and then outlines the mechanics of the system as it operates in Ireland. The chapter assesses the political consequences of this distinctive system, examining its impact on accurate representation, government formation and stability, party cohesion and participation by the electorate. It focuses in particular on the political behaviour of elected parliamentarians, taking account of the long-standing debate as to whether PR-STV imposes upon national parliamentarians an incentive to focus on local constituency work to the neglect of their national parliamentary responsibilities. It also considers the objections raised by social choice theorists to the effect that PR-STV does not guarantee monotonicity. Finally, it reviews the main options should the question of adopting a new electoral system reach the top of the political agenda.
