Local Authority Archivists’ Group: Local Elections Exhibition

2009 marks the 110th anniversary of the first representative local elections which were held in April 1899. The Local Authority Archivists’ Group, with the support of the Heritage Council, has created an exhibition to mark the election anniversary which is travelling to all the counties and cities in Ireland in the run-up to the Local Elections next month. It is hoped that this exhibition will help to heighten awareness of the purpose and goals of local elections and the impact that local government has in our communities.
The passing into law of the Local Government Act, 1898 established the County Councils and reformed the City Councils and gave many people in Ireland the right to vote for the first time. This right gave people a say in local government which meant that they were able to influence the development of their communities and their country. It could be argued that the road to national independence in 1922 was greatly supplemented through the gains made in local elections by nationalist parties.
The exhibition gives an outline of some of the major historical themes and events surrounding local elections since the first elections in 1899 including the Local Government Act 1898 and the franchise, the first Local Government elections 1899, the result of the first election and its consequences; famous elections, election campaigns, and legislative changes over the years.

The exhibition is on display at Galway County Council offices, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, until the 23rd May. For those unable to visit the exhibition the panels are available in pdf format at here