Irish general election, 1969

Irish general election, 1969

1965 ← 18 June 1969 → 1973

outgoing members ← → TDs elected

143 of 144 seats in Dáil Éireann 72 seats were needed for a majority Turnout 76.9%   First party Second party Third party   Leader Jack Lynch Liam Cosgrave Brendan Corish Party Fianna Fáil Fine Gael Labour Party Leader since 9 November 1966 1965 1960 Leader's seat Cork City North-West Dún Laoghaire and Rathdown Wexford Last election 72 seats, 47.7% 47 seats, 34.1% 22 seats, 15.4% Seats before 75 46 19 Seats won 75 50 18 Seat change 0 4 1 Percentage 45.7 34.1% 17.0% Swing 2.0% 0% 1.6%

Percentage of seats gained by each of the three major parties, and number of seats gained by smaller parties and independents.

Taoiseach before election Jack Lynch Fianna Fáil Subsequent Taoiseach Jack Lynch Fianna Fáil

Jack Lynch
Fianna Fáil

Jack Lynch
Fianna Fáil

The Irish general election of 1969 was held on 18 June 1969. The newly elected members of the 19th Dáil assembled at Leinster House on 2 July when the new Taoiseach and government were appointed. The general election took place in 42 parliamentary constituencies throughout Ireland for 144 seats in the lower house of parliament, Dáil Éireann.

The general election of 1969 saw two new leaders of the two main parties fight their first general election. Jack Lynch of Fianna Fáil had become Taoiseach in 1966 and was attempting to win his first election. Liam Cosgrave had taken charge of Fine Gael in 1965 and was now leading his party into his first election. Brendan Corish was fighting his third general election as leader of the Labour Party.

Fianna Fáil had been in power since 1957, and in spite of media predictions the party was still very popular with the voters. Its leader Jack Lynch proved to be the party's biggest electoral asset. His quiet, easy-going and reassuring style, coupled with the catchy slogan "Let's back Jack!", attracted many new voters to Fianna Fáil. The party had introduced many innovative pieces of legislation during the 1960s and was now looking for a fresh mandate. Fianna Fáil were also helped by a deeply divided opposition.

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