#530 Spoiled Ballots, Empty Booths

In this episode, host Niall speaks with Nick Delehanty, independent candidate and small-businessman, about his bid for the presidency: the hurdles, the strategy, and where it all went wrong

Nick shares his journey — from his runs in last year’s local and general elections, to attempting to secure the support of four county councils as proposers in his failed quest to get on the ballot.

He acknowledges the difficulty: having proposers and seconders doesn’t guarantee nomination, and the crux is convincing council members to formally back him.
The Irish Times

Niall and Nick also discuss the wider mood among voters: many are openly saying they will spoil their ballot or abstain entirely in this election, citing disillusionment with politics, lack of trust in candidates, or feeling that none represent them.

One provocative question anchors the second half: Should non-voting be penalised? Niall opens the lines for callers to voice their views — should citizens be fined or sanctioned for not voting? They explore arguments:

Pros of fining non-voters:

Encourages civic participation and higher turnout

Reinforces the idea that voting is a duty, not just a right

Prevents apathy from distorting mandates

Cons / criticisms:

It punishes people for political disengagement rather than addressing root causes

Some may abstain or spoil deliberately as a protest — penalising them undermines their voice

Enforcement could be complex and unfair (who pays? ability to pay?)

It risks coercion or alienating voters further

Listeners are invited to call in and share their stances: Are you fed up with the choices and plan to spoil your vote? Or do you believe voting should be mandatory and enforced?

Whether you want to understand how someone outside the party system tries for a presidential run — or whether democracy should compel participation — this episode offers a candid, even controversial, conversation.