Compiled by Shane Hegarty
What's in a name?
Some 53,288 ballot papers in Kerry South are being destroyed because of a printing error that saw outgoing Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae's name spelt as "Ray". The TD's distinctive face had adorned the ballot paper, along with the correct spelling in smaller letters, but for the sake of accuracy, new papers will be printed.
Some 372 postal votes, already sent out, are being allowed stand and it is believed that no voter has complained of any confusion.
As it happens, the TD's birth certificate simply reads John Patrick Healy - the name Rae refers to the townland at the southern foot of Mangerton mountain, where he was born.
Palm reading
So what was scribbled on Trevor Sargent's left palm? There are several possibilities: a new lentil recipe, perhaps; the names of all the other party leaders, just in case he forgot them; his non-negotiables, should he have a post-debate drink with Pat Rabbitte. Actually, they were the notes for his opening speech, just in case the autocue failed. It would have been fascinating to have seen him squint his way through that problem. If it proves one thing, though, it's that, unlike some politicians, Sargent doesn't carry round a tub of hand-cleanser everywhere he goes.
Squeaky clean
The Green Party leader's blushes could have been saved if he had only heeded the advice of Labour politician Derek McDowell. This poster is going up in the toilets of pubs in Dublin North Central.
Stars shine for young vote
New videos featuring Colin Farrell, Damien Dempsey, Bosco, The Thrills and other celebrities urging young people to "Rock the Vote" are set to debut in the final run-up to next week's election, writes Erin Golden. Two videos will be released each day by the Rock the Vote campaign, which was established earlier this year to inform and engage 18- to 35-year-olds who have previously been disengaged from the political system. According to the campaign's director, Patrick Cosgrave, previously released celebrity voting videos have drawn a large viewership on the internet. "We've had over 70,000 views on [networking site] bebo and nearly 40,000 on YouTube."
Though the Rock the Vote message seems to be spreading, the celebrity-heavy marketing has drawn some criticism from more traditional political and media outlets. But Cosgrave said the campaign's real success would be measured in a long-term cultural shift toward widespread political participation.
Watching the watchers
Rock The Vote offshoot MyCandidate.ie has been tracking where the 15,000 hits a day are going, which parties are attracting most visits and which candidates have piqued the nation's interest. It has been private until now, but from this afternoon they'll be sharing that information. Fine Gael's Lucinda Creighton is attracting the most hits, but Dartmouth Square's most famous citizen, Noel O'Gara, is attracting attention. So nothing new there. Go to www.mycandidate.ie from 2pm today for the statistics.