During May and June of 1979 I spent twenty-two days in The Republic of Ireland photographing a wide variety of subjects, including local and European Parliament voting day in Bandon. The election was held on Friday, June 7th and was the first direct election for constituents to the parliament. Ireland was one of nine member states in 1979. As I traveled around Ireland prior to June 7th I became aware of the importance of the election and decided to spend voting day photographing at the polling station Bandon. What I observed there was a colorful display of political posters and banners. Party representatives came out in force that day to talk up their candidates. Each representative handed out party stickers and tried to persuade the voters to their side. Kids played nearby and, just for fun, wore stickers from opposing parties. Thirty years later, on June 5th, I photographed the election process in Bandon again. A lot has changed in Ireland since 1979. There are immigrants from far off lands living there now and more women are running for office, and getting elected too. Email Michael for more info.