(Youtube/IrishPolMaps)

ANORAKS UNITE! THIS truly fascinating video by the Irish Political Maps blog shows you how each constituency in Ireland voted in every general election from the first Dáil in 1918 to the present day.

The animated map tells you which party got the most first preference votes in each area but also puts them alongside the parties that eventually formed a Government. It starkly shows you the effect of the PR-STV system on Ireland’s political landscape and demonstrates how Government formation is about far more than first preference votes.

For example, the first inter-party Government in 1948 between Fine Gael, the Labour Party, Clann na Poblachta, Clann na Talmhan and the National Labour Party was formed despite Fianna Fáil winning the first preference vote in all but one constituency.

Speaking of Fianna Fáil, if you were ever in any doubt about their dominance of Irish politics for the last 80 years this video should set you straight. And while were at it, watch to the end to see the map turning blue for Fine Gael for the first time since the 1920s.

The vote for 3rd Dáil in 1922 is well worth a look at too. It shows how a country on the verge of civil war voted between the pro- and anti-treaty factions of Sinn Féin.

Very interesting stuff, it also has some nice relaxing piano music in the background too if you’re so inclined.

(h/t: Twitter/@IrishPolMaps)