Numbers Don't Lie!

But they can be interpreted in whatever way you want.

Hemingway once said, “The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in shockproof shit detector.” The same could be said for anyone navigating today’s ocean of data. Whether it’s digital news whipping out stats on social like media conjurers pulling rabbits out of hats or social media influencers regurgitating dubious wellness claims, we’re awash in a sea of digits, staking their claim to the truth. Yet, despite the noise, there's a sanctity to numbers that cannot be overstated.

Let’s first look at spending on META advertising by political parties.

Fine Gael outspent all other political parties combined in the 30 days leading up to the General election. Spending €225,419 on 1219 adverts. I’m currently working on a theory that the more you spend on social media advertising during an election, the more your blunders are magnified.

685 candidates ran for the 2024 General Election. 174 seats have been filled in the 43 constituencies. Fianna Fáil, the ultimate winner.