Electronic voting in the Republic of Ireland the Government of Ireland established the Independent Commission on Electronic Voting and Counting at Elections to examine the proposed system. It was dissolved in 2006. The Commission issued a series of reports reviewing the proposed system and comparing it to the existing electoral system: "The Commission can recommend the voting and counting equipment as follows: The prime issue was the lack of verifiability by the absence of an audit mechanism or verified paper trail. The former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had defended the flawed system in the Dáil, bemoaning the use of ""stupid old pencils"". The voting machines bought by the
Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 the order of which the participants performed. Ireland performed 18th, the very last of the first semi-final, having been given the chance to choose their position after winning a wildcard in the draw. After performing at the first semi-final on 22 May, Jedward made it to the top ten and qualified for the final on Saturday 26 May; they performed in the 23rd position and won 46 points, giving them a rank of 19th in the competition. Jury points awarded in second semi-final: Jury points awarded in the final: Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 Ireland participated in the