Traditionally the voting took place at the Blue Coat School on the north side of the River Liffey, but this time it was held at the Tholsel in the centre of the city, considered a stronghold of the Whigs. On polling day they took over almost the entire building, shutting out the Tory supporters. This provoked a group of Tories to storm the building and begin smashing up the platform.[1]
A detachment of the Irish Army was called out to restore order. They were attacked, with planks of wood from the dismantled platform being hurled at them. The troops responded by opening fire, killing one man and wounding several others. A compromise was organized by the authorities in which the Whigs and Tories could vote in separate buildings. The Whigs then secured both seats in what was otherwise a national victory for the Tories.[2] Many of the Tories who had cast their votes were proved to not be eligible to do so under the Penal Laws.
