The constituency elects five deputies (Teachtaí Dála, commonly known as TDs) on the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (PR-STV).

[12] and, in County Meath, the electoral divisions of: Cavan–Monaghan is predominantly rural with 75% of the population living outside the main towns.

[14] It is a border constituency and has historically been strongly Republican; hunger striker Kieran Doherty won a seat in the 1981 general election as an Anti H-Block candidate.

In recent elections, the constituency has seen mainly a three-way fight between Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil.

^ *: Outgoing TD Rory O'Hanlon was Ceann Comhairle at the dissolution of the 29th Dáil and therefore deemed to be returned automatically.