A lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes
a pair of sockets 22 made of a soft and elastic conductor and arranged facing
each other, with which electric power is supplied to EEFL lamps 21. A plurality
of lamp inserting holes 220 is provided along the longitudinal direction
of the socket 22. External electrodes 214 at the both ends of EEFL
lamps 21 are pressed into each of the lamp inserting holes. These sockets
22 are supported and coated by socket holders 23 made of an insulator
having higher rigidity than the sockets 22 respectively.