Explaining Irish Politics -
The Irish government is very stable. We have three main parties, a handful of smaller ones, and a bunch of independents — who actually matter here. For over a decade now, the two old rivals, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, who used to take turns running the country, have governed together, usually with support from smaller parties or independents. Both parties repeatedly, for a long time now, have stated a refusal to go into government with Sinn Fein, but there has been one occasion where this nearly happened.
Anyway, During Brexit and COVID, the contrast between Ireland and Britain couldn’t have been clearer. From an Irish perspective, it was obvious which side of the Irish Sea had the more measured, stable, and — let’s be honest — less braindead government.
Moving on...Our president, Michael D. Higgins, has been a moderate and steady, voice. Presidents in Ireland are more like national mascots than policymakers — they don’t make laws or set policy, and they’re not supposed to comment on it either. When Catherine Connolly succeeds him, she will be Michael D 2.0 — a change in name, not direction. The government dislikes Higgins and will dislike Connolly even more. it is what it is.
The main issues in Ireland have not changed in a long time - lack of housing. This is compounded by the western De-Globalization being spearheaded by the US which is resulting in a western cost of living crisis. In terms of housing, obviously its not nearly as bad as what exists in Canada, and in terms of cost of living its not as bad as in France or Germany, which have other key problems (Africa, reliance on international trade) but it is a key problem. We have terrible rules/laws associated with building anything really. We also have the same european issues with migrants. that is to say, our governments are inept and unable to properly bring in policies that have worked well elsewhere, say, in Holland.
That takes us to Yemi Adenuga and Abul Kalam Azad Talukder — they’re real people, but minor local politicians. They’re not remotely central to Irish politics, honestly. Whatever work they do, carry on. If they are helping people, great.
The government has all the power similar to how in the US the government holds all the cards. Sinn Fein leads, or rather, is the largest party, in opposition and they are pushing for a united Ireland. Historically linked to the IRA, they still carry that legacy — and their old guard, especially up north, remains influential. A few years ago they nearly formed a government, but internal divisions and backbiting cost them the chance.
By comparison, the U.S. system looks brutally simple — two massive parties tribes, Republican and Democrat, driven, and very much at war with each other, seeking to defeat the other, and heavily using marketing. If someone’s camera-friendly and can be branded as a “winner,” they’ll be rocketed upward. Ireland, for all its flaws, just doesn’t work that way. In this regard Mamdani has more influence and appeal then we would see of anyone in Irish politics. it simply works differently over here.
not sure if this properly outlines.
This post was edited by ferdia on Nov 7 2025 08:41am