Elections always matter. But sometimes they matter more. Sometimes, they quell the noise and reveal the signal. This presidential election is such a contest. For many, it’s dull and insignificant. But while it’s likely to stay dull, its significance is historic. Irish politics was upended on November 23, 2023. The riot on O’Connell Street split the rocky coalition propelling Sinn Féin to power. Until then, the party seemed to have the rock-solid support of around 35 per cent, and with the likely seat bonus, it seemed poised for power with the support of a shrivelled Fianna Fáil and/or a hotch-potch…

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