There was no political earthquake in General Election 2024, no recasting of the Irish political system. A sizable number of people looked at the status quo, and, despite its many deficiencies, decided it was, in the round, their preferred option.
Two major problems are now starting to manifest themselves in Fine Gael’s poll numbers. Both relate to the issues of incumbency.
Political analyst Gary Murphy talks about how Irish politics has moved left, why Sinn Féin will struggle to form a coalition, and who will win the election.
Fine Gael’s finance spokesperson argues that personal tax cuts would not increase Ireland’s exposure to global risks and welcomes new faces among voters and party colleagues.
Fine Gael is proposing to increase capital spending, implement a €7bn tax package, and maintain an element of fiscal rectitude. However, it has set aside €5bn less than Fianna Fáil to cover the cost of existing service and a public sector pay claim.
What happens if the electoral parity of esteem between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is not there after this election?
Shane Kenny’s new book aims to give credit he feels is lacking for the Peace Process to the late John Bruton. But in doing so, does he treat Bertie Ahern’s achievements too casually?
Eoghan Murphy’s new book is the story of human fragility, of a man trapped by the consequences of his own ambition. Yet, as the former Fine Gael minister explains, writing about his failures has allowed him to move forward with his life. He hopes other politicians will do likewise.
With Budget 2025 imminent, the minister for public expenditure and reform talks about his economic priorities, countering the rise of the far right, and what Ireland’s economy will look like in a decade.
The party's resilience raises two questions: why hasn't it returned to its former glory, and how has it maintained such steadfast support? Twelve graphs help explain the paradox.
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