As the Dáil concluded its proceedings this week for the summer respite, the majority of TDs undoubtedly anticipated that this would be their final hiatus prior to the calling of a general election. Yet, there’s still a chance that the Government may fulfil its commitment to complete its entire term, despite it being an unexpected scenario for many, even for those within its own circles. The potential dissolution of the Dáil in the autumn would result in the fall of any remaining legislative agenda items.
Last month, the Government managed to drive its extensive Planning Bill forward through a guillotine vote, with the Seanad being scheduled to continue sessions into the forthcoming week to advance it. Yet, the Hate Crime and Hate Speech Bill, stagnant for over a year, appears increasingly doubtful to pass, at least in its existing format.
Simultaneously, a judgement is impending on a fresh funding structure for RTÉ and public service media, a prime cause of public discord amongst Cabinet members, which is promised by the close of July.
The past half-year has been packed with activity. Voters resoundingly dismissed two referendums concerning family and carers, notwithstanding support from nearly all political parties. This sparked a discussion about a potential rift between the political class and the general public sentiment. Subsequently, two of the three Government parties underwent leadership changes.
The outcomes of European and local elections in June presented a glimmer of hope to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin, being the primary opposition, will perceive the summer respite as a chance to ponder, evaluate and restrategize following a dramatic plummet in support. Mary Lou McDonald and her team will aspire to rekindle the type of electoral resurgence they accomplished in the summer and autumn of 2019, a challenge in an altered political environment.
The issue of housing remains a persistent concern, while immigration has emerged as a regular concern since the year commenced, representing ongoing disputes regarding asylum seeker accommodation. A conspicuous intensification in party rhetoric and policy stances regarding this issue has been observed, a trend likely to endure.
The administration enters this pause presenting a Summer Financial Report, unequivocally indicating the forthcoming pre-election Budget, clearly brimming with generosity upon its resumption. This course was always politically certain, even if it ultimately proves to be fiscally imprudent. However, the presence of a fresh and dynamic Prime Minister, who is anticipated to maintain momentum during the seasonal break, evokes a powerful feeling of swift momentum towards the general election.