Labour leader Ivana Bacik has expressed her views on the potential favourability of Independent candidates in the upcoming Local and European Elections, imploring voters to rally behind her party. Her comments are sparked by fresh polls indicating that nearly a quarter of voters might be leaning towards Independents during election day.
Contrasting Labour to Independent candidates, Bacik voiced that supporters are well aware of what they’re likely to receive from their party. She believes a large segment of the public is considering Independent votes out of a desire for change, failing to recognise that such a vote may simply maintain the status quo.
A prime example she highlighted was the Labour’s unsuccessful motion of no confidence in the government last year, specifically regarding the repeal of the eviction without reason restriction. Bacik emphasised that this was backed by numerous Independent representatives.
As she makes her appeal, Bacik’s refrain is: “Vote for Labour; we champion a positive, solution-oriented change.” The Labour Party, with 109 contenders in the Local Election, aims to triumph over the currently held 55 seats, although Bacik has refrained from defining a specific objective.
The European Election contestants for the Labour party are Aodhán Ó Ríordáin representing Dublin, Fergal Landy for Midlands Northwest, and Niamh Hourigan in the Southern district.
Mr Ó Ríordáin asserted that the Labour Party aims to present a refreshed viewpoint of Europe, stressing their refusal to succumb to anti-immigrant or backward forces. In the concluding election press briefing, political organisation People Before Profit also set their sights on Independent nominees, highlighting that numerous Independent TDs had formerly refrained from casting a vote of no confidence against Government Ministers.
Paul Murphy, TD for Dublin South West, noted that growing support for Independent candidates has been a distinctive element of this election campaign. He attributed this to a valid disenchantment and resistance to the political establishment, the reigning government, and the increasing impression that Sinn Féin is laying the groundwork to seize power, willing to strike bargains with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and displaying inconsistency on various points of contention.
Despite this, Murphy emphasised their desire to caution the public about Independent candidates, who they depict as “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. He maintained that a considerable number are merely temporary errant Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael politicians, with many being ex-members of these parties. He added that Independents at local and national levels have a reputation for not challenging the government’s actions.
Mr Murphy claimed that, in several respects, they are the actual Independent candidates in these elections. Bríd Smith, a Dublin MEP candidate for People Before Profit, conceded that there could be occasional genuine Independent candidates, but the label has been excessively utilised in this election.
Richard Boyd Barrett, TD for Dún Laoghaire, was questioned about whether People Before Profit truly aspired to be part of the government, in light of their party ruling out ever joining forces with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil. He replied, “Our primary concern is bringing about changes that benefit everyday working individuals. That is our primary concern. We are keen to participate in a government that brings change, but we don’t wish to be part of a government just for the sake of it, if it simply buttresses the status quo.”