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This week’s account centres around the shocking recent ballot survey, professing an equal support of 23 percent for both Sinn Féin and Fine Gael, a drastic change from the earlier 18 point advantage for Sinn Féin over Fine Gael.
A fiercely contested local and European elections star is on the horizon, with only a few weeks left for the populace to turn out and vote. Whether Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald alongside Simon Harris, the fresh Fine Gael leader and current Taoiseach are surely thrilled by their party’s current status.
Despite a few feeling let down by political displays, the votes surged back for others. With a contentment rating of 38 percent, Harris also leads over McDonald by two points. However, Micheál Martin from Fianna Fáil leads over both with 46 per cent support, although his party at 20 percent stays behind its two main competitors.
Despite being the largest party in local administration, Fianna Fáil might not have it smooth sailing to retain its top position post the June election, but they’re not giving in as of now.
More of the voting trends are discussed today, focusing on the tightening opinions surrounding immigration. A noticeable chunk of the electorate, while viewing immigration as beneficial for Ireland, favour a more restrictive asylum policy and an intensification of Government’s efforts towards deportation of failed asylum seekers. This aspect of immigration might see a growing importance in the lead-up to the local and European elections, unseen in any previous Irish election.
In addition to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s voting results, a third Coalition partner, the Green Party records a support of 4 per cent, which is a drop from the last poll. It is entirely within the realm of possibility for the current Coalition to return to power with 47 percent collective support. Upcoming local and European election results will crucially influence the outcome, but if the Coalition parties, especially Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, perform well at the polls, the chances of an early general election might see a steep increase.
Pearse Doherty of Sinn Féin is a powerful figure in the Dáil, known for his audibly vehement criticisms of the Government, particularly while acting on behalf of Mary Lou McDonald during Thursday’s Leaders’ Questions. The scenario was no different this Thursday, however, this time, he encountered opposition from both Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Speaker of the Dáil Seán Ó Fearghaíl, when a heated debate over housing matters arose in the Dáil Chamber.
Doherty accused Martin and his party, Fianna Fáil, of failing to deliver on their election promise of making 50,000 homes available for under €250,000, suggesting the homes were non-existent. In response, Martin upheld the Government’s housing efforts and branded Doherty as deceitful, referencing Sinn Féin’s opposition to a new state-owned investment fund despite Doherty implying to Davy Stockbrokers that his party would be supportive.
The engage heated up when Doherty repeatedly demanded responses, leading to Ó Fearghaíl cautioning him of a potential House suspension, citing his consistent tactical disruption.
Separately, an unfortunate incident occurred when the live-stream ‘Portal’ connecting Dublin and New York had to be turned off due to indecent incidents by individuals in both cities. The creators of the portal, Portals.org, are exploring ways to prevent such incidents from being broadcasted across the sea.
There were several political reactions, with Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe expressing disappointment at the responsible individuals, stating they had “disappointingly failed us all”. Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin stressed the need for users to be aware of the potential child-audiences. In contrast, Micheál Martin was less intensively engaged with the incident, acknowledging the diverse population and expressing regret towards the unfortunate incident.
The concept of the Portal is an intriguing one that undoubtedly will be used for a variety of jests and practical jokes. Despite this, it hasn’t deeply concerned me to this point.”
He included a reminiscence, stating, “Back in our school days, there were always individuals detachedly engaged in odd antics right in the classroom. There were some undeniably entertaining moments. Would we claim that a certain individual was undermining the class when, in reality, we were all laughing hysterically? That’s my view on the matter.”
Let’s talk about winners and losers.
Losers
The past week has been detrimental to democracy. Most significantly, the attempted murder of the Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has rightly received universal condemnation.
More locally, out of the Oireachtas members who participated in a survey, 94% attested to receiving some sort of aggressive or threatening behaviour.
In closer proximity, there have been appalling instances of hostility and occasional violence against individuals standing for local offices. Green Party representative Janet Horner was physically assaulted and intimidated while distributing banners in Dublin.
Tania Doyle, an Independent representative, expressed fear that she and her spouse might lose their lives in a horrendous attack in Hartstown, Dublin, on the same day as Ms Horner’s assault.
Campaigners for Fianna Fáil candidate Suzzie O’Deniyi in Limerick’s local election were on the receiving end of an exceptionally repugnant verbal altercation.
Winners
The victors this week are those candidates who have shown bravery in volunteering themselves as potential representatives for the populace, in times of amplified hostility and abuse toward public figures, and occasionally, dangerous threats to their personal safety.
The detriments, however, are those individuals who are seemingly unable to engage in a courteous, robust discussion, instead resorting to scare tactics and intimidation targeted towards politicians and their associates.
Who is leading the race among the 27 aspirants in Midlands North-West and the other 23 challengers in both Dublin and Southern regions? As per local election voting interests, how are the different political parties performing? All these answers will be provided by Pat Leahy, our Political Editor who will be analysing the results. For comprehensive coverage of the forthcoming elections including the inaugural mayoral election in Limerick, Ireland, turn to Jennifer Bray’s guide. She also provides details on what a local councillor or MEP’s duties involve.
Check this out
Jack Horgan-Jones elaborates on the concept of disinformation in this week’s episode of the Inside Politics podcast and discusses recent alterations in Ireland’s policy towards Ukraine, characterising it as a move by the government to manipulate public perception.
“The real intent [behind the change] is an attempt to reduce the influx,” adds Jack Horgan-Jones.