The ordinariness of a northeastern district in the capital city masks a stark juxtaposition of poverty and wealth, that leaves many residents feeling ignored by the political establishment. In preparation for the impending election, vivid campaign signs adorned street poles and crumbled buildings on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin’s northeastern inner city. The nation’s three key parties – Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin – are locked in a close race, each garnering roughly 20 percent support, according to recent polling data.
The cityscape of this part of Dublin is brimming with a mix of notable political figures and newcomers’ faces plastered on these campaign posters, each vying for visibility prior to Friday’s general election. Amidst this whirlwind of political activity, 44-year-old Janice O’Keeffe expressed her exasperation with the entrenched political landscape while getting her morning coffee from a café situated on Sean McDermott Street. She confessed her uncertainty with her choice of vote, knowing for sure only her disillusionment with the mainstream parties.
For over a century, Ireland’s primarily center-right political entities, Fianna Fáil, and Fine Gael, have dominated the country’s political scene, O’Keeffe pointed out. Alternating periods of governance since the early 20th century have left her dissatisfied with their stewardship. The most recent election in 2020 did little to alter this view, as neither party managed to secure a standalone majority. In response, these two parties along with the Green Party orchestrated a coalition that sidelined Sinn Féin, which had emerged as the favorite choice among voters in the election.
With Ireland gearing up for the polls, the public sentiment appears to be one of disillusionment. Many voters have expressed concerns with the rising cost of living, an insufficient healthcare system, and issues surrounding immigration. Citizens taking to the streets in support of Sinn Féin, a left-wing nationalist party, argue that they offer a legitimate alternative to the current coalition which has failed to address these fundamental issues.
Despite the growing discontent, the political stronghold of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael seems likely to persist. This is largely owed to both parties’ reluctance to share power with Sinn Féin, largely shunned in the past due to its historical connection to the Irish Republican Army. Projections from The Irish Times indicate the three parties are once again in a tight contest, each having roughly 20 percent support.
Northeast Dublin’s district is a microcosm of national issues, experiencing them with a heightened intensity. Economic disparity is rampant within the district, with wealth and deprivation co-existing side by side. A surge in commercial real estate development and an influx of highly-paid tech workers, drawn by Ireland’s corporate tax incentives, have compounded the feeling of displacement among many longstanding communities.
The district witnessed a shocking event a year ago when a knife assault ignited a night of unprecedented rioting and looting. This total breakdown of law and order, fueled by anti-immigration sentiment and far-right propaganda, forced the city to grapple with deeply embedded societal problems. Many observers believe that these issues remain largely unaddressed.
The city’s housing market is bursting at its seams due to accelerating demand. Failure to make worthwhile investments in public housing by successive governments has worsened this crisis. Simultaneously, Ireland grapples with the highest level of immigration since 2007 causing an unsettling divide in society and providing an opening for harmful narratives to thrive, experts warn.
Jonathan Dowling, a 38-year-old youth leader, argues that addressing the deep-seated polarization is of utmost importance. He stresses the need to equip the younger generation with moral discernment and decision-making skills instead of merely instructing them to avoid criminal activity, drug trade, or prejudice. Dean Murray, another youth worker in the region, emphasizes the presence of a close-knit community, despite negative stereotypes.
Candidates contesting for Dublin Central’s four seats offer a variety of solutions representative of disparate politics. The field includes familiar faces from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, progressive left candidates, an anti-immigration nationalist, and even a man accused of leading a criminal syndicate. As the campaigns reach their final phase, the diversity in political approaches is astonishingly evident.
In Dublin’s working-class East Wall neighborhood, Malachy Steenson, a nationalist running on an anti-immigration platform, presents a starkly contrasting vision. He dismisses the mainstream media’s portrayal of immigration issues and claims an underappreciated resonance with his agenda among local voters. His supporters express a similar disgruntlement, especially regarding the state’s approach towards housing asylum seekers.
According to Gail McElroy, a political science professor at Trinity College Dublin, there is a potential for anti-immigration candidates to earn seats. Key issues for voters might sometimes get sidestepped by mainstream parties focusing primarily on the economy. Amid an atmosphere of disenchantment, Sinn Féin aspires to win over the disgruntled masses.
Despite losing some of its sheen due to recent internal controversies, Sinn Féin is still expected to fare considerably well this election. Mary McDonald, Sinn Féin’s leader, encourages voters to support them over the traditional parties. Seen as symbols of the status quo, the two main parties are in her crosshairs, and she urges voters to give Sinn Féin a chance to instigate a different political journey.
Ireland’s distinct proportional representation electoral system, incorporating ranked voting, safeguards the democracy from significant fluctuations often observed in other political landscapes. This mechanism tends to favor less radical platforms and ideologies, McElroy comments. Therefore, notwithstanding public dissatisfaction, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s hold over politics might prove resilient owing to the inherent characteristics of the political system.