The (electoral) conservatism of the Irish voter

A few random thoughts. Irish politics relies on a strong consensus and conformity on most issues. There are a few peripheral issues that we can differ over.

For most of our history we had under all parties strong socially conservative family orientated policies with a large amount of state interference in the economy. Fine Gael advocated less interference in theory and better fiscal management. Every one was against the border but had no idea of how to get rid of it.


The PDs were game changers when it came to challenging the consensus over business matters. They were originally secularists too but pulled back a bit I recall when that wasn't wildly popular at the time.


We now have a spending consensus. Every one wants to spend more. The left have the biggest plans to be paid by taxing the rich. Fine Gael wants to spend more and cut tax. Everyone ignores our 250 billion national debt. Getting value for that spending is not a particular priority for any party.

All parties are socially liberal often absurdly so. Debate is impossible on issues like immigration, housing discrimination or sexual politics.

Politics does reflect social consensus particularly the views of the urban elite. Dissension from this is marginalised and is dealt with by exclusion and informal censorship. This was probably also the case in the heyday of Catholic Ireland.

We also look down on the ideological choice in UK/USA politics especially those who voice conservative views. Our lack of political choice is paraded as some sort of virtue.

Most scepticism and questioning of the consensus is branded as far right and is a very bad thing indeed.

Many natural conservative people live in fear of being branded as right wing.