What’s the least likely phrase you’ll hear an Irish party leader say?

Simple. It’s I don’t know.

What are the odds against an Irish political leader repeating that phrase multiple times? The odds are so vast that it approaches impossibility and yet, that’s what Stephen Donnelly said many times this evening in Limerick when asked searching questions during the launch of Sarah-Jane Hennelly’s Dáil candidacy for the Social Democrats.

The self-confidence is such a contrast with the traditional bluster of Irish politicians that at first you think, this can’t be right. But then you realise, this is exactly right. These people are not pretending. They’re not trying to waffle at us like the old crowd. These people are telling it as they see it, and when they haven’t worked something out yet, they’re prepared to admit it.

This level of rationality and composure is almost Scandinavian.

There’s a sense that this movement might be something new. Both Donnelly and Hennelly have a disarming directness about them that crusty old observers like me find slightly unnerving and there’s no attempt to avoid the issue.

Would you support changing a law that allows religious-run schools to sack teachers?

Yes.

Do you support repeal of the 8th amendment?

Yes.

Would you support a referendum to keep Irish Water in public ownership?

We’ve already tabled a Bill on that.

Can you promise you won’t compromise if you go into a coalition?

No. We can’t.

It’s shocking stuff. All this talk of open government, repealing the Official Secrets Act, forcing civil servants to testify before inquiries. Evidence-based criteria for making major financial decisions. Ending the political appointment of judges.

It gets worse. Irish politicians giving straight answers to hard questions and admitting when they don’t know things. What next? Running the country with Scandinavian tolerance and efficiency?

Ah now. That would never work. Some kind of Commies if you ask me.

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Social Democrats