Source: Associated Press

There is an abundance of serious issues to be confronted over the course of the Irish election campaign. Thousands of people are without a home and rent is through the roof. Tens of thousands are on hospital waiting lists and a mental health crisis, largely silent, is devastating families across the country. Farmers are out protesting on the streets and many businesses can’t afford extortionate insurance rates. Gang warfare is claiming lives on a weekly basis. The pension age is going up. The FAI are bankrupt. Brexit is looming ever closer.

Despite the fact that, for years, we have been one of the fastest growing economies in Europe and one of the richest in the world, many people are overworked and underpaid. Poverty and destitution are, if not widespread, all too common. From where I’m standing, things look a little grim.

Still, all this will pale in comparison to what is coming down the line…

THIS ARTICLE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE ON THIS SITE AS IT HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE BOOK:

“Ireland’s 2020 Election: A highly biased, ideologically partisan approach”

A collection of essays dealing with some of the most important issues that arose during, and in the aftermath, of the 2020 General Election in Ireland. Topics include the rise of Ireland’s protest movements, climate change, the housing crisis, a united Ireland, the Irish ruling class, left-wing unity, the Sinn Féin surge and the rise of the far-right. Ranging from measured and analytical opinion pieces right through to satirical takes on who a dog might vote for, this varied collection of essays takes a left-wing approach to the many issues Ireland currently faces, as well as providing insight into the future direction of the politics of a nation which continues to undergo fundamental change.

Available in print at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B085KJSC6B or in e-book format at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1008701