So we have a new party... Social Democrats...

[BonnieShels]

We believe in an Ireland where high-quality public services, strong communities and a thriving economy combine to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential. Together, we can make this a reality.


Third way politics in Ireland... Wasn't that Garret's idea and we decided we'd rather Chuck and the Berties.

http://www.socialdemocrats.ie/

[culloty82]

In fairness, they already seem to have more concrete policies than Renua, and the individual members have performed well in the current Dáil. Remains to be seen how many TDs they ultimately attract, or indeed if they plan to run in every constituency, but must be a market for "old Labour" voters who wouldn't consider SF.

[Real ale Madrid]

It took long enough, but at last a credible alternative. Will follow them closely. If people paint all politicians with the "they are all the same" brush - things will never change.

Can't vote FF, can't vote FG, used to vote Labour but can't vote for them now either. SF - well, No. Doesn't leave much else.

[peadar1987]

It took long enough, but at last a credible alternative. Will follow them closely. If people paint all politicians with the "they are all the same" brush - things will never change.

Can't vote FF, can't vote FG, used to vote Labour but can't vote for them now either. SF - well, No. Doesn't leave much else.

My thoughts exactly. Voted labour at every election since I turned 18. Would not vote for them again for at least a couple of cycles after their sellout. They had enough political clout to make a real difference in this government, and didn't use it for fear of upsetting the gravy train. If I still lived in Ireland, I would probably vote for these guys.

And at least Ireland's voting system isn't the profoundly stupid (sorry, "fundamentally fair") pile of ****e we have in the UK, where a new left wing party would only split the vote and ensure even more of a Tory hegemony.

[BonnieShels]

My thoughts exactly. Voted labour at every election since I turned 18. Would not vote for them again for at least a couple of cycles after their sellout. They had enough political clout to make a real difference in this government, and didn't use it for fear of upsetting the gravy train. If I still lived in Ireland, I would probably vote for these guys.

And at least Ireland's voting system isn't the profoundly stupid (sorry, "fundamentally fair") pile of ****e we have in the UK, where a new left wing party would only split the vote and ensure even more of a Tory hegemony.

They had a enough clout after the last GE to stay out of govt and be a proper opposition.

We may have finally have stuck nails in FF's coffin if they did.

[culloty82]

We're all broadly familiar with how the Nordic model works, but the key question will be how to convince voters that tax increases are in the public interest, while every other party is promising cuts? Still, if they even secure 5% of the vote, that should guarantee them a long-term future.

[peadar1987]

We're all broadly familiar with how the Nordic model works, but the key question will be how to convince voters that tax increases are in the public interest, while every other party is promising cuts? Still, if they even secure 5% of the vote, that should guarantee them a long-term future.

I'm starting to think mass sterilisations are the only answer. The average voter is too stupid to realise that increases in tax and government spending is in their best interests. Most would prefer Fianna Fáil to lower tax, increase spending and drive the country into the ground again than for the wealthy to wait another year before replacing the beemer.

[bennocelt]

When you talk about tax, Im sure you are also open to the idea of raising our corporation tax?

Problem with raising taxes in Ireland is that the government just seem to squander the money.
Motor tax used for Irish water, E voting machines, tribunals......etc

I am living in Switzerland so if you want to talk about tax, well..... lets just say its nice!!:)
(with strong accountability)

[peadar1987]

When you talk about tax, Im sure you are also open to the idea of raising our corporation tax?

Problem with raising taxes in Ireland is that the government just seem to squander the money.
Motor tax used for Irish water, E voting machines, tribunals......etc

I am living in Switzerland so if you want to talk about tax, well..... lets just say its nice!!:)
(with strong accountability)

Open to the idea, but would prefer high taxes to be on individual earnings to incentivise reinvestment of profits.

[Eminence Grise]

... and another party joins the fray. Identity Ireland put out the welcome mat yesterday. Or not, if you're not blessed with Caucasian good looks. :rolleyes:

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/launch-of-controversial-right-wing-political-party-descends-into-chaos-in-dublin-31396398.html

[BonnieShels]

... and another party joins the fray. Identity Ireland put out the welcome mat yesterday. Or not, if you're not blessed with Caucasian good looks. :rolleyes:

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/launch-of-controversial-right-wing-political-party-descends-into-chaos-in-dublin-31396398.html

I heard their leader on newstalk this monring. Awful. No idea what he was doing.

[bennocelt]

From the article "He said the group will run a “handful” of candidates in the next election but admitted it was hard to get people to engage with the party because they feared being branded racists" :rolleyes: Really!!

[Eminence Grise]

There's a simple solution to that -don't be racists. But their name ... eugh ... Identity eye-dldy eye-dldy oh - it's like the chorus to a bad jig.

[bennocelt]

There's a simple solution to that -don't be racists. But their name ... eugh ... Identity eye-dldy eye-dldy oh - it's like the chorus to a bad jig.

Which I meant of course, in case there was any doubt, ha!!:p

[Eminence Grise]

No fear - the old rolly eyes gave you away!

[culloty82]

First opinion poll sees them on 2%, same as Greens, but ahead of Renua - will be going some to overtake Labour in eight months at that rate, unless they've a sudden rush of candidates!

[backstothewall]

What about Stephen Donnelly as next leader of Labour?

As someone on the left what i'm really hoping for from this election is a merger of Labour, the Social Democrats and the SDLP into a proper all-ireland centre-left party.

[BonnieShels]

To be called the Social Democratic and Labour Party? :)

I have them only getting 3 seats. I hope I'm wrong.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Being big enough for state funding, retaining three TD's (unlike Renua maybe...), challenging for one or two more...that's not a bad first election for a small party to be honest. They talked during the campaign of playing the long game, I'm sure a lot of the candidates they ran this year will be grabbing local seats in 2019.

[shizzle787]

Being an American, I can assure you, raising taxes on individual earnings only discourages those individuals, especially if they are middle class or lower middle class.

[shizzle787]

I am not familiar with Irish politics. Is the number of seats in your legislative body derived by proportionality of winning per party or is it winner take all on a regional basis.

[backstothewall]

To be called the Social Democratic and Labour Party? :)

I have them only getting 3 seats. I hope I'm wrong.

The could go with Labour and Social Democratic Party. Might be popular, especially in the universities. There would be a queue a mile look for the LSD Party stand at freshers week.

[dahamsta]

Being an American, I can assure you, raising taxes on individual earnings only discourages those individuals, especially if they are middle class or lower middle class.

Being an american doesn't qualify you to assure us of this. Being an economist would.

[backstothewall]

I am not familiar with Irish politics. Is the number of seats in your legislative body derived by proportionality of winning per party or is it winner take all on a regional basis.

Being Irish I can advise that they are awarded proportionally within 40 regions using the 'Single Transferable Vote' system