Politics
John Walsh: Coalition parties face existential crisis as Sinn Féin gathers strength
With no discernible ideology, the attraction of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to voters lies largely in not being Sinn Féin – but will the national question save their alliance?
This weekend, two erstwhile implacable foes will peacefully rotate the role of Taoiseach halfway through the first ever Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael coalition.
As a milestone this should not be underestimated, particularly at a time when liberal democracy is under increasing threat – and nowhere more than in the US. Ireland is one of the oldest unbroken democracies in the world, yet the centenary of the foundation of the state passed earlier this month with little ...
