Why is there no Radical Right Party in Ireland?

Abstract

The rise of the radical or extreme right parties in Europe – parties usually noted for strong, sometimes racist anti-immigrant ideologies – has attracted a great deal of attention in political science. Ireland, despite having some conditions favourable to the growth of such a party has no radical right party. This paper argues that that this is because the ‘space’ usually occupied by such parties – for young, poor people disaffected by economic change – is taken up by Sinn Féin, which though it has similarities to radical right parties, differs markedly in its attitudes to immigrants. It goes on to explain the special circumstances that prevent nationalist parties in Ireland from presenting overtly anti-immigrant platforms. The focus on anti-immigration and liberal economic policies for such parties may mean that other parties with strong resemblances are excluded from studies they might usefully be included.

Acknowledgement

The author would like to thank Garrett O'Boyle, Heinz Brandenburg, Duncan McDonnell and two anonymous referees for useful discussions, comments and criticisms.

Notes

1. Though the ICP claims not to be a party, this is more a reflection of its inability to garner votes than efforts to compete as a political party. It fielded candidates in at least two constituencies in each of the last two elections.

2. These are both from opinion polls. The 1989 one probably over-estimated support for Fianna Fáil, though this is irrelevant to my argument as we are looking at changes in comparative difference within Fianna Fáil support.

3. The 1989 support for Labour reported here actually includes support for the Workers' Party, the original home of a group of breakaway TDs who formed Democratic Left and which merged with Labour in 1999. What remains of the Workers' Party is a tiny rump.

4. Ireland has an electoral system in which each voter is asked to rank-order each candidate in a multi-seat constituency. It is a system which offers no rationale to vote any way other than sincerely.