We Don’t Like (to) Party. A Typology of Independents in Irish Political Life, 1922–2007

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of Independents, or non‐party candidates, in Irish political life. It has two main aims: the first is to disaggregate Independents from ‘others’ to provide a definitive dataset of their electoral performance, and to enable more reliable and valid analysis about this actor. The second, and primary, aim is to use this disaggregation to construct a typology of Independents. The background of every Independent candidate contesting a general election between 1922 and 2007 is examined, from which they are grouped into a number of Independent families and sub‐categories. A detailed profile is provided of each of these categories, describing their key characteristics and respective electoral performances. It is shown that Independents form a residual heterogeneous category, about whom a better understanding can be achieved if their diversity is appreciated.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Eoin O’Malley, John Coakley and two anonymous referees for their valued comments and criticisms.

Notes

1. Throughout this paper the term ‘Independent’ and its concomitant categories are capitalised when referring to Independent politicians. This is done to distinguish between the use of the word ‘independent’ as a general adjective and as a noun signifying a particular political status.

2. The label ‘Forlorn Independents’ has been used for such Independents in the UK (Nicolson, 1946).

3. Alfred Byrne, a former Independent Nationalist MP (1915–1918) also held a seat in the Dáil (as did three of his sons), but is included in the category of Community Independents.

4. Redmond did not move straight from the Independent ranks to Cumann na nGaedheal; initially he formed a new party, the National League (for which Coburn – a fellow Independent Nationalist – was also elected to the Dáil) in 1926, that later dissolved in 1930, joining Cumann na nGaedheal a year later (O’Day, 2004).

5. Some of these Independents were members of the Orange Order, including J. J. Cole (TD for Cavan, 1923–1932, 1937–1943), who was a County Grand Master (The Irish Times, 1959).

6. Gregory himself said ‘I think it is fairly clear that my vote is the left‐wing vote’ (The Irish Times, 1987).

7. One such candidate, Thomas Burke, spoke on just two occasions during his 14 years in the Dáil (1937–1951). Source: search of online historical parliamentary debates at http://www.historical-debates.oireachtas.ie (accessed 10 April 2007).

8. While some typologies do not include these because they are not ‘pure’ Independents (see Costar & Curtin, 2004), this analysis shows that ‘independent’ is an ambiguous qualitative term that could include both party and Independent candidates.

9. This method is necessary, since it would otherwise be impossible to establish how long an Apostate Independent retains the label. The sole exception to the inclusion of those running on a record of prior party association within this category is Neil Blaney. Although he continued to campaign under an ‘Independent Fianna Fáil’ platform, Blaney had his own personal machine, and was clearly identifiable as an Independent Republican. The rationale behind this is that it was this machine, and Blaney’s republican stance, that was the main source of his support, rather than his previous affiliation to Fianna Fáil.

10. For example, the subtitle of Collet’s 1999 study of Independents in the US is ‘Can they be serious?’ and Sifry’s (2003) is Spoiling for a Fight.

11. Included in the Independent Farmer category.

12. Included in the Left‐wing Independent category.

13. Included in the Independent Business category.