Critically appraise the Irish political party system. Is it unique or does it contain elements of the wider European exercise?

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Critically appraise the Irish political party system. Is it unique or does it contain elements of the wider European exercise?

Introduction to Politics - Dr. Theresa Reidy – Philip Murphy

Richard Murphy – 110383255 – 17/11/10


In tackling this question I shall begin by examining the origins, evolution and dynamics of the Irish political party system. When a clear picture of the Irish political party system is determined I will then assess how the Irish model compares alongside the political party systems of other European countries. I will finish my essay with a conclusion based on my findings.

Ireland’s political party system, and the main parties that operate within it, both have their origins in the Civil War. The bitter division that had defined the Irish Civil War from1922 to 1923 would continue to influence the Irish political party system long after the violence had ended. In fact, the two largest political parties in Ireland today, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, both have their origins in the opposing sides that fought over the Treaty all those years ago.

Prior to the Civil War the majority of Ireland’s political figures had been united in the Sinn Fein party. They were only interested in achieving independence for Ireland. When the Treaty was offered by Great Britain in 1921 it divided opinion amongst the men who had fought together to achieve independence. Almost splitting down the middle, the members of Sinn Fein quickly aligned into two camps; those were in favour of the treaty, and those who were opposed to it. Following the Civil War, the pro-treaty supporters founded Cumman na nGaedheal which would later become Fine Gael, while the anti-treaty side founded Fianna Fail in 1932. This division of Sinn Fein was undoubtedly on the grounds of sovereignty, and while the question of sovereignty continued to be a bitter and volatile issue between Fine Gael and Fianna Gael for many decades, the original Sinn Fein project would not have survived as the Irish political system developed, regardless of any Civil War split. The truth is that Sinn Fein was somewhat of a false unity and the numerous ideological differences among its members was always going to ensure its break up. Therefore, while Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have their origins in the nationalism and the Civil War, they have developed, alongside the Labour Party, to represent more than just a stance on the Treaty, each party catering to different ideologies; radical, conservative, liberal, socialist and republican.

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In the early years the Irish political party system was fundamentally a two party contest between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. By the 1940’s however, the dominance of Fianna Fail, and the consolidation of a Labour vote meant that a Fianna Fail versus the rest scenario had emerged in the Irish political system. This dynamic continued until the 1980’s when the introduction of political parties such as the Progressive Democrats, the Greens and the rejuvenation of Sinn Fein breathed fresh life into Irish politics. This was one of the key developments in the evolution of the Irish political party ...

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