A New Era for Ireland
Irish politics has entered a new phase, with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael forming a coalition government once again. After months of negotiations, the two center-right parties have reached an agreement with independent legislators, securing enough seats to form a government.
Background of Power Dynamics
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have long been rival parties, alternating in power since Ireland’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1921. However, the emergence of Sinn Fein, a left-wing nationalist party, forced the two parties to form a coalition in 2020.
Sinn Fein’s popularity grew due to its extensive public housing program, which resonated with young people and those affected by the country’s housing crisis. However, the party’s popularity declined in recent months due to scandals and disconnection with its working-class voters over immigration issues.
Current Government Plans
The new government’s primary objective is to address the severe housing crisis in Ireland. The country once boasted one of the highest rates of home ownership in the EU, but this has significantly declined in recent years. Despite economic growth and full employment, home ownership has plummeted, especially among younger generations and lower-income groups.
The average rent in Dublin has increased dramatically, making it unaffordable for many citizens. Meanwhile, landlords are benefiting from the presence of multinational corporations, such as Google, which channel their global profits through their headquarters in Dublin.
Roots of the Crisis
The current housing crisis has its roots in the 1980s, when the Irish government began to shift away from building social housing. This policy, similar to that of Margaret Thatcher’s UK government, led to the sale of public housing and the stigmatization of social housing communities.
Successive governments have failed to address the issue, instead adopting policies that prioritize economic recovery and boosting property prices. As a result, Ireland is facing a significant “Housing Deficit” of up to 256,000 homes.
The new government will face significant challenges in addressing the housing crisis and providing affordable housing options for its citizens. However, with a coalition government in place, there is hope that meaningful change can be achieved.