EP.843: Irish Elections: The Rise of Sinn Féin, The Fall of Neoliberalism?

On this episode of Going Underground, we speak to Ruairí Ó Murchú TD of Sinn Féin about their surge in the Irish elections, why they didn’t field more candidates which could have seen them gain more seats, whether their pledge to keep corporate tax at the current rate means they are remaining within neoliberalism, whether an Irish border poll and subsequently a united Ireland is imminent, relations with the UK with such a large Sinn Féin presence in government and more! Next, we speak to Barry Andrews, Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin on the difficult position they face, faced with working with Sinn Fein which would cause mutiny in their party according to him, or working with Fine Gael again, whether austerity policies are the reason for Sinn Féin’s rise, possible Irish reunification and more! Finally, we speak to Fine Gael Councillor Kieran Dennison about their election loss, why Fine Gael lost, whether Leo Varadkar is to blame for the loss, whether their election loss is due to rising homelessness and austerity policies, Sinn Féin’s ascendancy and more!

STATEMENT FROM FINE GAEL:

“Fine Gael is delivering the largest social housing programme in decades and will ensure that 60,000 social houses are provided over the next five years. 10,000 social houses were provided last year and 11,000 will be this year. In terms of supply, more than 20,000 new homes were built in 2019. This number (excluding unfinished housing estates and homes out of long-term vacancy) was 7,219 in 2015.

“The Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme was introduced by Fine Gael in 2016. So far, it has helped some 16,500 first-time buyers purchase or build their first home.
Help to Buy is a tax back scheme that helps first time buyers get the deposit to purchase or build a new house or apartment. Currently a first time buyer can claim up to €20,000 or 5% of the purchase or build price.”