Political Parties

Social Democrats

The Irish Social Democrats is a political party in Ireland that was established in 2015 by three sitting TDs (members of the Irish parliament, Dáil Éireann): Catherine Murphy, Róisín Shortall, and Stephen Donnelly. The formation of the party marked a significant moment in Irish politics, aiming to offer a fresh, center-left alternative to the traditional parties that have dominated the political landscape in Ireland.

The core values of the Irish Social Democrats revolve around principles of social democracy, which emphasize the importance of social justice, equality…  Read more, and the provision of strong public services. The party advocates for a fair and equitable society where the economy serves the well-being of all citizens, not just the privileged few. This includes a commitment to improving healthcare, housing, and education, ensuring that these essential services are accessible to everyone and of high quality.

Fine Gael

Fine Gael is a prominent political party in Ireland that positions itself on the center-right of the political spectrum. It is one of the two major parties in the country, alongside Fianna Fáil, and has played a significant role in Irish politics since its foundation in 1933. The party's origins can be traced back to the pro-Treaty side of the Irish Civil War, which has influenced its pragmatic and pro-European stance.

The values of Fine Gael are rooted in Christian democratic and liberal-conservative ideologies. The party advocates for policies that promote economic liberalism,…  Read more aiming for a free-market economy where the government plays a minimal role in regulating businesses, yet ensuring that there is enough regulation to prevent market abuses and to protect workers' rights. Fine Gael places a strong emphasis on fiscal responsibility, advocating for balanced budgets, low taxes, and policies that encourage entrepreneurship and job creation.

Independent

Fianna Fáil

Fianna Fáil, which translates to "Soldiers of Destiny" in English, is a centrist to center-right political party in Ireland. Founded by Éamon de Valera, a prominent leader in the country's struggle for independence from Britain, the party was established in 1926. It emerged from a split in Sinn Féin over the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which ended the Irish War of Independence and led to the establishment of the Irish Free State, a dominion within the British Empire. Fianna Fáil opposed the treaty, advocating for a fully independent republic, a stance that…  Read more has significantly evolved over the decades.

Green Party

The Irish Green Party, officially known as Comhaontas Glas in Irish, is a political organization in Ireland that emphasizes environmentalism, sustainability, and social justice as core components of its platform. Founded in the early 1980s, the party has grown from grassroots environmental activism to a significant political force within Ireland, advocating for policies that address climate change, protect natural resources, and promote ecological balance.

The Green Party's values are deeply rooted in the principle of ecological wisdom. This principle guides their approach to governance,…  Read more insisting that economic development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. They argue for a sustainable economy that prioritizes renewable energy sources, reduces waste, and conserves biodiversity, believing that such an economy is essential for the well-being of future generations.

Aontú

Aontú is a political party in Ireland that was established in January 2019 by Peadar Tóibín, a former member of Sinn Féin. The formation of Aontú was largely in response to Sinn Féin's support for the Repeal of the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution, which paved the way for the legalization of abortion in Ireland. Aontú positions itself as a pro-life party, emphasizing the protection of life from conception to natural death, which is a core value that distinguishes it from many other political parties in Ireland.

Beyond its pro-life…  Read more stance, Aontú seeks to address a range of social and economic issues, aiming to represent what it sees as the neglected concerns of many Irish citizens. The party advocates for social justice, aiming to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, and the housing crisis. It calls for greater investment in healthcare and education, and it supports small and medium-sized enterprises as the backbone of the rural economy. Aontú also emphasizes Irish unity and promotes policies that it believes will bring about the reunification of Ireland in a peaceful and democratic manner.

Labour Party

The Irish Labour Party is a political organization in Ireland that positions itself on the center-left of the political spectrum. Founded in 1912 by James Connolly, James Larkin, and William O'Brien as the political wing of the Irish Trade Union Congress, it is the oldest extant political party in Ireland. The Labour Party has traditionally been associated with advocating for the rights and interests of workers, promoting social justice, and advancing policies aimed at reducing inequality within Irish society.

The core values of the Labour Party are rooted in social democracy and democrat…  Read moreic socialism. This ideological foundation emphasizes the importance of a fair and equitable society, where the wealth and resources are distributed in a manner that ensures everyone has access to basic needs such as healthcare, education, and housing. The party advocates for a mixed economy where both the state and the private sector play significant roles in the economy, arguing that the state should intervene in the economy to rectify social injustices and market failures.

PBB Solidarity

The Irish PBB Solidarity political party, also known simply as Solidarity, is a left-wing political organization in Ireland that emerged from a rebranding of the Anti-Austerity Alliance in 2017. The party's roots are deeply embedded in activism and socialist principles, focusing on representing the working class, and advocating for social justice and equality. Solidarity places a strong emphasis on issues such as workers' rights, housing, healthcare, and education, arguing for a society where these are viewed as fundamental rights rather than commodities.

Solidarity is particularly…  Read more known for its active participation in grassroots campaigns and movements. It has been at the forefront of various social issues, including the campaign against water charges in Ireland, which was a significant national debate over the introduction of direct charges for domestic water use. The party argues that access to clean water is a basic human right and opposes its commodification.

People Before Profit

Republican Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin is a political party in Ireland that operates on both sides of the Irish border: in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Its name, Sinn Féin, is Irish for "We Ourselves" or "Ourselves Alone," reflecting a deep-rooted belief in Irish nationalism and self-determination. The party's origins trace back to the early 20th century, closely associated with the Easter Rising of 1916, an event that significantly propelled the Irish struggle for independence from British rule.

Sinn Féin's political ideology is primarily centered around…  Read more Irish republicanism, aiming for the reunification of the island of Ireland as a sovereign, independent state. This goal seeks to end British jurisdiction in the six counties of Northern Ireland, thereby creating a single national government for the entire island. The party's values are deeply infused with the principles of social justice, equality, and the promotion of Irish culture and language. It advocates for policies that aim to address social and economic inequalities, supports the welfare state, and emphasizes the importance of community and collective action in achieving societal change.