Whatever happens with the Sinn Féin surge, #ge2020 has been the most exciting Irish election in decades. It potentially marks the normalisation and denormalisation of Irish politics at the same time. My take here. bbc.co.uk/news/world-eur…
Irish politics is now truly fragmented. We’ve talked about a SF surge (and their sudden gains are quite something) but we’re still talking about three major parties on between 20-25 points a piece. All the parties are relatively weak.
Nonetheless- This election seems to be accelerating the process of ending the FF/FG hegemony. Think how dominant Fianna Fáil used to be in particular. Martin still the most likely next Taoiseach but on a paltry vote share. They’re only up six or so points on their 2011 wipeout.
So this is an election as much about continued establishment party weakness as it is newfound SF strength.
For a fuller picture, watch my @BBCNewsnight report, produced by @maya_rstw and filmed/edited by @jackwgarland.
