Strong desire for new political direction

With the Labour Party surging ahead in opinion polls and unprecedented discontent reportedly rife among TDs within both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, there is no doubt that the past 18 months have seen the beginnings of what could yet become a seismic shift in Ireland's political landscape. The recent attempted coup d'etat to oust Enda Kenny from the helm of Fine Gael and the attention it has taken away from the pressing problems of dealing with Ireland's economic implosion has only heightened that desire for change. It was the mantra of hope and change that swept Barack Obama to the steps of the White House last year and it is those twin desires that remain so badly lacking in Irish politics today. There is an almost tangible yearning among people for politicians and parties to decouple themselves from the civil war baggage of the past and forge a different type of politics that will change radically how this country is governed. There is little confidence among voters in either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael, or their respective leaderships, to inspire people and although Labour may be riding high in the polls, there is a sense that it has simply managed to exploit economic populism to improve its standing among a public punch-drunk from austerity measures and high levels of unemployment. It is against this background that there has been much chatter about a new political force on websites and blogs over the past year. Any discussions are believed to be merely embryonic at the present time but they have been given some momentum by reports that a number of TDs from both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, known to be deeply unhappy with their respective leaderships, are looking at options that might just include such a move. It could probably only be successful if a large group of malcontents from within the big two parties jumped ship and came together to form a new political alliance. Such a move would certainly capitalise on the public's undeniable mood for change. Some TDs in both parties are believed to be convinced that there is an appetite out there in the electorate for such a radical change in political direction. Politics has been seen in recent years in this country as a discredited profession and the parties that operate within the existing system are regarded as part of the problem and not the solution to the crisis afflicting Irish politics. The recent reports into the banking crisis by Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan and international experts Klaus Regling and Max Watson laid bare the failures of governance that contributed in a major way - along with the disgraceful antics of the banks themselves - to the downfall of the Irish economy. In years to come, these important reports may well be seen as a watershed political moment as their unfettered criticism of flawed economic policies and an overheating economy left to become almost solely dependent on an unsustainable construction sector showed the world why Ireland does indeed need to find a new political direction. The prospect of a new political movement would certainly be an opportunity to create a better and fairer society, inspired by a new raft of political ideals. It would hold a great deal of appeal for the many thoroughly disillusioned voters who cannot bring themselves to vote for either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael and would be too unnerved by the thought of Labour in power. There is no denying, either, that any new political movement aiming to bring about fundamental political reform would face major challenges, however, from the powerful incumbents. Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that there is at least some kind of a market out there for a new political party that could provide strong and effective government and allow for the desperately needed economic and political regeneration of this country to take place. Whether or not it happens, there must at least be a recognition on the part of all politicians that a process of political and democratic renewal must begin if voters are not to lose faith with the political process in this country.