Economist Podcasts From out of left field: Ireland’s election
Feb 7, 2020
Ireland's political landscape is shifting dramatically as voters turn away from Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael to Sinn Féin, amid economic crises. Meanwhile, the beautiful arrival of monarch butterflies clashes with the troubling rise of violence in Mexico's logging regions. Urban America faces a new challenge: coyotes are increasingly wandering city streets, raising concerns after a child's attack in Chicago. This exploration of political tensions, environmental dilemmas, and urban wildlife illustrates the complex interactions shaping our world today.
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Varadkar's Popularity Paradox
- Leo Varadkar, Ireland's first openly gay and youngest leader, faces potential removal from office.
- Despite international acclaim for his handling of Brexit, domestic issues like housing costs and healthcare plague him.
Sinn Féin's Rise
- Sinn Féin, a party linked to past violence, is surprisingly gaining popularity in Ireland's election.
- This surge stems from public anger over housing and healthcare, with Sinn Féin presenting itself as the alternative.
Sinn Féin's Evolution
- Sinn Féin in Southern Ireland distances itself from its IRA past, focusing on a social democratic agenda.
- The current leadership, including Mary Lou MacDonald, is too young to have been involved in the Troubles.