Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan How does Micheál Martin quieten dissenting voices in Fianna Fáil?
Oct 31, 2025
Ellen Coyne, a political correspondent for The Irish Times, and Naomi O'Leary, a journalist focusing on European politics, dive into the recent political turbulence in Ireland. They discuss the fallout from Catherine Connolly's presidential win and potential shifts toward a left-wing government. Coyne sheds light on tensions within Fianna Fáil and Micheál Martin's leadership challenges amidst backbench dissent. O'Leary explores the implications of the Dutch election results, highlighting how they resonate with wider European political trends.
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Presidential Result Signals Left Momentum
- Catherine Connolly's presidential win revealed a large cohort of anti-FFG voters coalescing around left-wing sentiment.
- That signal suggests a realistic possibility of a left-led government if left parties can cooperate on big-picture issues.
Left Cooperation Could Bypass Formal Coalitions
- Left parties could enable a government by cooperating without formally joining it, as suggested by Paul Murphy.
- But deep policy divides (immigration, taxation, budget rules) make a cohesive left coalition complex to deliver.
Immigration Is The Left's Key Test
- Immigration is a pivotal policy fault line that could fracture left unity and shape future manifestos.
- Sinn Féin's position on immigration will be decisive for prospective left allies and voter acceptance.