n this episode, I sit down with Hermann Kelly, the leader of the Irish Freedom Party, to analyze the outcomes of the recent Irish elections and discuss broader political themes in Ireland and Europe. The conversation begins with an examination of the political shift where Fianna Fáil has emerged as the largest party, highlighting a coalition government that many perceive as having moved away from traditional nationalist values towards a more globalist and secular approach. Kelly discusses how the Irish Freedom Party has been working to steer the political conversation back towards nationalism, particularly in contrast to parties like Sinn Féin, which he argues have strayed from their nationalist origins.
We explore the Irish Freedom Party's electoral gains and its role in diminishing Sinn Féin's voter base, despite facing significant media bias and exclusion from mainstream platforms. Kelly notes the rise of independent candidates and a decline in support for established parties, signaling a transformation in Ireland's political landscape driven by public discontent with "woke" politics.
The dialogue then turns to immigration, with Kelly pointing out a public shift towards viewing current immigration levels as too high, advocating for a more open national discussion on border control and its socio-economic impacts.
On the topic of criminal justice, Kelly criticizes the perceived leniency towards sexual offenders and calls for judicial reforms to focus more on public safety and victim justice rather than just prison overcrowding concerns.
The discussion broadens to include European political dynamics, particularly the situation in France with Macron's recent challenges, and how these reflect a broader populist surge. Kelly draws parallels with other European nationalist movements, suggesting there are lessons to be learned for the Irish Freedom Party.
Lastly, we address the climate agenda, with Kelly critiquing the current 'net zero' policies for their economic impact. He calls for a more balanced approach to energy policy that considers both environmental and economic viability, suggesting Ireland should explore alternatives like nuclear and tidal power.
This episode provides a deep dive into the complexities of Irish politics, the resurgence of nationalist sentiments, and the implications for European politics, emphasizing the need for a return to pragmatic and community-focused governance.
*Special thanks to Bosch Fawstin for recording our intro/outro on this podcast.
nterview recorded 6th December 2024
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