Political Parties Flashcards
Discuss the different types of independents recently in Ireland.
- Ideological
- Left-wing (3)
- National single issue (1)
- Community (local issues) (7)
- Apostate (former party TDs) (1)
- Quasi-parties (11)
Why are there so many independents in Ireland ?
- Institutional
- Electoral system
- Ballot access rules (30 signatures or €500 deposit)
- Parliamentary activities allowance (€37,000 in 2021)
- Dáil ‘technical groups’ (5 TDs)
- Disincentives for new parties (coordination challenges, state funding only on the basis of past performance, gender quota rules
- Electoral change
- Pressure valve
- A precursor to new parties?
- Potential for populism?
What are the structures of Irish political parties ?
- Basic unit: branch or cumann
- Generally 10 members minimum (5 for Greens or rural Labour)
- Constituency councils
- National conference (ard-fheis)
- National executive
What are the membership numbers of Irish political parties ?
Early 1980s: average ME = 7.50
Now: average ME = 3.48 (percentage of the electorate)
What are the role of members of Irish political parties ?
- Candidate selection
Democratization vs. centralization
Party primaries (OMOV)
Coordination by executives (Vote management; celebrity candidates, Gender quotas)
- Leadership election
Presidentalization of politics
Who picks?
1. Ard-fheis delegate vote (SF)
2. Electoral college (FG since 2004; FF since 2015)
3. OMOV (Lab & Greens)
- Formation of party policy
- Party conference/ard fheis
- Election manifesto: Top-down? (Front bench; senior advisors)
Bottom-up? (Greens: grassroot input
GP, Labour & FF: special conference to decide on coalitions, Sinn Féin: new policy positions)
How does party financing function in Ireland ?
- Politics becoming more expensive
- Dangers of corruption
- State funding, with quid quo pro of…
- Regulation of party funding
Raise their own funds, but;
- Donations of more than 1500 euro must be declared.
- Max. one person can donate is 2500.
- Each year partie must furnish details of donations.
What is the breakdown of party income ?
Party (non-state) income in 2019
Declared donations (€1,500+): €237,746
Memberships fees: €1,041,447
Fundraising: €1,984,381
Other: €37,850
Total non-state income: €3,301,424
Total state income: €14,471,978
Ratio state:non-state = 4.4:1
What are the conclusions drawn by the module ?
- Declining numbers of members
- Organizational reforms to engage members
- Increased reliance on state funding
- Becoming ‘hollowed out’?
What is de-alignment and what does it entail ?
The 2016 election indicated a de-alignment in Irish politics, with voters abandoning long-term political affiliations. While 70% of voters supported the same party between 1997 and 2002 and between 2002 and 2007, this fell to 54% in 2007-2011 and 51% in 2011-2016. This trend suggests a weakening of party loyalty and an increase in voter volatility. (Cunningham and Marsh, 2023)
Discuss the historical dominance of Fianna Fail.
Dominance of Fianna Fáil: Fianna Fáil historically dominated Irish party politics, often garnering vote shares well above 40-50% and frequently controlling the government. It acted as a catch-all party and shaped the structure of party competition.
Historical Electoral Performance: Fianna Fáil historically enjoyed dominance in Irish politics, consistently achieving high vote shares and controlling the government for extended periods.
Catch-all Party Dynamics: Fianna Fáil’s catch-all approach to politics allowed it to appeal to a broad range of voters, contributing to its prolonged dominance and influence over the party system. (Farrell, 2021)
Discuss the recent emergence of new parties in Ireland.
Since the 1980s, there has been a notable emergence of new parties, particularly on the left of the spectrum.
These include the Progressive Democrats in the 1980s and Sinn Féin’s rise starting in 2016, marking a departure from the traditional dominance of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
The emergence of new parties and the rise of Sinn Féin have led to a more crowded electoral field. Parties like the Greens, Social Democrats, and far-left groups have competed for votes, contributing to the diversification of political options. (Farrell, 2021)
What is the role of small parties in Ireland ?
The traditional puzzle of Irish party politics involved the emergence and occasional displacement of minor parties like the Progressive Democrats, Sinn Féin, and Labour. These parties contributed to the diversification of the political landscape.
- Contribution to Diversity: Minor parties like Labour, Sinn Féin, and the Progressive Democrats played a crucial role in diversifying the Irish party system, offering alternative policy platforms and representing specific interest groups.
- Challenge to Established Order: The occasional displacement of Labour by other minor parties challenged the established order dominated by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, signaling shifts in voter preferences and political allegiances. (Farrell, 2021)
What is the role of parties in democracy ?
Politics in parliamentary democracies largely operates through parties. Parties frame public debate, shape political competition, formulate policy, and structure electoral choices. They are crucial for understanding the political process and its dynamics. (Weeks, 2023)
What are political parties ?
While there is no universal agreement on the definition of a political party, they are generally tightly knit organizations that demand discipline and loyalty from members. Parties vary in structure, size, and organizational strength. Legislation often defines parties for funding purposes, but such definitions may not capture their essence fully. (Weeks, 2023)
What is the public perception of political parties ?
Despite their institutional significance, political parties are often viewed with distrust. They are perceived as corrupt, power-hungry, and undemocratic by many. In a cross-European survey, political parties were seen as the most corrupt institution by a significant portion of the population. (Weeks, 2023)
