Ireland

Although Irish politics was long dominated by centrist and centre-right parties, there is now movement towards the centre-left and an emerging left-right divide. This shift is particularly influenced by rising economic inequalities due to higher costs of living and wage stagnation. During the last decade, Ireland’s income inequality pre- and post-tax have increased and the country shows the third most unequal distribution of income among EU countries before taxes and benefits are applied. This rise is also influenced by an elevated share of jobless households, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the high levels of low pay. As wage inequality increases, social mobility also becomes less accessible, which, in turn, leads to more fractious politics. Moreover, Irish policymakers have mostly relied on cash benefits instead of services. This has resulted in substantive challenges in healthcare and housing. Access to abortion also remains a concern in the Catholic majority country. Despite the decriminalisation in 2018, no abortion services have been commissioned yet, which has prompted a review of the Termination of Pregnancy Act. In recent years, Irish politics have also started to address the Irish pension system, which remains under pressure due to ageing demographics, lack of auto-enrolment, and a high number of private sector workers with no supplementary pension savings.

Irish democratic performance remains sound in the aggregate. However, two key areas warrant further concern. The country’s struggle with austerity politics and the lack of governmental support has resulted in the decline of trust in the government. This is perpetuated by promised state support programmes not being implemented and a series of scandals that prompted resignations. While this is not an immediate concern, it can affect the functioning of democratic institutions and Participatory Engagement. A second key area of concern is the unclear situation with Northern Ireland and the decreased trust between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Due to the shift of politics in Northern Ireland, discussions on a referendum on the unity of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have started. Nonetheless, a failure of finding mutually agreeable solutions would have major consequences for the Republic.