As Ireland gears up for its February 8th elections, new poll numbers seem to suggest a potential shift away from a largely right-wing political battle that has dominated the scene for over 60 years, with left-wing party Sinn Féin’s message of change pushing it ahead of the incumbent right-winged, Fine Gael, and side-by-side with center-right, Fianna Fáil.
What the Numbers are Saying
With just 5 days to the polls, a recent survey carried out by The Business Post/Red C shows an unprecedented surge for Sinn Féin as it moved up five per cent in the space of one week to 24% placing it at the spot as Fianna Fáil, which fell two points. Contrariwise, support for the incumbent party, Fine Gael suffered a five per cent dip to 21%, placing it behind the other two. Initial poll numbers published in the last Business Post/Red C poll had Sinn Féin at just 11%.
In the same vein, a poll coordinated by The Panelbase for The Times and reported by The Irish Post puts Fianna Fáil ahead of the polls with 23% of the votes, while Sinn Féin and Fine Gael place second and third with 21% and 19% respectively. This result was recorded based on a poll of 1,000 voters, conducted between January 24th – 30th, 2020.
Sinn Fein’s New Found Momentum Fueled by Youth’s Desire for Change
Dominating the Irish political sphere for almost 10 years, Fine Gael has become a major player in the country since it entered government in 2011. Arguably responsible for reviving the Irish economy following the 2008 financial crisis, as well as a drop in unemployment to just 4.8%, Fine Gael’s stand seemed solid. However, problems in the housing and health sectors which have a direct impact on the populace seem to be the cause of constant strife between the government and the people.
Social liberalism has also remained a major selling point of the party with the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Leo Varadkar, a gay mixed-race man, serving as the party’s poster boy for progressiveness.
The country’s youth, however, seem to be tilting towards Sinn Féin. The Business Post/Red C polling also shows strong support and trust for the party among members of the voting community aged 45 below.
This can be attributed to the party’s message of radical change as envisioned in its manifesto. These changes include more progressive efforts through its support of the abortion and equality referendums, as well as, the promise to pay back €1,500 to renters, a three-year rent freeze, and the largest public housing funding scheme the state has ever seen.
The country’s elections are scheduled to hold on February 8th, 2020.
