The responsible middle ground is the answer to extremism

The hard work and consensus-building of centrists in most European countries, including Ireland, is our best defence against the chaos of political populism, writes Paschal Donohoe.

While 2016 was a bad year for centrist politics, 2017 has given more hope for optimism.

The Dutch and French elections, presaged by the outcome of the Austrian presidential election last summer, have seen the extremes underperform and moderate voices win the day.