An 'Irish Trump' may surface from Independent Ireland, Eddie Hobbs warns

Eddie Hobbs links Independent Ireland to populist politics as US influence, conspiracy claims and immigration rhetoric surface at forum

(Left to right) Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn, Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins, Presidential hopeful Maria Steen and Independent Ireland TD Richard O’Donoghue outside Leinster house last year. File picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

An “Irish Trump” could emerge from the ranks of Independent Ireland, according to former financial advisor Eddie Hobbs, who convened a conference for people on the "populist right" of politics.

Mr Hobbs, who organised the inaugural Irl Forum last weekend, told the Irish Examiner there is potential for an “Irish Trump” in the ranks of the Independent Ireland party. 

Steve Bannon, who was one of the main architects of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, said last month that he was working on the “Irish situation” and there would soon be an “Irish Trump”.

“There is potential for one but it would have to be developed," Mr Hobbs said.

When pushed, he added: “There is potential in Independent Ireland but they need to show their authenticity and to politically create far greater distance between themselves and Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael.” 

One of Independent Ireland’s four TDs, Ken O’Flynn, was a panellist at last weekend’s forum. When asked if was he referring to Mr O’Flynn, Hobbs replied: “He’s an interesting character.” 

The other TDs in Independent Ireland are Michael Collins, Richard O’Donoghue and Michael Fitzmaurice.

Ken O'Flynn 'an interesting character'. File picture: Larry Cummins

US ambassador Edward Walsh’s office contacted Mr Hobbs to facilitate attendance at the forum for the ambassador last week. Mr Walsh sat through two days of panel discussions at the event.

A spokesperson for the US embassy said the presence of the ambassador at the forum was “routine” in terms of his “broad programme of engagements across the country”.

“This includes attending a wide range of conferences, cultural events, and meetings with community representatives, political and business leaders, government officials, and local stakeholders,” the spokesperson said.

Ireland was specifically mentioned in the recently published National Security Strategy from the US government, which set out how the current administration wants to sees its focus and philosophy effectively exported to other countries.

“America is, understandably, sentimentally attached to the European Continent — and, of course, to Britain and Ireland,” the document states. 

We want to work with aligned countries that want to restore their former greatness. 

Last week’s forum heard from a variety of speakers who proposed solutions to various problems, including housing and the declining fertility rate. 

A number of conspiracy theories were also aired as were various allegations about immigrants and immigration in particular which have been shown elsewhere to be without foundation.