Ireland has seen this movie before — and small parties always steal the scene

As voter disillusionment grows, Ireland’s political history offers clues to how rising small parties could shape the next government

Leader of the Progressive Democrats Des O Malley with Fianna Fáil leader Charles Haughey in 1991. Picture; Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland

The Cork Progressive Association (CPA) was ahead of its time. Way ahead of its time. 

The CPA was formed in the aftermath of the Civil War, presenting itself as a political entity that would tackle the big issues being ignored by mainstream politics.