Rise of independents shows disgust at parties

Following the recent unrest in Labour due to MEP Phil Prendergast’s criticism of Eamon Gilmore’s leadership, it has highlighted a common thread that explains the rise of independents.

Opinion polls suggest surges in support for Sinn Féin and independents. I suspect the opinion poll gains for Sinn Féin are soft, and will not actually materialise into marked vote increases, but there is on-the-ground support for independents.

Labour, in particular, have shipped many defectors, including the departures of Willie Penrose and Colm Keaveney. Although Penrose re-joined the parliamentary party last October, the trouble in the party has been evident for a long time. Keaveney left on principle after voting against the Government on the respite care grant, but others hold their tongue so as to retain the party whip. This type of behaviour has turned the public against many party politicians.

While many Labour candidates offer an abundance of local promise to upcoming local election voters, the fear that they will eventually have to fall into line with Enda and co will be telling at the ballot box.

While independents find it harder to form part of an effective government, at least they don’t appear to be gagged, and speak passionately from the back benches. ‘Acta non verba’ may be something to live by, but when those words are curtailed, and the deeds directed, a party lives and dies by their puppeteer’s hand.

Justin Kelly

Edenderry

Co Offaly