We’re witnessing signs pointing to a massive global failure of politics

In the face of rampant extremism, social democracy, it seems, has nothing to say, writes Fergus Finlay

ARE WE on the brink of fascism? Is there a growing belief in the world that only highly authoritarian leaders can solve the problems we face? Is the rise, again, of nationalism inexorable? Are they all going to be the consequences of terrorism — and the cause of more terrorism?

I had just left a wonderful reception at the French embassy in Dublin when the news of the latest terrorist attack in Nice began to break. It seemed half the population of Dublin had turned out to help the French ambassador and his family celebrate Bastille Day. It was a glorious evening, and the friendship and hospitality of the embassy was unsurpassed. The ambassador spoke warmly about the solidarity between the people of France and Ireland — at its most evident in the wake of the Paris attacks last November.