Fergus Finlay: I’m trying to stay optimistic but democracy looks dead on its feet

I never thought it would be possible to utter the phrase ‘Sinn Féin, the law and order party’ in a sentence without everyone falling around the place

 Donald Trump with Boris Johnson in 2019. The former British prime minister exhibits phoney apologies, crocodile tears, and fake indignation, while the former US president represents populist authoritarianism.

I feel as if I should start with an apology this morning. Storm Fergus really battered the west of Ireland overnight, and especially, it seems, County Leitrim. I’m taking it personally. I’m really glad no-one seems to have been hurt, and it appears to have passed pretty quickly. But still, I’m sorry that so much havoc was wreaked in my name, and I hope everyone recovers soon.

It's not my job to be going around battering towns and villages. I’m here to explain, to analyse, and to deploy my immense experience and understanding of the world so things are much clearer for you, my dear readers. So why, then, am I approaching the end of 2023 in a state of confusion and perplexity, and no little amount of fear and anxiety?