Mick Clifford: Democracy on trial in 2024

At the end of next year, we may know whether the liberal democracy that has been a hallmark of the West over the last 80 years is on the way out, writes Mick Clifford

Donald Trump may, by the time the election comes around, have the status of a convicted criminal. As of now, that prospect looks like it would have little bearing on an election.

Hold onto your hat. The year that is about to begin could be momentous. At the end of it, we may know whether the liberal democracy that has been a hallmark of the West over the last 80 years is on the way out.

Locally, we should also find out whether the electoral trends seen throughout Europe and further afield could in any substantial way at all be replicated here. And with such weighty issues to tax and stress, relief can be sourced through the froth of life known as sport. In that vein, the big question presenting is will the great Dublin
football team and Limerick’s hurlers finally succumb to the march of time.