Irish election is most important since 1932
The 26 counties general election on 25 February is the most important election the state has had since 1932, when De Valera and the Catholic nationalists — Fianna Fail — formed their first government (with non-participating Labour Party support). Irish politics is in the melting pot. The main governing party, Fianna Fail, has a new leader, Micháel Martin. It has not got much else. The rats are deserting the sinking ship. No fewer than 30 — out of a total of 72 — Fianna Fail TDs are not contesting seats. Some of them, such as Neal Blaney in Donegal, are scions of old Fianna Fail local dynasties...