Sinn Fein, the Populist Party

Colonel Claptrap

Are Sinn Fein Ireland's answer to Syriza, 5SM, Trump, and Farage?

SF consistently frame the established "elite" in government and society as being against the 'ordinary people', who just so happen to be their core voter.
How many times after the election were we told "the people have spoken"?
Or how about "We smashed the Free State"?
Their policies are oftentimes erratic, ill-thought-out, or hypocritical, but share a common theme: protecting the average joe from the tyranny of the "elites".

- Examples include the proposed reduction of the state pension age. When asked how it would be funded we were told the demographics "would take care of themselves."
- A nationwide rent freeze would show those dastardly landlords a thing or two.
- SF are a left wing party yet they advocate the abolishment of the property tax, arguably one of the best ways to tax the rich.
- Eoin O'Broin's headline grabbing criticism of FF's housing policy was roundly cheered by his online followers, until it was pointed out his sums were wrong forcing him to backtrack and delete his tweet.
- "Posh Boy" Eoghan Murphy is roundly vilified by SF online supporters but there is nary a mention of Posh Boy O'Broin.
- SF TD Matt Carthy whipped up a storm of outrage surrounding TDs looking to pocket allowances for working from home during the Covid crisis. Until it turned out no such request was made by any TD.

There is also an undercurrent of fear mongering.

- SF chief whip Aengus O Snodaigh wrote to Dublin City Council raising concerns over 5G masts in Ireland.
- Last year there were 2 motions at the Sinn Fein ard fheis relating to 5G rollout. One motion sought to establish "independent facts" related to 5G and the possible health impact of this technology. What are 'independent facts'? I am reminded of the Trump administration's 'alternative facts'.
- SF Clare TD Violet-Anne Wynne expressed anti-vaxx sentiments. As did former SF presidential candidate Liadh Ni Riada.
- SF Kildare TD Reada Cronin stated she would not be surprised if "most judges were pedophiles" as well as linking Israel to Nazism.


For a long time I reckoned SF had a few bad eggs in their ranks and that many TDs were voted in on a wave of anti-government sentiment, rather than their ability as legislators.

Now i suspect Sinn Fein are Populists by design, not by accident.

Beasty

We've plenty of threads discussing SF