Ireland now comparatively liberal?

An Ciarraioch · 09-11-2016 06:13PM #1

In the aftermath of Brexit and the Trump victory, it would appear that the Irish electorate is comparatively liberal to their foreign counterparts. Certainly, no nationalist movement has emerged to decry immigration, with the prevailing attitude appearing to be toleration on condition of integration into Irish culture and society. Similarly, social attitudes appear more moderate, with the Gender Recognition provoking little protest, the same-sex marriage referendum passing, and both sides of the abortion debate appearing to be willing to allow the people determine how the issue is to be decided. Ironically, it may well be the much-maligned "catch-all" nature of both FF and FG that has prevented the emergence of economic or geographic faultlines!

cnocbui · 09-11-2016 06:16PM

If you think abortion at the determination of the mother is ever going to be allowed in this country, you are deluded.

How Soon Is Now · 09-11-2016 06:21PM

I pray Ireland never gets to social level America is on really it would drive me insane!

It's getting bad enough lately already.

I've been looking threw forums where it's mostly America people and jesus christ some of the ****e there coming out with you would think they where all sentenced to death!

Spanish Eyes · 09-11-2016 06:22PM

I think we are in general, complacent, laid back and tolerant.

Unless the issue involves us in a negative way personally.

PoorAuldDivil · 09-11-2016 06:23PM

It's quite hard to measure, considering the vast bulk of the political landscape of Ireland (FF,FG,Labour) are all center right, historical issues still linger (civil war etc), and Ireland in general not being as classist (politically at least) as other societies (Most reading this will have had a TD at their grand-parent's funeral, will know a local TD etc).

I'd say that the average Irish person is generally conservative, but the extremes of the right haven't yet been touched upon. Most nation's idea of nationalism is absorbing other nations/cultures, whereas because of Irelands history, our nationalism is simply based around defense.

The Backwards Man · 09-11-2016 06:26PM

The modern day definition of 'liberal' seems to be anyone that isn't a racist, a misogynist, an anarchist or just plain old stupid.

We have a few of each of those alright, but not that many, so yeah, we're a liberal country.

ohnonotgmail · 09-11-2016 06:26PM

An Ciarraioch wrote: »

In the aftermath of Brexit and the Trump victory, it would appear that the Irish electorate is comparatively liberal to their foreign counterparts. Certainly, no nationalist movement has emerged to decry immigration, with the prevailing attitude appearing to be toleration on condition of integration into Irish culture and society. Similarly, social attitudes appear more moderate, with the Gender Recognition provoking little protest, the same-sex marriage referendum passing, and both sides of the abortion debate appearing to be willing to allow the people determine how the issue is to be decided. Ironically, it may well be the much-maligned "catch-all" nature of both FF and FG that has prevented the emergence of economic or geographic faultlines!

No national movement as such but plenty of people on here belly-aching about it

diomed · 09-11-2016 06:27PM

There's a lot to be said for begrudgery. Don't get ideas about yourself.

AnGaelach · 09-11-2016 06:28PM

An Ciarraioch wrote: »

In the aftermath of Brexit and the Trump victory, it would appear that the Irish electorate is comparatively liberal to their foreign counterparts. Certainly, no nationalist movement has emerged to decry immigration, with the prevailing attitude appearing to be toleration on condition of integration into Irish culture and society. Similarly, social attitudes appear more moderate, with the Gender Recognition provoking little protest, the same-sex marriage referendum passing, and both sides of the abortion debate appearing to be willing to allow the people determine how the issue is to be decided. Ironically, it may well be the much-maligned "catch-all" nature of both FF and FG that has prevented the emergence of economic or geographic faultlines!

The main difference is that Irish tolerance is that they have to integrate into Irish culture. If we started having things like Rotherham here, you can bet your bottom dollar we'd react the same. If a huge portion of the Irish electorate started losing jobs and had nowhere to turn, you can bet your ass they'd give a protest vote to people they don't even like (see: Fine Gael 2011).

Irish people and Irish society isn't a surprising "exception", it's just in different circumstances compared to other Western countries.

buried · 09-11-2016 06:34PM

Liberal my arse. The off licence closes at 10pm for christsake. Plus I have to go into the darkness of either a field or a dodgy carpark to get me weed and mushrooms and risk going to jail in the process

Galwayguy35 · 09-11-2016 06:35PM

We're not half as leftie liberal as the media let on we are, but many people who have concerns about illegal or uncontrolled immigration into our country are afraid to speak out.

Spanish Eyes · 09-11-2016 06:36PM

Re Peel the 8th is the only thing really that is getting backs up on both sides now.

And it stays quiet until the next statement from the liberal leftie meeejia in fairness.

I smile when I hear "it's the economy stupid", because that is something that affects us all, every day, every week, every year.

The libtard regime is fading now. People have woken up.

Trump is Prez, so go figure.

The Backwards Man · 09-11-2016 06:44PM

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

We're not half as leftie liberal as the media let on we are, but many people who have concerns about illegal or uncontrolled immigration into our country are afraid to speak out.

In a progressive democracy with a free press you can normally translate 'I am afraid to speak out' to 'I have nothing particularly useful to say'.

Spanish Eyes · 09-11-2016 06:45PM

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

We're not half as leftie liberal as the media let on we are, but many people who have concerns about illegal or uncontrolled immigration into our country are afraid to speak out.

Certain sections of the media are trying to tell us we should all be leftie liberal, and when we don't oblige it is handbags at dawn.

No one wants to be TOLD what to think when the concerns are in your face but no one is listening.

Interesting times ahead.

Brexit..... Whoa, no one saw that one coming
Trump......Whoa, no one saw that one coming either.

Common denominator - a liberal left media that tried to tell us what the best outcome would be. But for whom?

I'm liking this peasant revolt lol.

Spanish Eyes · 09-11-2016 06:47PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

In a progressive democracy with a free press you can normally translate 'I am afraid to speak out' to 'I have nothing particularly useful to say'.

There is no Free Press anymore.

Avatar MIA · 09-11-2016 06:51PM

buried wrote: »

Liberal my arse. The off licence closes at 10pm for christsake. Plus I have to go into the darkness of either a field or a dodgy carpark to get me weed and mushrooms and risk going to jail in the process

I think you forgot the "comparatively" in the OPs heading.

Ireland's not a hippie commune, correct.

The Backwards Man · 09-11-2016 06:53PM

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

There is no Free Press anymore.

No sign of the Goskomizdat in Donegal yet.

Herb Powell · 09-11-2016 06:54PM

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

We're not half as leftie liberal as the media let on we are, but many people who have concerns about illegal or uncontrolled immigration into our country are afraid to speak out.

Free speech does not mean everyone has to like or even respect whatever you decide to say.

osarusan · 09-11-2016 06:56PM

Plenty of people who love to imagine their views are censored alright.

They waffle endlessly on boards about all the things they apparently cannot talk about.

Spanish Eyes · 09-11-2016 07:04PM

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

This narrative that anyone who has a bad word to say about Brexit or Trump is a leftie is absolute rubbish. Popping up in an increasing number of threads on this forum too.

It's possible to think the right has good ideas while simultaneously thinking Trump is a moron and Brexit was phenomenally stupid.

Ah no, being intelligent and discerning in the analysis of policies is not allowed.

You're either with us or agin us.

So right or left.

What about a middle ground? Not allowed obv.

buried · 09-11-2016 07:08PM

Avatar MIA wrote: »

I think you forgot the "comparatively" in the OPs heading.

Ireland's not a hippie commune, correct.

Its not "comparatively" liberal either cuz.

Liberal -"willing to respect or accept behaviour or opinions different from one's own; open to new ideas"

Your proving that it isn't yourself

Avatar MIA · 09-11-2016 07:10PM

buried wrote: »

Its not "comparatively" liberal either cuz.

Liberal -"willing to respect or accept behaviour or opinions different from one's own; open to new ideas"

Your proving that it isn't yourself

My fault, I thought people understood what the term comparatively meant.

Carry on.

super_furry · 09-11-2016 07:12PM

osarusan wrote: »

Plenty of people who love to imagine their views are censored alright.

They waffle endlessly on boards about all the things they apparently cannot talk about.

But to be honest, it's mostly from people who are buying into and indoctrinating themselves in US based discussion and forums.

People on here complaining about how there's a 'war against the straight-white-male', using terms like 'SJW' and 'special-snowflakes' are just echoing things they see online from American based commentators. They talk about a war of speech, PC culture and straight white men being downtroden, but none of these things are relevant to Irish life. I mean they go as far as to talk about their support for the NRA and American gun rights.

Skylinehead · 09-11-2016 07:16PM

super_furry wrote: »

But to be honest, it's mostly from people who are buying into and indoctrinating themselves in US based discussion and forums.

People on here complaining about how there's a 'war against the straight-white-male', using terms like 'SJW' and 'special-snowflakes' are just echoing things they see online from American based commentators. They talk about a war of speech, PC culture and straight white men being downtroden, but none of these things are relevant to Irish life. I mean they go as far as to talk about their support for the NRA and American gun rights.

There's magnitudes more people complaining about SJWs on boards than there are SJWs. I actually can't name any off the top of my head. Massively overblown crap that barely exists in the real world.

Spanish Eyes · 09-11-2016 07:17PM

Glad the sheep have been let out of the pen.

Le pen, god how did I do that!

The Backwards Man · 09-11-2016 07:21PM

'Triggered' is the one they use that I like the most. Or 'libtard'. Or maybe 'cuck'.

It's hard to choose!!

They all tell you the same thing though, the person using them isn't worth entertaining.

Social Justice Warrior is a moniker any rational person should wear with pride though, like Judge Dredd without a gun.

TheOven · 09-11-2016 07:24PM

super_furry wrote: »

But to be honest, it's mostly from people who are buying into and indoctrinating themselves in US based discussion and forums.

People on here complaining about how there's a 'war against the straight-white-male', using terms like 'SJW' and 'special-snowflakes' are just echoing things they see online from American based commentators. They talk about a war of speech, PC culture and straight white men being downtroden, but none of these things are relevant to Irish life. I mean they go as far as to talk about their support for the NRA and American gun rights.

This is exactly what I found. Most people in Ireland don't care about much unless it is directly affecting their lives. They are also quick to move on when they lose, look at the marriage referendum. There's only a handful of people still complaining about it and thats only the odd comment, everyone else who had genuine concerns as they called them has moved on.

The far right especially is just a copy of the American far right who have to look to other countries to find stuff to complain about.

Galwayguy35 · 09-11-2016 07:24PM

Herb Powell wrote: »

Free speech does not mean everyone has to like or even respect whatever you decide to say.

No but it doesn't mean the lefties should start calling anyone who has immigration concerns racists either.

Arturo Bandini · 09-11-2016 07:26PM

super_furry wrote: »

But to be honest, it's mostly from people who are buying into and indoctrinating themselves in US based discussion and forums.

The irony here is that the people who care about it are the ones who fear that Irish people could go the same way due to the medias influence.

If PC was isolated to just America, none us would care, but that's not the case. Boards itself has lots of PC posters who are influenced by America media so lets not pretend it's a problem only on one side.

Didas · 09-11-2016 07:27PM

super_furry wrote: »

But to be honest, it's mostly from people who are buying into and indoctrinating themselves in US based discussion and forums.

People on here complaining about how there's a 'war against the straight-white-male', using terms like 'SJW' and 'special-snowflakes' are just echoing things they see online from American based commentators. They talk about a war of speech, PC culture and straight white men being downtroden, but none of these things are relevant to Irish life. I mean they go as far as to talk about their support for the NRA and American gun rights.

This actually sums up the majority of all political posts, made by the same 15-20 posters, on this site.

Ulysses Gaze · 09-11-2016 07:27PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

'Triggered' is the one they use that I like the most. Or 'libtard'. Or maybe 'cuck'.

It's hard to choose!!

They all tell you the same thing though, the person using them isn't worth entertaining.

Social Justice Warrior is a moniker any rational person should wear with pride though, like Judge Dredd without a gun.

As long as it is followed up with action based on your social justice beliefs, I couldn't agree more.

Too often though, it is just virtual virtue signalling that applies to many Social Justice Warriors.

Virtue-Signalling without Action is just B!llsh!t.

Ireland now comparatively liberal?

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