In your opinion, what is the most Centrist Party in Ireland?

XopherIE · 18-06-2026 10:02AM #1

As the title states, in your opinion which political party is the most Centrist in Ireland. Upon reading short descriptions of the parties online, they are either Centre-right or Centre-left. And then you have the Centre Party of Ireland (previously Renua) which is far right... Would Fianna Fail be seen as the most Centrist?

Cyclingtourist · 18-06-2026 10:08AM

These terms are country specific but in an Irish context I'd put FG as the most centrist.

All political parties are popularist while in opposition but then become a bit more 'sensible popularist' in power, which means in sharing power. Inevitably coalition gives them an excuse to become more sensible and less sensitive.

Sleepy · 18-06-2026 10:12AM

Fianna Fail / Fine Gael are two cheeks of the same arse. FG would traditionally have been more right of centre than FF but I don't think that really holds true any more.

I'm not sure we could even consider Renua to be "far" right, they're more a single issue (anti-abortion) party that jump on whatever populist nonsense they think they can gather support from. Certainly right wing but lumping them in with the likes of the AFD or Reform is possibly a little unfair…

Ozymandius2011 · 18-06-2026 10:28AM

I dont really see much difference between the parties on cultural issues with the exception of which opposes abortion. Aontu Even though FF and FG were split on abolition of the 3 day reflection period for abortion, it's not a big change.

I do think there are social conservatives in Ireland, but they tend to vote Independent, II, Aontu or for the Populist Right candidates. Many Centrists also vote for Independents. There are a handful of Left Independents.

On immigration FF and FG are using more restrictive language on asylum, but I am not persuaded that they are conservative on immigration. I think some Independents, II and Aontu are more so. I think FF and FG are responding to changing public opinion.

On economic issues, I see FG as more resistant to welfare increases than FF, and preferring tax cuts.

Larbre34 · 20-06-2026 02:45AM

Fianna Fáil.

FG are economically rightist, while FF more liberal on that front, generally speaking.

Hotblack Desiato · 20-06-2026 02:49AM

Yeah that last budget that gave a nice increase to career dolers and a tax rise to workers was oh so right-wing.

black & white · 20-06-2026 09:36AM

I’d say FF, FG are similar but much keener to Privatise as many public services as possible so as said above FG are more economicaly right while centrist on many social issues.

Larbre34 · 20-06-2026 01:51PM

Are they? Any examples?

tastyt · 20-06-2026 02:02PM

There is no far right party in Ireland , there’s not even a right party

black & white · 20-06-2026 09:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124565859#Comment_124565859

Pushing housing out to REIT’s or Housing Orgs instead of council housing, funding Turas Nua while defunding Jobs Clubs, putting Employability service s out to tender are a few that come to mind.

almostover · 20-06-2026 09:58PM

FG and FF are both broadly centrist parties. FF marginally left of centre fiscally and marginally conservative socially. FG marginally right of centre fiscally and marginally liberal socially.

We tend to like centrism in Ireland. Hence the country voting for centrist governments with many years. Has worked out well in fairness in an overall sense.

Allinall · 20-06-2026 10:04PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124565884#Comment_124565884

Just as well

Hotblack Desiato · 21-06-2026 12:22AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124565484#Comment_124565484

We've been told this for the last 20 years but it hasn't happened yet, maybe next year is the charm, eh?

Like when all of the far-left claimed that Irish Water was "for certain" going to be privatised - yeah right an entity propped up by billions of taxpayer euro per year. I would say cop on but they don't have any.

In your opinion, what is the most Centrist Party in Ireland?

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