Book description
While the type of small political party in Ireland has varied,
their fate, it seems, has not. Although some enjoy a brief time in the
sun, termination is the long-term prospects for all minor parties. The
usual pattern is a speedy ascent, an impact on the political system
including a time in government, followed by a prolonged termination.
This book examines this pattern of evolution for minor, or small,
parties in Irish politics. As the Irish state has changed, so too have
the types of parties that have emerged. With the first-time entry of
the Greens into government in 2007, their wipeout in 2011, the
termination of the Progressive Democrats in 2009, and the failure of a
new party to emerge despite the ongoing finanical crisis, the time is
ripe for this analysis.
The contributors to this collection comprise some of the leading
commentators in Irish political life, including Kevin Rafter, Desmond
O'Mally, Dan Boyle, Professors Gary Murphy and John Coakley. They have
an extensive publication history. Professor Liam Weeks, editor of the
collection, is a lecturer and political analyst for the Irish Times,
RTE, and Newstalk Radio.
