I agree SF surge is not an inherently left vote, but neither do I think it's a nationalistic vote. I think it is simply a TINA (there is no alternative) vote.Setanta wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 3:18 pm I think you've hit the nail on the head there....only issue happening is that soc dems have done what media hoped SF would do all along and cannabalise the left vote
Everyone who would one time never ever contemplate it,are voting/intending to vote SF nowadays,SF have cannabalised the FF vote that went to FG in 2011....this isn't an inherently left wing vote ,it's nationlistic,seeks improvements for all,and works on type of parish-pump/local issues approach,of which the government parties have long conceded ground on local issues to 'campaign groups' and used media to deride TDs engaging in it...
(hence how a government TD who was horrified to have a bag of dung dropped near her recently at a protest meeting,and had to run to media to demonise those she was unable to face down)
A party with a young articulate photogenic leader is the ideal vehicle for the media to get behind and try and mop this vote up.
If they run enough candidates in enough constituencies I think they will keep SF out of next government.