Most political commentary is naturally focused on the performance of the Government but, after more than a year in office, maybe it is time to ask how the Opposition is shaping up as an alternative. The short answer is that it is becalmed, just like the Coalition.

After President Catherine Connolly’s victory, there was a great deal of talk about the potential for a united left alliance to sweep the boards when the next general election comes around.

The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll indicates that the Opposition parties have slipped back to about the same level of support as the Coalition, and there is no sign of the much-heralded breakthrough. The forthcoming byelections in Dublin Central and Galway West may paint a different picture but the poll should give all of the Opposition parties pause for thought.

Sinn Féin suffered a sudden decline in support in the run-up to the general election of November 2024, confounding the pundits who had been predicting confidently for years that it was on course to lead the next government.

It quickly got over that shattering disappointment and has dominated the Opposition benches since. Its opposition to the appointment of Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle on day........

© The Irish Times