"Do not expect polit­ical fireworks in 2026. There will be no general election, no presidential shoot-outs and no beauty contests for seats in the European Parliament. Newly elected TDs can relax and pace themselves for four more years in the Dáil."
"Forget about high-wire leaders' debates or other television spectaculars. Instead of the endless series of entertaining box-office political duels, the delicious spontaneity of unarmed combat and the glorious gaffes, we ought to expect long hours of mind-numbing policy debates and mature discussions about dull but worthy and politically correct topics."
Until Dara Calleary and Jim O'Callaghan take action, the Taoiseach will continue in office while appearing wounded but deluded. Political activity in 2026 will be quiet, with no general election, no presidential showdowns and no competitive contests for European Parliament seats. Newly elected TDs can expect four more years without immediate electoral pressure. High-profile televised leaders' debates and spectacle-driven confrontations will be absent. Anticipate extended, detailed policy debates and sober discussions focused on technically substantive and politically correct topics rather than spontaneous, gaffe-prone political theatre.
Read at Independent
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