Left and right in Irish politics

The political spectrum

Sir, – Joe Humphreys (Opinion & Analysis, August 7th) advances the notion that the centre-left is “arguably the dominant force in Irish politics’'. Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – two conservative behemoths – are the “dominant force in Irish politics” and have been ever since the foundation of the State. The two parties trace their origins to the 1917-21 independence movement and every government since 1932 has been led one of them.

There’s every reason to believe the next coalition administration will consist of at least one (perhaps two) of these essentially centre-right parties. – Yours, etc,

PAUL DELANEY,

Dalkey,

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Co Dublin.