The Shinners use the usual bottom-of-the-barrel populistic politics to woo new voters. Their popularity is falling and this cynicism won't gain an extra vote. (Ta an la acu.) Like the "know nothing's" that helped create the American Civil War SF seem to ignore Ireland as, generally, a sophisticated modern country that is tolerant and realistic and every "scandal" is not a crisis as the media suggests. I cannot ever see they will best previous highs in the polls. Ironically, my receipt for a TV licence arrived this morning and I'll continue to pay, if asked.
P.S. A smallish levy on every product sold in Ireland capable of TV and Internet reception would be a pain-free method of funding public service broadcasting for all service providers.
P.P.S. I think Michelle O'Neill is outshining her down-south, belligerent "sergeant-major" and dare one hope for some civilised moderation in Stormont. Andrew Trimble's programme last night suggests we are not yet at the end of the beginning.