Tomorrow, Irish voters will be going to the ballot box after only three weeks of campaigning in what is a historic election for the country. Since the last general election in 2020, immigration has emerged as one of the most important issues, alongside familiar priorities such as housing, cost of living and healthcare.

Immigration concerns have been been driven by a surge in asylum applications and growing polarisation, sometimes leading to violent protests fueled by far-right actors. Unlike most of Europe, Ireland – with its long history of emigration – has no organised far-right or anti-immigration parties. However, this election sees a record number of independent candidates, including far-right agitators running on anti-immigration platforms.

This is a new dynamic in Irish politics, traditionally dominated by established parties. Since its foundation in 1922, Ireland has been led by one of two centre-right parties, Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil. In the last election, they formed a coalition for the first time. Polls suggest they could again form a coalition, keeping out left-wing nationalist and main opposition party Sinn Féin. Its popularity has plunged over the past year due to unclear immigration policies, which has alienated some of its working-class base.