According to Ezra Levant’s observations on the streets of Galway ahead of today’s by-election in the West constituency, residents express a near-unanimous stance on key political issues: socialism, globalism, and open borders.
The findings come as Ireland navigates its economic prosperity with a per capita GDP exceeding $160,000. This wealth has enabled the nation to implement expansive social programs and immigration policies without immediate fiscal strain.
Ireland’s demographic landscape is shifting rapidly. With approximately one in five residents born abroad—a result of nearly one million newcomers welcomed over two decades—the country faces unprecedented challenges in maintaining its cultural identity.
The by-election itself was triggered when a former president vacated the parliamentary seat, leading to a field of independent candidates including Noel Thomas. Expelled from mainstream politics for criticizing immigration policies, Thomas has become an advocate for anti-establishment viewpoints, recently aligning with truckers and farmers protesting fuel prices.
Ezra Levant notes that Margaret Thatcher famously described socialism as “the problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” This situation is evident in New York City where Zohran Mamdani’s plans for free services have driven away wealthy taxpayers. Ireland, however, remains a financial haven for major American corporations due to its low-tax environment.
Residents explain that if the country is wealthy enough, why not be generous? Why not align oneself with foreign migrants? They view this as a form of virtue signaling.
