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Ireland: the pride of the Irish

February 11, 2011

Ireland is the first country in the European Union in which the euro financial crisis has forced new elections.

https://p.dw.com/p/Qzhb
Image: dpa
Nordirland neue Regierung Sinn Fein Gerry Adams
Gerry Adams and his Northern Irish party Sinn Fein are gaining ground in the Republic of Ireland.Image: AP

The governing Fianna Fail has been sharply criticized for the economic downturn on the Emerald Isle. Smaller parties such as the eurosceptic Sinn Fein are gaining ground as a result. Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen called new elections in the wake of criticism of his leadership in the crisis. His party is accused of single-mindedly focussing on the financial and property sectors. Since the financial crisis began, public debt in Ireland has ballooned. Many normal families now fear they will slide into poverty.