"Voters who share the values epitomised by Maria Steen feel they have no obvious political home, but here's how that could change"
"A reporter called me the other day to find out what I thought about the prospects for conservative politics in Ireland, in the light of Maria Steen's high-profile and narrowly failed bid to get into the presidential race, and the energy it generated."
"Almost nobody likes to be called a "conservative". The word has become associated with backwardness and resistance to change."
Many voters who align with socially and culturally conservative values feel politically homeless after high-profile, narrowly failed candidacies such as Maria Steen's presidential bid. Steen's campaign produced unexpected energy among that constituency, signalling latent demand for clearer representation. The label "conservative" carries negative connotations for many, being associated with backwardness and resistance to change, which complicates efforts to build a mainstream political vehicle. Opportunities exist to translate the energy into durable political structures through targeted organisation, issue-focused messaging, and by offering pragmatic policy platforms that address family, faith, and national-sovereignty concerns. Coalition-building or renewal of existing parties could provide viable pathways forward.
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