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The next big question is can they maintain their ‘togetherness’ and actually build a united left bloc that rivals the government parties? Keep up with all the latest with The Journal’s election centre After the general election, the left-wing parties first dipped their toes in the waters of working together by unifying under the speaking rights row. While it could have been a flash in the pan, the parties learned that together they could achieve a lot more than working in a silo. Fast forward to this presidential election, backing one candidate, Catherine Connolly, has heralded success for Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, the Green Party and Sinn Féin. The left are viewing this as a stunning blow to the government and are pushing the narrative that just under a year after the general election, the public are fed up Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. ‘An alternative vision’ “People are looking for an alternative vision,” Labour leader Ivana Bacik said today, adding that a united left government after the next election is a possibility. “We’re seeing a real rejection of the politics of the past, represented by Fine Gael and we’re seeing an immensely positive response to Catherine’s calm and steady and steadfast message, an alternative type of politics. “We’re very excited about this. It’s been a really united and really strong campaign, and we’ve been really proud to be part,” she told reporters at Dublin Castle. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman told The Journal that the reason Connolly was able to unite so many from diverse political traditions and approaches was because she had a really positive offering. Advertisement Green Party leader Roderic O'GormanLeah Farrell Leah Farrell “She was asking people to come behind, to vote for something, not against something. So I see it being cooperation between parties on specific issues where we’re able to really hone in on an issue,” he said, giving the Occupied Territories Bill as an example. ’2024 election message didn’t work’ He said the “trust has to be built on” when it comes to other policy issues, which he indicated could pose problems in the run up to a general election. “I think when it comes to the election, the Irish people want to vote for something. I don’t think the platform of, you know, vote Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael out … I don’t think that’s going to work. Like, to be honest, that was the platform in 2024 and it didn’t work. “So there has to be something positive there to convince people that there is an alternative government, but you know that has to be built on policy agreement, and you know there will be challenges in that.” It was easy for the left to unite on the Dáil speaking rights row at the start of this year, “because it was such a stroke”, he added, but finding commonality when it comes to policy issues will be more challenging. “I think what we’ve done in terms of Catherine Connolly is significant. It’s a step forward, but you’re right. It is a long way to the next election and certainly from the Green Party’s point of view, we’ll absolutely continue cooperation. “But as leader, my number one job is to rebuild the Green Party and look to regain our council seats, our EU parliament seats, and our Dáil seats as well.” Bacik said the left would “build on this” result, but that it was a long way to the next general election. The Labour Party members speaking to reporters in Dublin Castle.Leah Farrell Leah Farrell People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said “when the left unite, they win”, with Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns stating that her party has always said, “vote left, transfer left”. “We would continue to say that, I think. You know, in the lead up to the last election, we said we would talk to all parties, and we would favour talking to parties on the left first. So that remains. “What I think that this campaign has done is made it seem tangible for people out there that there is another option. I think it’s always existed, but now we can really kind of feel it at our fingertips. So I hope that will mobilise people to get out and campaign.” Sinn Féin was the last party to jump on the Connolly bandwagon – just last month. Mary Lou McDonald said her party’s intervention would be a game-changer, and looking at how the campaign played out, that was probably true. Related Reads Taoiseach congratulates Catherine Connolly as Harris denies campaign 'backfiring' What might Catherine Connolly say to Donald Trump if she meets him as president? FF and FG 'need to be humble' in wake of Connolly landslide win “We arrived right on time. Our timing in this instance was absolutely impeccable. Sinn Fein arrived at the moment where momentum had to be established and built and we achieved precisely that,” McDonald said today. When asked did Connolly need Sinn Féin to win, McDonald said: “Yes, I think the campaign needed every element of it, and for Sinn Fein as the largest political party component of it, of course, it was a significant element of the campaign. “And I think Catherine has asserted quite correctly that she is an independent candidate, a woman with a very independent mind. But I think she has repeatedly acknowledged all of the constituent parts of the campaign and the importance of it.” Build on the win So what about Sinn Féin’s role in any future left bloc going up against Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael? Sinn Féin Dublin Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said all parties of the left would build on this win. “This is the first major political test. We worked well together,” he said, adding that obviously each party has different politics and different nuances, but the left working together was appreciated by those on the doors in this election. “People understood, and they were saying, ‘this is the challenge for you. You have to continue this, we need to see an alternative at the next election’.” He said the last time we there was any major attempt to try and put forward a united left front was in the 2016 general election when the trade union movement asked parties to sign up to a coalition checklist. “But that seemed to be dropped, and then we all went our own way. Now the challenge is for us to continue this.” Ó Snodaigh said each party will obviously stand their own candidates but he said the message to transfer left needs to hammered home. “I think we need to be going to the electorate to say they need to transfer left. I think that needs to be a lot more forceful. We’ve said it over the years, but it hasn’t been repeated. “And in between the election, we need to build up that comradeship, but also send the message to the electorate, if you vote for us as a collective, you will get us as a collective.” Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Christina Finn View 38 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “This election was a testing ground for left-wing parties ... but can they stay united?”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “This election was a testing ground for left-wing parties ... but can they stay united?”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. 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Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Catherine Connolly left parties left wing parties Presidential Election News in 60 seconds Catherine Connolly soaks up huge victory and historic mandate new woman in the áras Connolly pledges to 'shape a new republic' as she's elected president with largest vote ever How did your constituency vote? Here are the full results of the presidential election When does Michael D Higgins finish up and when will Catherine Connolly be inaugurated? 22 mins ago not their day The Fine Gael presidential curse: how the party have performed in every race for the Áras 51 mins ago Clocks Going Back Doctor: As the time on the clock goes back, make sure you're listening to your body clock too Finish Line Never in doubt: Connolly freewheeled her way to the Áras in space of three months Catherine Connolly soaks up huge victory and historic mandate The Morning Lead Ireland's next president: The votes have been cast, but when will we know the offical result? 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