After speaking with people on the streets ahead of today’s by-election in Galway, Ireland, Ezra found that views are pretty much unanimous: socialism, globalism, and open borders.
The sentiment echoes a famous quote from former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” This reality is unfolding now with Zohran Mamdani in New York City, where plans for free everything are already driving away wealthy taxpayers. But what happens when a country remains small enough to avoid immediate consequences while still being wealthy enough to fund such policies?
With a population of just over five million people, Ireland has become the European headquarters for countless major American corporations. The country’s low-tax environment is a significant draw for businesses—principles that also guided our Prime Minister Mark Carney in structuring Brookfield Asset Management’s holdings through jurisdictions like Bermuda and the Isle of Man to reduce tax burdens.
On paper, Ireland boasts one of the world’s highest GDPs, exceeding $160,000 per person. Yet this wealth has delayed consequences from poor policy decisions: government overspending and embracing mass immigration with few limits.
These issues are front and center as voters in Galway West head to the polls today. The by-election was triggered by Ireland’s current president, who once held this parliamentary seat. Several candidates now vie for her replacement, including independent Noel Thomas—a former mainstream party member expelled after criticizing mass immigration policies.
Over two decades, Ireland has welcomed roughly one million newcomers. Today, approximately one in five residents was born abroad, a demographic shift starkly contrasting with Ireland’s historical identity as a nation that fought hard to preserve its distinct culture through rebellion against British rule.
Since leaving the political mainstream, Thomas has adopted an anti-establishment message, recently standing alongside truckers and farmers protesting high fuel prices nationwide.
By-elections are inherently localized with low voter turnout, creating an environment where voters feel comfortable supporting radical or idealistic candidates. They know a single seat won’t change the country’s direction—making it a perfect opportunity to send a message.
Will candidates like Noel Thomas—or other freedom-oriented contenders—become vehicles for this message in Galway?
After talking with people on the street, Ezra found views are pretty much unanimous: socialism, globalism, and open borders. From their perspective, if Ireland is wealthy enough, why not be generous? Why not align with foreign migrants? It is, after all, a form of virtue signaling.
In the end, Galway remains a beautiful tourist area—and an absolute slam dunk for left-wing parties. That’s Ireland in 2026.
