Ireland’s 2024 Election - Continuity, Diplomatic Challenges, and Pro-Palestinian Advocacy

In this report, EuroPal Forum provides an analysis of Ireland’s 2024 General Election, highlighting the continuation of political dominance by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, who are expected to form the next government. Despite modest gains by Sinn Féin, Labour, and the Social Democrats, the election did not yield a significant shift in the balance of power.

The report notes that while the new administration is likely to maintain Ireland’s rhetorical support for Palestinian rights, it remains constrained by external pressures—particularly from the United States under a pro-Israel Trump administration—and internal political caution. The failure to advance key measures such as the Occupied Territories Bill, stop U.S. weapons transiting through Ireland, or divest from Israeli bonds illustrates these limitations.

EuroPal Forum also observes that although the opposition bloc remains broadly pro-Palestinian—with Sinn Féin and others expected to pressure the government—important pro-Palestinian voices such as Patrick Costello, Chris Andrews, and Thomas Pringle were lost in the election. The far-right parties failed to gain any seats, ensuring that opposition to Israel remains largely unchallenged from the right.

Ultimately, EuroPal Forum concludes that Ireland is likely to maintain its supportive stance through multilateral and legal initiatives but will stop short of direct accountability measures such as sanctions or embargoes. Symbolic and diplomatic gestures will likely continue, but bold unilateral actions remain improbable under current conditions.