Free Market Party
Free Market Party | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | Muirís Ó Raghallaigh, Acting |
| Chairperson | Saoirse Ní Cheallaighe, Acting |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Benbaun, County Taois |
| Youth wing | Free Youth |
| Membership (2016) | 24,291 |
| Ideology | Laissez-faire Right-wing populism Conservatism Nationalism Eucloscepticism |
| Political position | Right-wing |
| Euclean Parliament group | Alliance of Euclean Nationalists |
| Colours | Gold, Black |
| Seanad Glítteann | 2 / 60
|
| Comhthionól Náisiúnta | 7 / 399
|
| Euclean Parliament | 1 / 15
|
The Free Market Party (Ghaillish: Páirtí Margadh Saor in Aisce), commonly known as the FMP (PMSA), is a right-wing populist political party in Glytter. The party describes itself as social conservative with a nationalist and free market foundation, though it has been characterized by some as far-right, national-conservative, and anti-immigration. The chairperson has been Mánus Ó Donnchadha since 2005. Until August 2016, Pádraigín Ó Baoighill led the party. However, after controversy had arisen following her reaction to the 2016 Spálgleann Attacks Ó Baoighill resigned. Under the leadership of Saorla Ní Chadhla, who previously served as Deputy Leader since 2013 and became party leader following the departure of Ó Baoighill, the party was involved in a series of controversies. It suffered a devastating defeat in the 2017 Comhthionól election where the party saw its seat count and primary vote share collapse. The current intern leader is Muirís Ó Raghallaigh.
The party is renowned for its Eucloscepticism and actively works against the Euclean Community. It is staunchly opposed to the Euclo and campaigns for Glytter to leave the Euclozone. The party rose to prominence during the 2007 Comhthionól election, where it managed to gain 17 seats. Previously, the party held 2. Since then, the party has continued its rise, winning a total of 44 seats in the 2012 Comhthionól election. As of the 2016 Seanad election, it won 3 of the 25 elected seats. It also sends 1 MEP to the Euclean Parliament. As of 2017, the party has 7 TCs. On 14 January 2017, MEP Liam Ó Cuillinn was expelled from the party and TC Bairre Ó Raghallaigh left the party after a spat with the party leadership. The following month, four TCs referred to as the "Gang of Four" were expelled from the party. Ó Cuillinn and those with servered ties to the party formed the National Party. Senator Breandán MacCeallach left the party on 18 March.
The Free Market Party is headquartered in Benbaun, County Taois. It was founded in 1996 by the economist Eoin Ó Corráin who was dissatisfied with the nation's approach to Euclea. Originally a single-issue Euclosceptic party, over the years the party platform was expanded to appeal to the broader right wing. In 2005, the Glytteronian Independence Party split off from the party as some of its members became disenfranchised with the new platform. The party has since began to strengthen its appeal with white working class voters, who most of its policies are tailored to. The party sees its highest support in the Highlands and historically industrial centres such as Bulfawst.
History
Ó Corráin to Mac Diarmaid (1996-2009)
The Free Market Party was first registered with the Electoral Commission in September 1996. It was established by Eoin Ó Corráin, a prominent economist who closely advised the government of Patricia Flowers. Ó Corráin was a strong supporter of a free market and laissez-faire economic policy. The FMP was initially founded as a single-issue party in opposition to prospective Glytteronian membership in the Euclozone and maintained a general distaste for the greater Euclean Community. Ó Corráin was a strong critic of the Gaullican social market economic model, taking a strong stance against government policies aimed at creating a strong welfare state and equal opportunity. He also supported privatization of government owned companies and some government services, such as infrastructure maintenance. The party first contested the 1997 election but failed to make significant headway and received fewer than 5,000 first preference votes.
Ó Baoighill (2009-16)
Ní Chadhla and collapse (2016-)
Position
Controversy
Electoral History
| Election year | First Pref votes | % | # of overall seats won | +/- | Government |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 4,887 | 0.1 | 0 / 399
|
in opposition | |
| 2002 | 204,271 | 3.3 (#7) | 2 / 399
|
 2
|
in opposition |
| 2007 | 359,926 | 5.9 (#5) | 17 / 399
|
15
|
in opposition |
| 2012 | 847,900 | 13.9 (#3) | 44 / 399
|
22
|
in opposition |
| 2017 | 278,555 | 4.5 (#8) | 7 / 399
|
 37
|
in opposition |
Leaders
- Eoin Ó Corráin (September 1996 - June 2002)
- Áine Ní Raghallaigh (June 2002 - April 2005)
- Seán Mac Diarmaid (April 2005 - November 2009)
- Pádraigín Ó Baoighill (November 2009 - August 2016)
- Saorla Ní Chadhla (August 2016 - June 2017)
- Acting Muirís Ó Raghallaigh (June 2017 - present)