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==Ideology and platform==
==Ideology and platform==
{{Irish republicanism|Active parties}}
{{Irish republicanism|Active parties}}
=====Ideology=====
=== Ideology ===
Party founder and leader Peadar Tóibín has described Aontú as left of centre economically while "[[Social conservatism|socially conservative]]".<ref name="Inside Politics 2023">{{cite podcast |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fOdwDwYRZCWIRpDe6Ou5s?si=a03c70d906854708 |title=Peadar Tóibín on Aontú, Sinn Féin, immigration and ambition |website=Inside Politics |publisher=[[The Irish Times]] |host=Linehan, Hugh |date=18 January 2023 |time= |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120201609/https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fOdwDwYRZCWIRpDe6Ou5s?si=a03c70d906854708 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Casey |first=Ann |date=16 May 2022 |title=Tóibín targeting council seats after 'successful' NI election campaign |url=https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2022/05/16/toibin-targeting-council-seats-after-successful-ni-election-campaign/ |work=Meath Chronicle |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |quote=Deputy Tóibín said Aontú is left of centre economically and socially conservative}}</ref><ref name="c350">{{cite web | last=Finnerty | first=Mike | title=What influence will the far-right have on June’s elections? | website=Dublin People | date=2024-03-07 | url=https://dublinpeople.com/news/dublin/articles/2024/03/07/far-right-le-24/ | access-date=2024-07-13}}</ref> In 2019, the party was described by the unionist ''[[The News Letter|Belfast News Letter]]'' as "[[Catholic Church in Ireland|Catholic]] conservative",<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last=McBride |first=Sam |date=27 April 2019 |title=Sam McBride: Though slightly obscured from view, a hypothetical path to devolution exists |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/sam-mcbride-though-slightly-obscured-from-view-a-hypothetical-path-to-devolution-exists-1-8906375 |work=[[News Letter]] |access-date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427121458/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/sam-mcbride-though-slightly-obscured-from-view-a-hypothetical-path-to-devolution-exists-1-8906375 |url-status=live }}</ref> and by ''[[The Times]]'' as "socially conservative",<ref name="times">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eoin-o-malley-sound-the-death-knell-for-pro-life-renua-nq5l7pgr0|title=Eoin O'Malley: Sound the death knell for pro-life Renua|last=O'Malley|first=Eoin|work=The Times|date=16 June 2019|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223130736/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eoin-o-malley-sound-the-death-knell-for-pro-life-renua-nq5l7pgr0|url-status=live}}</ref> while [[Harry McGee]] described its ideology as "rural conservatism and [[Traditionalist conservatism|traditionalism]]".<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Harry McGee]] |date=12 February 2019 |title=A party is born: but can Aontú weather the long, hard road ahead? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/a-party-is-born-but-can-aontu-weather-the-long-hard-road-ahead-1.3791429 |work=[[Irish Times]] |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714110051/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/a-party-is-born-but-can-aontu-weather-the-long-hard-road-ahead-1.3791429 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, [[David Quinn (columnist)|David Quinn]] of ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' called Aontú "a pro-life centre-left party".<ref name="h668">{{cite web | last=Quinn | first=David | title=David Quinn: A vacuum is forming in our clouded politics | website=The Times & The Sunday Times | date=2020-07-04 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/david-quinn-a-vacuum-is-forming-in-our-clouded-politics-fcsdjscvz | access-date=2024-07-21 | archive-date=21 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721124249/https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/david-quinn-a-vacuum-is-forming-in-our-clouded-politics-fcsdjscvz | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, ''[[Politico]]'' and ''[[The Connaught Telegraph]]'' described Aontú as "right wing",<ref name="d032"/><ref name="m208"/> and ''[[The Irish Times]]'' said it had "positions that lean both left and right".<ref name="k026">{{cite web | last=Bray | first=Jennifer | title=Aontú may be ‘listening’ but party is squeezed on all sides | website=The Irish Times | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/27/aontu-may-be-listening-but-party-is-squeezed-on-all-sides/ | access-date=2024-09-28 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20240427165157/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/27/aontu-may-be-listening-but-party-is-squeezed-on-all-sides/ | archive-date=2024-04-27 | quote=The second is that Aontú has struggled to make a national breakthrough and will continue to be squeezed on all sides, having, as it does, positions that lean both left and right.}}</ref> The European Center for Populism Studies described it as populist and "on the right",<ref name="n688">{{cite web | last=Pretorius | first=Christo | title=Populism in Ireland: Sinn Féin and the Alternative to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s Political Dominance | website=ECPS | date=2024-09-04 | url=https://www.populismstudies.org/populism-in-ireland-sinn-fein-and-the-alternative-to-fine-gael-and-fianna-fails-political-dominance/ | access-date=2024-09-14}}</ref> while Eoin O'Malley, a political science professor at [[Dublin City University]], concurs that Aontú is populist and socially right wing, although he views their economics as left-wing.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=O'Malley |first1=Eoin |date=22 October 2024 |title=Ireland After the 2024 EP Elections: The Centre Holds … Just About |url=https://www.populismstudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DOWNLOAD-REPORT-ON-IRELAND.pdf |journal=European Center for Populism Studies |volume= |issue= |pages= |doi=10.55271/rp0074 |access-date=}}</ref>
Party founder and leader Peadar Tóibín has described Aontú as left of centre economically while "[[Social conservatism|socially conservative]]".<ref name="Inside Politics 2023">{{cite podcast |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fOdwDwYRZCWIRpDe6Ou5s?si=a03c70d906854708 |title=Peadar Tóibín on Aontú, Sinn Féin, immigration and ambition |website=Inside Politics |publisher=[[The Irish Times]] |host=Linehan, Hugh |date=18 January 2023 |time= |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120201609/https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fOdwDwYRZCWIRpDe6Ou5s?si=a03c70d906854708 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Casey |first=Ann |date=16 May 2022 |title=Tóibín targeting council seats after 'successful' NI election campaign |url=https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2022/05/16/toibin-targeting-council-seats-after-successful-ni-election-campaign/ |work=Meath Chronicle |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |quote=Deputy Tóibín said Aontú is left of centre economically and socially conservative}}</ref><ref name="c350">{{cite web | last=Finnerty | first=Mike | title=What influence will the far-right have on June’s elections? | website=Dublin People | date=2024-03-07 | url=https://dublinpeople.com/news/dublin/articles/2024/03/07/far-right-le-24/ | access-date=2024-07-13}}</ref> In 2019, the party was described by the unionist ''[[The News Letter|Belfast News Letter]]'' as "[[Catholic Church in Ireland|Catholic]] conservative",<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last=McBride |first=Sam |date=27 April 2019 |title=Sam McBride: Though slightly obscured from view, a hypothetical path to devolution exists |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/sam-mcbride-though-slightly-obscured-from-view-a-hypothetical-path-to-devolution-exists-1-8906375 |work=[[News Letter]] |access-date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427121458/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/sam-mcbride-though-slightly-obscured-from-view-a-hypothetical-path-to-devolution-exists-1-8906375 |url-status=live }}</ref> and by ''[[The Times]]'' as "socially conservative",<ref name="times">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eoin-o-malley-sound-the-death-knell-for-pro-life-renua-nq5l7pgr0|title=Eoin O'Malley: Sound the death knell for pro-life Renua|last=O'Malley|first=Eoin|work=The Times|date=16 June 2019|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223130736/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eoin-o-malley-sound-the-death-knell-for-pro-life-renua-nq5l7pgr0|url-status=live}}</ref> while [[Harry McGee]] described its ideology as "rural conservatism and [[Traditionalist conservatism|traditionalism]]".<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Harry McGee]] |date=12 February 2019 |title=A party is born: but can Aontú weather the long, hard road ahead? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/a-party-is-born-but-can-aontu-weather-the-long-hard-road-ahead-1.3791429 |work=[[Irish Times]] |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714110051/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/a-party-is-born-but-can-aontu-weather-the-long-hard-road-ahead-1.3791429 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, [[David Quinn (columnist)|David Quinn]] of ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' called Aontú "a pro-life centre-left party".<ref name="h668">{{cite web | last=Quinn | first=David | title=David Quinn: A vacuum is forming in our clouded politics | website=The Times & The Sunday Times | date=2020-07-04 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/david-quinn-a-vacuum-is-forming-in-our-clouded-politics-fcsdjscvz | access-date=2024-07-21 | archive-date=21 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721124249/https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/david-quinn-a-vacuum-is-forming-in-our-clouded-politics-fcsdjscvz | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, ''[[Politico]]'' and ''[[The Connaught Telegraph]]'' described Aontú as "right wing",<ref name="d032"/><ref name="m208"/> and ''[[The Irish Times]]'' said it had "positions that lean both left and right".<ref name="k026">{{cite web | last=Bray | first=Jennifer | title=Aontú may be ‘listening’ but party is squeezed on all sides | website=The Irish Times | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/27/aontu-may-be-listening-but-party-is-squeezed-on-all-sides/ | access-date=2024-09-28 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20240427165157/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/27/aontu-may-be-listening-but-party-is-squeezed-on-all-sides/ | archive-date=2024-04-27 | quote=The second is that Aontú has struggled to make a national breakthrough and will continue to be squeezed on all sides, having, as it does, positions that lean both left and right.}}</ref> The European Center for Populism Studies described it as populist and "on the right",<ref name="n688">{{cite web | last=Pretorius | first=Christo | title=Populism in Ireland: Sinn Féin and the Alternative to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s Political Dominance | website=ECPS | date=2024-09-04 | url=https://www.populismstudies.org/populism-in-ireland-sinn-fein-and-the-alternative-to-fine-gael-and-fianna-fails-political-dominance/ | access-date=2024-09-14}}</ref> while Eoin O'Malley, a political science professor at [[Dublin City University]], concurs that Aontú is populist and socially right wing, although he views their economics as left-wing.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=O'Malley |first1=Eoin |date=22 October 2024 |title=Ireland After the 2024 EP Elections: The Centre Holds … Just About |url=https://www.populismstudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DOWNLOAD-REPORT-ON-IRELAND.pdf |journal=European Center for Populism Studies |volume= |issue= |pages= |doi=10.55271/rp0074 |access-date=}}</ref>


=====Social views=====
=== Social views ===
Aontú is [[anti-abortion]], a stance which Tóibín has described as a "core value" of the party.<ref name="IT20190128" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/04/northern-ireland-local-election-counts-continue-after-dup-gains|newspaper=The Guardian|date=May 4, 2019|title=Northern Ireland local election counts continue after DUP gains|author=Mattha Busby|quote=the newly formed anti-abortion party Aontu to be elected|access-date=4 May 2021|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504101037/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/04/northern-ireland-local-election-counts-continue-after-dup-gains|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="z751">{{cite web | last=McCormack | first=Jayne | title=Aontú 'only party that will defend right to life' | website=BBC Home | date=2019-04-30 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48106253 | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707125429/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48106253 | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, Tóibín introduced a bill in the [[Dáil Éireann]] to prevent [[transgender female]] prisoners from being placed into women's prisons<ref name="g542">{{cite web | title=Letterkenny Aontú rep Mary T Sweeney backs Bill to prevent male-born criminals being placed into women's prisons | website=Donegal Live | date=2023-06-26 | url=https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/1233522/letterkenny-aontu-rep-mary-t-sweeney-backs-bill-to-prevent-male-born-criminals-being-placed-into-womens-prisons.html | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707124836/https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/1233522/letterkenny-aontu-rep-mary-t-sweeney-backs-bill-to-prevent-male-born-criminals-being-placed-into-womens-prisons.html | url-status=live }}</ref> and expressed opposition to sexually explicit material being taught to children in schools.<ref name="y160">{{cite web | last=Hand | first=Gerry | title=Tóibín; 'Controversial Sex Book Not Suitable For School Children'. | website=Meath Live | date=2023-04-06 | url=https://meathlive.net/2023/04/06/toibin-controversial-sex-book-not-suitable-for-school-children/ | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=4 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904011627/https://meathlive.net/2023/04/06/toibin-controversial-sex-book-not-suitable-for-school-children/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Aontú opposed a 2024 proposed expansion of [[hate speech]] laws on the grounds that it amounted to [[censorship]].<ref name="g504">{{cite web | last=McCarthy | first=Barbara | title=Why is Ireland's hate crime bill attracting so much hate of its own? | website=Al Jazeera | date=2024-06-17 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/17/why-is-irelands-hate-crime-bill-attracting-so-much-hate-of-its-own | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707124834/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/17/why-is-irelands-hate-crime-bill-attracting-so-much-hate-of-its-own | url-status=live }}</ref> The party has supported a proposed enquiry into the Irish government's handling of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="f942">{{cite web | title=Aontú urge Cavan public to support ‘People’s COVID Inquiry’ | website=Anglo Celt | date=2024-09-03 | url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2024/09/03/aontu-urge-cavan-public-to-support-peoples-covid-inquiry/ | access-date=2024-09-15}}</ref>
Aontú is [[anti-abortion]], a stance which Tóibín has described as a "core value" of the party.<ref name="IT20190128" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/04/northern-ireland-local-election-counts-continue-after-dup-gains|newspaper=The Guardian|date=May 4, 2019|title=Northern Ireland local election counts continue after DUP gains|author=Mattha Busby|quote=the newly formed anti-abortion party Aontu to be elected|access-date=4 May 2021|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504101037/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/04/northern-ireland-local-election-counts-continue-after-dup-gains|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="z751">{{cite web | last=McCormack | first=Jayne | title=Aontú 'only party that will defend right to life' | website=BBC Home | date=2019-04-30 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48106253 | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707125429/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48106253 | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, Tóibín introduced a bill in the [[Dáil Éireann]] to prevent [[transgender female]] prisoners from being placed into women's prisons<ref name="g542">{{cite web | title=Letterkenny Aontú rep Mary T Sweeney backs Bill to prevent male-born criminals being placed into women's prisons | website=Donegal Live | date=2023-06-26 | url=https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/1233522/letterkenny-aontu-rep-mary-t-sweeney-backs-bill-to-prevent-male-born-criminals-being-placed-into-womens-prisons.html | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707124836/https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/1233522/letterkenny-aontu-rep-mary-t-sweeney-backs-bill-to-prevent-male-born-criminals-being-placed-into-womens-prisons.html | url-status=live }}</ref> and expressed opposition to sexually explicit material being taught to children in schools.<ref name="y160">{{cite web | last=Hand | first=Gerry | title=Tóibín; 'Controversial Sex Book Not Suitable For School Children'. | website=Meath Live | date=2023-04-06 | url=https://meathlive.net/2023/04/06/toibin-controversial-sex-book-not-suitable-for-school-children/ | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=4 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904011627/https://meathlive.net/2023/04/06/toibin-controversial-sex-book-not-suitable-for-school-children/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Aontú opposed a 2024 proposed expansion of [[hate speech]] laws on the grounds that it amounted to [[censorship]].<ref name="g504">{{cite web | last=McCarthy | first=Barbara | title=Why is Ireland's hate crime bill attracting so much hate of its own? | website=Al Jazeera | date=2024-06-17 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/17/why-is-irelands-hate-crime-bill-attracting-so-much-hate-of-its-own | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707124834/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/17/why-is-irelands-hate-crime-bill-attracting-so-much-hate-of-its-own | url-status=live }}</ref> The party has supported a proposed enquiry into the Irish government's handling of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="f942">{{cite web | title=Aontú urge Cavan public to support ‘People’s COVID Inquiry’ | website=Anglo Celt | date=2024-09-03 | url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2024/09/03/aontu-urge-cavan-public-to-support-peoples-covid-inquiry/ | access-date=2024-09-15}}</ref>


=====Immigration=====
=== Immigration ===
''[[The Phoenix (magazine)|The Phoenix]]'' has described Tóibín and Aontú as possessing a "strong rightward stance" on immigration<ref name="Phoenix Profile 2023">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=14 July 2023 |title=Profile: Peadar Tóibín |url=https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/profile-peadar-toibin/ |work=[[The Phoenix (magazine)|The Phoenix]] |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714103557/https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/profile-peadar-toibin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while Gerald Howlin of the ''[[Irish Examiner]]'' has described Tóibín's views on immigration as "[[Nativism (politics)|nativist]]".<ref name="Howlin Examiner April 2019">{{cite news |last=Howlin |first=Gerald |date=10 April 2019 |title=New politics of nativism is just the bitter defence of a few bleak acres |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-30916713.html |work=[[The Irish Examiner]] |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714103555/https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-30916713.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The party advocates for an immigration policy that is "stricter" and "sustainable", while also containing "compassion and common sense".<ref name="k026"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Weeks |first=Liam |date=14 April 2019 |title=Rising immigration concerns won't open the door for Aontu |work=[[Irish Independent]] |location= |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/rising-immigration-concerns-wont-open-the-door-for-aontu-38012822.html |access-date=10 April 2022 |archive-date=20 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420190818/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/rising-immigration-concerns-wont-open-the-door-for-aontu-38012822.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Immigration |url=https://aontu.ie/immigration |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Aontú |archive-date=16 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716170523/https://aontu.ie/immigration |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, deputy leader Denise Mullen called for Ireland to offer help during the [[Afghan refugees|Afghan refugee crisis]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Connla |date=2021-08-19 |title=North ready to do what it can for Afghan refugees |url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/08/19/news/north-ready-to-do-what-it-can-for-afghan-refugees-2422165/ |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=The Irish News |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929063411/https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/08/19/news/north-ready-to-do-what-it-can-for-afghan-refugees-2422165/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tóibín supports an "[[Irish Sea border]] in terms of people", where asylum seekers who arrive in Northern Ireland would be subject to the same [[passport control]]s as at Irish airports and ports.<ref name="k026"/> Aontú has called for a greater level of public consultation on immigration.<ref name="k026"/><ref name="g099">{{cite web | last=Meskill | first=Tommy | title=Aontú leader calls for 'common sense' immigration policy | website=RTE.ie | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0427/1445970-aontu-party-conference/ | access-date=2024-09-28}}</ref> The party opposed the 2024 [[EU Asylum and Migration Pact]].<ref name="d394">{{cite news | last=McGee | first=Harry | title=Aontú calls for new border agency to oversee Ireland's migration system | newspaper=The Irish Times | date=2024-06-04 | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/04/aontu-calls-for-new-border-agency-to-oversee-irelands-migration-system/ | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707022400/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/04/aontu-calls-for-new-border-agency-to-oversee-irelands-migration-system/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
''[[The Phoenix (magazine)|The Phoenix]]'' has described Tóibín and Aontú as possessing a "strong rightward stance" on immigration<ref name="Phoenix Profile 2023">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=14 July 2023 |title=Profile: Peadar Tóibín |url=https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/profile-peadar-toibin/ |work=[[The Phoenix (magazine)|The Phoenix]] |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714103557/https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/profile-peadar-toibin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while Gerald Howlin of the ''[[Irish Examiner]]'' has described Tóibín's views on immigration as "[[Nativism (politics)|nativist]]".<ref name="Howlin Examiner April 2019">{{cite news |last=Howlin |first=Gerald |date=10 April 2019 |title=New politics of nativism is just the bitter defence of a few bleak acres |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-30916713.html |work=[[The Irish Examiner]] |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714103555/https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-30916713.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The party advocates for an immigration policy that is "stricter" and "sustainable", while also containing "compassion and common sense".<ref name="k026"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Weeks |first=Liam |date=14 April 2019 |title=Rising immigration concerns won't open the door for Aontu |work=[[Irish Independent]] |location= |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/rising-immigration-concerns-wont-open-the-door-for-aontu-38012822.html |access-date=10 April 2022 |archive-date=20 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420190818/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/rising-immigration-concerns-wont-open-the-door-for-aontu-38012822.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Immigration |url=https://aontu.ie/immigration |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Aontú |archive-date=16 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716170523/https://aontu.ie/immigration |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, deputy leader Denise Mullen called for Ireland to offer help during the [[Afghan refugees|Afghan refugee crisis]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Connla |date=2021-08-19 |title=North ready to do what it can for Afghan refugees |url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/08/19/news/north-ready-to-do-what-it-can-for-afghan-refugees-2422165/ |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=The Irish News |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929063411/https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/08/19/news/north-ready-to-do-what-it-can-for-afghan-refugees-2422165/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tóibín supports an "[[Irish Sea border]] in terms of people", where asylum seekers who arrive in Northern Ireland would be subject to the same [[passport control]]s as at Irish airports and ports.<ref name="k026"/> Aontú has called for a greater level of public consultation on immigration.<ref name="k026"/><ref name="g099">{{cite web | last=Meskill | first=Tommy | title=Aontú leader calls for 'common sense' immigration policy | website=RTE.ie | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0427/1445970-aontu-party-conference/ | access-date=2024-09-28}}</ref> The party opposed the 2024 [[EU Asylum and Migration Pact]].<ref name="d394">{{cite news | last=McGee | first=Harry | title=Aontú calls for new border agency to oversee Ireland's migration system | newspaper=The Irish Times | date=2024-06-04 | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/04/aontu-calls-for-new-border-agency-to-oversee-irelands-migration-system/ | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707022400/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/04/aontu-calls-for-new-border-agency-to-oversee-irelands-migration-system/ | url-status=live }}</ref>


=====Foreign policy=====
=== Foreign policy ===
Aontú is broadly [[Eurosceptic]], opposing [[European federalism]] and a [[European army]].<ref name="Eurocritical">{{cite web |last1=Finn |first1=Christina |title=Tóibín signs up two members to his new 'Euro-critical party' which aims to protect 'all human life' |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/peadar-toibin-new-party-4353218-Nov2018/ |work=TheJournal.ie |date=21 November 2018 |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090307/https://www.thejournal.ie/peadar-toibin-new-party-4353218-Nov2018/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Gallagher2021"/><ref name="g478">{{cite book | last=Herkman | first=J. | last2=Palonen | first2=E. | title=Populism, Twitter and the European Public Sphere: Social Media Communication in the EP Elections 2019 | publisher=Springer Nature Switzerland, Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan | year=2024 | isbn=978-3-031-41737-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VDz-EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA242 | access-date=2024-07-21 | page=242 | archive-date=21 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721124523/https://books.google.com/books?id=VDz-EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA242 | url-status=live }}</ref> The party supports a [[two-state solution]] in the [[Israeli-Palestine conflict]].<ref name="2024NIManifesto">{{cite web|title=Aontú General Election Manifesto 2024 | url=https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/issues/politics/docs/aontu/aontu_2024-07-04_ge_man.pdf | date=2024 | page=4 | quote=We support a peaceful two-state solution in Palestine. We have met the Palestinian Ambassador and raised money for medical aid during the recent conflict and we will continue to support and end to the violence.}}</ref>
Aontú is broadly [[Eurosceptic]], opposing [[European federalism]] and a [[European army]].<ref name="Eurocritical">{{cite web |last1=Finn |first1=Christina |title=Tóibín signs up two members to his new 'Euro-critical party' which aims to protect 'all human life' |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/peadar-toibin-new-party-4353218-Nov2018/ |work=TheJournal.ie |date=21 November 2018 |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090307/https://www.thejournal.ie/peadar-toibin-new-party-4353218-Nov2018/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Gallagher2021"/><ref name="g478">{{cite book | last=Herkman | first=J. | last2=Palonen | first2=E. | title=Populism, Twitter and the European Public Sphere: Social Media Communication in the EP Elections 2019 | publisher=Springer Nature Switzerland, Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan | year=2024 | isbn=978-3-031-41737-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VDz-EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA242 | access-date=2024-07-21 | page=242 | archive-date=21 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721124523/https://books.google.com/books?id=VDz-EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA242 | url-status=live }}</ref> The party supports a [[two-state solution]] in the [[Israeli-Palestine conflict]].<ref name="2024NIManifesto">{{cite web|title=Aontú General Election Manifesto 2024 | url=https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/issues/politics/docs/aontu/aontu_2024-07-04_ge_man.pdf | date=2024 | page=4 | quote=We support a peaceful two-state solution in Palestine. We have met the Palestinian Ambassador and raised money for medical aid during the recent conflict and we will continue to support and end to the violence.}}</ref>


=====Economics=====
=== Economics ===
The party holds left-leaning views on economics and climate change.<ref name=Herald>{{Cite web|url=https://catholicherald.co.uk/magazine/irelands-new-pro-life-party-faces-a-critical-test/|title=Ireland's new pro-life party faces a critical test|date=12 December 2019|website=Catholic Herald|quote=Aontú leans undeniably left on issues like economics, migration and climate change. [..] for a genuinely conservative option [..] Aontú is a welcome start|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223121430/https://catholicherald.co.uk/magazine/irelands-new-pro-life-party-faces-a-critical-test/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The Catholic Herald is not a high-quality source, particularally for politics.|date=July 2024}} As of early 2020, the party's published policies included proposals for a [[united Ireland]], a referendum on a "right to [[collective bargaining]] and trade union membership",<ref name="policy">{{Cite web|url=https://aontu.ie/issues/workers-rights/|date=24 January 2020|title=Aontu Policy on Workers Rights|website=aontu.ie|access-date=24 January 2020|archive-date=9 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209094014/https://aontu.ie/issues/workers-rights/|url-status=dead}}</ref> an end to [[zero hours contracts]],<ref name="policy"/> and increased state spending on public housing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aontu.ie/issues/housing-crisis/|date=24 January 2020|title=Aontu Policy on Housing|website=Aontu|quote=If the state invested €2.2 billion in capital spending a year the 10,000 housing units per year objective of the Oireachtas Housing Committee could be surpassed.|access-date=24 January 2020|archive-date=9 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209094554/https://aontu.ie/issues/housing-crisis/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their site states Ireland should model itself on the "[[Nordic model|best practice in Scandinavian countries]]".<ref name="policy"/> In their 2021 budget submission, they called on changes to the state pension scheme, reducing Leap Card fares and increasing the Banking Levy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Finn|first=Christina|title=Rent freeze, free transport, more homes: Here's what other parties say they would do if in power|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/alternative-budget-sinn-fein-5568634-Oct2021/|access-date=2021-10-29|website=TheJournal.ie|date=8 October 2021|language=en|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029014118/https://www.thejournal.ie/alternative-budget-sinn-fein-5568634-Oct2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> Aontú supports the building of a "new international city" in a different part of the country from [[Dublin]].<ref name="m941">{{cite web | title=Aontú calls for ‘international city in Ireland beyond the M50’ | website=BreakingNews.ie | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/aontu-calls-for-international-city-in-ireland-beyond-the-m50-1618718.html | access-date=2024-10-06}}</ref>
The party holds left-leaning views on economics and climate change.<ref name=Herald>{{Cite web|url=https://catholicherald.co.uk/magazine/irelands-new-pro-life-party-faces-a-critical-test/|title=Ireland's new pro-life party faces a critical test|date=12 December 2019|website=Catholic Herald|quote=Aontú leans undeniably left on issues like economics, migration and climate change. [..] for a genuinely conservative option [..] Aontú is a welcome start|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223121430/https://catholicherald.co.uk/magazine/irelands-new-pro-life-party-faces-a-critical-test/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The Catholic Herald is not a high-quality source, particularally for politics.|date=July 2024}} As of early 2020, the party's published policies included proposals for a [[united Ireland]], a referendum on a "right to [[collective bargaining]] and trade union membership",<ref name="policy">{{Cite web|url=https://aontu.ie/issues/workers-rights/|date=24 January 2020|title=Aontu Policy on Workers Rights|website=aontu.ie|access-date=24 January 2020|archive-date=9 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209094014/https://aontu.ie/issues/workers-rights/|url-status=dead}}</ref> an end to [[zero hours contracts]],<ref name="policy"/> and increased state spending on public housing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aontu.ie/issues/housing-crisis/|date=24 January 2020|title=Aontu Policy on Housing|website=Aontu|quote=If the state invested €2.2 billion in capital spending a year the 10,000 housing units per year objective of the Oireachtas Housing Committee could be surpassed.|access-date=24 January 2020|archive-date=9 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209094554/https://aontu.ie/issues/housing-crisis/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their site states Ireland should model itself on the "[[Nordic model|best practice in Scandinavian countries]]".<ref name="policy"/> In their 2021 budget submission, they called on changes to the state pension scheme, reducing Leap Card fares and increasing the Banking Levy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Finn|first=Christina|title=Rent freeze, free transport, more homes: Here's what other parties say they would do if in power|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/alternative-budget-sinn-fein-5568634-Oct2021/|access-date=2021-10-29|website=TheJournal.ie|date=8 October 2021|language=en|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029014118/https://www.thejournal.ie/alternative-budget-sinn-fein-5568634-Oct2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> Aontú supports the building of a "new international city" in a different part of the country from [[Dublin]].<ref name="m941">{{cite web | title=Aontú calls for ‘international city in Ireland beyond the M50’ | website=BreakingNews.ie | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/aontu-calls-for-international-city-in-ireland-beyond-the-m50-1618718.html | access-date=2024-10-06}}</ref>


=====Irish republicanism=====
=== Irish republicanism ===
While Aontú was founded in a split from [[Sinn Féin]], Aontú members and elected representatives come from different political backgrounds: two councillors were former members of the [[Social Democratic and Labour Party]], one councillor was a former member of [[Fianna Fáil]], and two other councillors never held political office prior to joining Aontú.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Cormac |date=7 December 2018 |title=Cavan councillor quits Fianna Fáil to join Peadar Tóibín's new party |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/cavn-councillor-4381328-Dec2018/ |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904011625/https://www.thejournal.ie/cavn-councillor-4381328-Dec2018/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=6 November 2020 |title=Aontú: Emmet Doyle to replace Dr Anne McCloskey on council |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-54846238.amp |work=[[BBC News]] |location= |access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cross |first=Gareth |date=27 July 2019 |title=Councillor Denise Mullen leaves SDLP over party's stance on abortion |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/councillor-denise-mullen-leaves-sdlp-over-partys-stance-on-abortion-38350015.html |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627014911/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/councillor-denise-mullen-leaves-sdlp-over-partys-stance-on-abortion-38350015.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Jim Codd |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/election-2020/candidate/847/jim-codd/%20https://m.independent.ie/irish-news |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627014911/https://www.thejournal.ie/election-2020/candidate/847/jim-codd/%20https://m.independent.ie/irish-news |url-status=live }}</ref> The party retains the ideology of [[Irish republicanism]],<ref>{{cite news |date=27 July 2019 |title=SDLP councillor quits to join Aontú |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/sdlp-councillor-quits-to-join-aontu-1-9013617 |work=News Letter |access-date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=25 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925173416/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/sdlp-councillor-quits-to-join-aontu-1-9013617 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and related policies; for example, Aontú maintains a policy of [[abstentionism]], which means that while it runs candidates in Northern Ireland in British general elections, should an Aontú candidate be elected, they would not take up their seat in the British parliament.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=14 September 2019 |title=Aontú's mantra is change but their policies seem like more of the same |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/enniscorthyguardian/lifestyle/aontus-mantra-is-change-but-their-policies-seem-like-more-of-the-same-38483329.html |work=Irish Independent |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref>
While Aontú was founded in a split from [[Sinn Féin]], Aontú members and elected representatives come from different political backgrounds: two councillors were former members of the [[Social Democratic and Labour Party]], one councillor was a former member of [[Fianna Fáil]], and two other councillors never held political office prior to joining Aontú.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Cormac |date=7 December 2018 |title=Cavan councillor quits Fianna Fáil to join Peadar Tóibín's new party |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/cavn-councillor-4381328-Dec2018/ |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904011625/https://www.thejournal.ie/cavn-councillor-4381328-Dec2018/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=6 November 2020 |title=Aontú: Emmet Doyle to replace Dr Anne McCloskey on council |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-54846238.amp |work=[[BBC News]] |location= |access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cross |first=Gareth |date=27 July 2019 |title=Councillor Denise Mullen leaves SDLP over party's stance on abortion |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/councillor-denise-mullen-leaves-sdlp-over-partys-stance-on-abortion-38350015.html |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627014911/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/councillor-denise-mullen-leaves-sdlp-over-partys-stance-on-abortion-38350015.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Jim Codd |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/election-2020/candidate/847/jim-codd/%20https://m.independent.ie/irish-news |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627014911/https://www.thejournal.ie/election-2020/candidate/847/jim-codd/%20https://m.independent.ie/irish-news |url-status=live }}</ref> The party retains the ideology of [[Irish republicanism]],<ref>{{cite news |date=27 July 2019 |title=SDLP councillor quits to join Aontú |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/sdlp-councillor-quits-to-join-aontu-1-9013617 |work=News Letter |access-date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=25 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925173416/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/sdlp-councillor-quits-to-join-aontu-1-9013617 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and related policies; for example, Aontú maintains a policy of [[abstentionism]], which means that while it runs candidates in Northern Ireland in British general elections, should an Aontú candidate be elected, they would not take up their seat in the British parliament.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=14 September 2019 |title=Aontú's mantra is change but their policies seem like more of the same |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/enniscorthyguardian/lifestyle/aontus-mantra-is-change-but-their-policies-seem-like-more-of-the-same-38483329.html |work=Irish Independent |access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref>


Revision as of 01:58, 28 November 2024

Aontú
LeaderPeadar Tóibín
Deputy leaderGemma Brolly
Founded28 January 2019; 5 years ago (2019-01-28)
Split fromSinn Féin
Headquarters8 Market Square, Navan, County Meath
Youth wingÓgra Aontú
Membership (2024)2,000[1]
Ideology
Political position
Slogan
  • Life
  • Unity
  • Economic Justice
Dáil Éireann
1 / 160
Local government in the Republic of Ireland
8 / 949
Website
aontu.ie
Aontú's 2024 Ardfheis in County Kildare

Aontú (Irish: [ˈeːn̪ˠt̪ˠuː];[5] "Unity")[n 1] is a conservative[11][12] Irish republican[2] political party that operates in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.[13] It has been led by Peadar Tóibín since its foundation in January 2019.[14] The party holds socially conservative positions, with a significant policy being opposition to abortion.[3][9] Tóibín has described Aontú as economically centre-left,[15] though the party has also been described as right-wing.[16][17]

History

The party was founded by Peadar Tóibín, a TD who resigned from Sinn Féin on 15 November 2018 due to his anti-abortion views after opposing the party whip on the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018.[18][19] Tóibín began canvassing elected representatives, securing support within a week from two local councillors in the Republic.[20] Tóibín held meetings across the island addressing interested potential members. The first Northern Ireland local councillor declared on 7 January 2019.[21] As of 28 January 2019 eight councillors had joined.[22] A second councillor in Northern Ireland joined on 26 February 2019.[23]

The name "Aontú" was announced at a meeting in Belfast on 28 January 2019.[24] The Meath Chronicle said that the announcement of the name was precipitated by its unexpected publication on the UK Electoral Commission website.[10] Tóibín said the party had sought registration in both jurisdictions, that "Aontú obviously means unity and our major objective is the unity of Irish people north and south".[25] He recalled that Belfast was the birthplace of the United Irishmen of 1798.[26] Aontú would "seek to build an all-Ireland economy to mitigate the worst effects of Brexit, economic justice for all and to protect the right to life."[14][9] Tóibín said he was talking with Sinn Féin, SDLP, and independent representatives in Northern Ireland,[27] and that "people from Sinn Féin, SDLP and Fianna Fáil backgrounds would feel comfortable" in the party.[25]

Following its foundation in January of that year, Aontú contested the Northern Ireland local elections in May 2019. The party, which nominated 16 candidates,[28] won one seat on Derry and Strabane Council, with its two outgoing councillors losing their seats.[29] Several months after the election, a councillor for the SDLP in Mid Ulster joined Aontú.[30] Later in May 2019, the party put forward 53 candidates in the 2019 local elections in the Republic Ireland, including its seven sitting councillors. Three were elected.[31] Of the four Dáil by-elections held in November 2019, Aontú contested two. Finian Toomey came 7th in the 2019 Cork North-Central by-election with 1,008 votes (3.9%),[32] and Jim Codd came 6th in the 2019 Wexford by-election with 2,102 votes (5.2%).[33] Aontú contested seven seats in the 2019 United Kingdom general election in Northern Ireland. The party, which received 9,814 votes (1.2%), won none of these seats.[34]

Aontú fielded 25 candidates in the 2020 Irish general election, including leader Peadar Tóibín (Meath West), deputy leader Anne McCloskey (Sligo-Leitrim) and a number of sitting local councillors.[35] Tóibín was the only successful candidate. As Tóibín was not invited to participate in a televised debate alongside the leaders of other parties, the party threatened a High Court action against RTÉ. The party, however, did not proceed with the action noting that there "was not enough time to have the action heard" before the debate.[36] In the 2020 Seanad election, Paul Lawless contested the Cultural and Educational Panel receiving 2.6% of votes.[37]

In September 2020, Aontú's then deputy leader Anne McCloskey came under criticism for her comments about the effectiveness of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, with party leader Peadar Tóibín defending her right to her view on the topic.[38] McCloskey stepped down as a councillor in October 2020, and was replaced by party member Emmet Doyle.[39][40] She was replaced as deputy leader by Denise Mullen. At the 2022 Ard Fheis, Mullen stepped down from the position of deputy leader and was replaced by Gemma Brolly, Aontú candidate for East Londonderry at the May 2022 Assembly election.

In November 2020, the Standards in Public Office Commission announced that Aontú were one of five political parties who failed to provide them with a set of audited accounts for 2019, in breach of statutory obligations.[41] In response, Aontú released a statement claiming that they had submitted the account statements and apologising for the delay, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.[42]

Mairéad Tóibín unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Dublin Bay South by-election, coming 9th with 740 first preference votes (2.8%).[43]

Aontú fielded 12 candidates in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election.[44] None of its candidates were elected, with the party coming in eighth place with 12,777 first preference votes (1.5%).[45] The party also contested the 2023 Northern Ireland local elections. None of Aontú's 19 candidates were elected, with their incumbent councillor in Derry City and Strabane District Council losing his seat.[46]

In 2024, the party campaigned for No votes in the 2024 Irish constitutional referendums; Both referendums were overwhelmingly defeated.[47][48] Aontú later ran 66 candidates in the 2024 Irish local elections, securing 8 council seats. It also fielded candidates in three constituencies for the 2024 European Parliament elections: Peadar Tóibín in Midlands North West, Patrick Murphy in Ireland South and Aisling Considine in Dublin. None were elected.[49][50][51] Sarah Beasley also ran, unsuccessfully, as the Aontú candidate in the 2024 Limerick mayoral election.[52] In the 2024 Westminster election in Northern Ireland, Aontú stood in 10 of 18 constituencies,[53] winning no seats from 7,466 votes (1.0% of the total).[54]

Ideology and platform

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Media
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Ideology

Party founder and leader Peadar Tóibín has described Aontú as left of centre economically while "socially conservative".[55][56][57] In 2019, the party was described by the unionist Belfast News Letter as "Catholic conservative",[58] and by The Times as "socially conservative",[3] while Harry McGee described its ideology as "rural conservatism and traditionalism".[59] In 2020, David Quinn of The Sunday Times called Aontú "a pro-life centre-left party".[60] In 2024, Politico and The Connaught Telegraph described Aontú as "right wing",[16][17] and The Irish Times said it had "positions that lean both left and right".[61] The European Center for Populism Studies described it as populist and "on the right",[62] while Eoin O'Malley, a political science professor at Dublin City University, concurs that Aontú is populist and socially right wing, although he views their economics as left-wing.[63]

Social views

Aontú is anti-abortion, a stance which Tóibín has described as a "core value" of the party.[9][64][65] In 2023, Tóibín introduced a bill in the Dáil Éireann to prevent transgender female prisoners from being placed into women's prisons[66] and expressed opposition to sexually explicit material being taught to children in schools.[67] Aontú opposed a 2024 proposed expansion of hate speech laws on the grounds that it amounted to censorship.[68] The party has supported a proposed enquiry into the Irish government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.[69]

Immigration

The Phoenix has described Tóibín and Aontú as possessing a "strong rightward stance" on immigration[70] while Gerald Howlin of the Irish Examiner has described Tóibín's views on immigration as "nativist".[71] The party advocates for an immigration policy that is "stricter" and "sustainable", while also containing "compassion and common sense".[61][72][73] In 2021, deputy leader Denise Mullen called for Ireland to offer help during the Afghan refugee crisis.[74] Tóibín supports an "Irish Sea border in terms of people", where asylum seekers who arrive in Northern Ireland would be subject to the same passport controls as at Irish airports and ports.[61] Aontú has called for a greater level of public consultation on immigration.[61][75] The party opposed the 2024 EU Asylum and Migration Pact.[76]

Foreign policy

Aontú is broadly Eurosceptic, opposing European federalism and a European army.[4][19][77] The party supports a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestine conflict.[78]

Economics

The party holds left-leaning views on economics and climate change.[79][better source needed] As of early 2020, the party's published policies included proposals for a united Ireland, a referendum on a "right to collective bargaining and trade union membership",[80] an end to zero hours contracts,[80] and increased state spending on public housing.[81] Their site states Ireland should model itself on the "best practice in Scandinavian countries".[80] In their 2021 budget submission, they called on changes to the state pension scheme, reducing Leap Card fares and increasing the Banking Levy.[82] Aontú supports the building of a "new international city" in a different part of the country from Dublin.[83]

Irish republicanism

While Aontú was founded in a split from Sinn Féin, Aontú members and elected representatives come from different political backgrounds: two councillors were former members of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, one councillor was a former member of Fianna Fáil, and two other councillors never held political office prior to joining Aontú.[84][85][86][87] The party retains the ideology of Irish republicanism,[88] and related policies; for example, Aontú maintains a policy of abstentionism, which means that while it runs candidates in Northern Ireland in British general elections, should an Aontú candidate be elected, they would not take up their seat in the British parliament.[89]

The Irish Catholic editor Michael Kelly believed the party could "capitalise" on the "abandon[ment] [of] many of the values that were key to a largely Catholic electorate in the North" by "the traditional parties of nationalism".[90]

Representatives

The party has one representative, TD Peadar Tóibín, at national level (in Dáil Éireann). As of June 2024, Aontú has eight sitting representatives at local level, all of whom are county councillors in the Republic of Ireland.[91][92]

Leadership

Party leader

The following are the terms of office as party leader.

Name Portrait Period Constituency
Peadar Tóibín
Peadar Tóibín 2019 (headshot).jpg
 2019 – present Meath West

Election results

Dáil Éireann

Election Leader 1st pref
votes 		% Seats ± Government
2020[93] Peadar Tóibín 41,575 1.9 (#8)
1 / 160
 Opposition
2024 Peadar Tóibín TBD TBD
0 / 174

Northern Ireland Assembly

Election Leader 1st pref
votes 		% Seats ± Government
2022[94] Peadar Tóibín 12,777 1.5 (#8)
0 / 90
 No seats

Westminster elections

Election Leader Votes % Seats (in NI) ±
NI UK
2019 Peadar Tóibín 9,814 1.2 (#6) <0.1
0 / 18
2024 7,466 1.0 (#9) <0.1
0 / 18
 Steady

Local elections

Election Country Seats
contested 		1st pref
votes 		% Seats
2019 Northern Ireland 16 7,459 1.1
1 / 462
2019 Republic of Ireland 51 25,660 1.5
3 / 949
2023 Northern Ireland 19 6,771 0.9
0 / 462
2024 Republic of Ireland 66 39,461 2.1
8 / 949

European Parliament

Election Leader 1st pref
Votes 		% Seats +/− EP Group
2024 Peadar Tóibín 65,559 3.76 (#8)
0 / 14
 New −

Ógra Aontú

Aontú's youth branch, Ógra Aontú, was formed in May 2020. Membership of the branch is open to Aontú members aged between 16 and 30.[95]

Footnotes

  1. ^ The Irish word aontú is the verbal noun of aontaigh, meaning "unite", "agree", "assent". The logo also colours the letters tú separately, forming the Irish word for "you" (singular).[6][7][8] Party founder Peadar Tóibín when announcing its name said it means "unity and consent".[9][10]

References

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  92. ^ O'Halloran, Marie (20 January 2020). "Election 2020: Peadar Tóibín targets four seats for Aontú". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 21 January 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  93. ^ "33rd DÁIL GENERAL ELECTION 8 February 2020 Election Results (Party totals begin on page 68)" (PDF). Houses of the Oireachtas. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 May 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  94. ^ "Northern Ireland Assembly Election Results 2022". BBC News. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  95. ^ "Youth Wing of Aontú Movement launched Over Zoom". aontu.ie. 1 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
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