The declining role of the Church and its conservatism have left a vacuum in Irish politics. O'Connell assesses the likelihood that the vacuum will be filled by a new and shrill right-wing populism. Evidence from surveys and focus groups are presented highlighting an alarming growth in hostility towards new minorities by major sections of the Irish population. Drawing on patterns in other European countries, and an analysis of their similarities, it is unlikely that sections of the Irish political class will be able to resist playing the "race card" for much longer.
