ABSTRACT
It is difficult to imagine political life without thinking of parties, to the extent that, with few exceptions, parliamentary democracy is party democracy. Through the study of parties as organisations, and of the dynamics both within and between them, we can gain an enhanced understanding of the political process and its workings. This chapter details the evolution of the parties and party system in the Irish case. To begin with, the origins of the party system are examined, with an assessment of some of the key debates about its formation. This is followed by an analysis of the party system in a comparative context, with an emphasis on its distinguishing characteristics. The evolution of the party system is then traced, with a particular focus on Fianna Fáil and its dominant position, before concluding the section with an evaluation of the party system in a European context.
