Clare Daly is a prominent Irish politician known for her bold, independent stance on social justice, international affairs, and anti-imperialism. Born on April 16, 1968, in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland, Daly rose through the ranks of political activism to become one of the most outspoken critics of Western foreign policy in the European Parliament.
She graduated from Dublin City University with a degree in Business Studies and initially worked as a trade unionist with the airline Aer Lingus. However, her calling to politics was evident from an early age, and her journey has since been marked by fearless advocacy, defiance against the political mainstream, and a deep commitment to the causes she believes in.
Clare Daly in Irish Politics
Clare Daly’s political career began with the Labour Party, but she was expelled in the 1990s due to her association with Trotskyist elements. She subsequently became a founding member of Militant Labour, which later evolved into the Socialist Party. Daly was first elected to Fingal County Council in 1999, a role she held for over a decade, establishing her local political base and grassroots credibility.
In 2011, she was elected as a Teachta Dála (TD) for Dublin North and later for Dublin Fingal under the United Left Alliance and then as an Independent. Throughout her time in the Dáil, Daly was known for her fierce criticism of the government, especially concerning issues like Garda (police) misconduct, austerity measures, and political corruption.
Her bold actions included calling out police abuses, opposing Ireland’s bank bailout terms, and famously resigning from the Socialist Party due to differences over political strategy. Her political independence, refusal to align fully with any party, and consistent left-wing ideology made her both a controversial and admired figure in Irish political circles.
Clare Daly & Mick Wallace: A Political Partnership
The name Clare Daly is often mentioned alongside Mick Wallace, another independent-minded Irish politician. Together, they have become one of Ireland’s most recognizable political duos. Both are known for their anti-establishment views, skepticism of NATO and U.S. foreign interventions, and shared campaigns for justice and transparency in government.
In 2014, they co-founded the political alliance Independents 4 Change, and their partnership became even more significant when they were both elected to the European Parliament in 2019. Their alignment on key issues—opposition to militarism, criticism of the European Union’s handling of foreign policy, and support for whistleblowers like Julian Assange—has drawn both admiration and controversy.
While some view their collaboration as a powerful example of principled dissent, others have accused them of sympathizing with authoritarian regimes due to their critical stance against Western policies.
Clare Daly in the European Parliament
Daly’s move to the European Parliament in 2019 marked a new chapter in her career. Representing Dublin under the banner of Independents 4 Change, she joined The Left in the European Parliament – Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL). Here, she became a notable voice opposing EU foreign policy strategies, especially regarding conflicts involving Russia, China, and the Middle East.
Clare Daly’s speeches in the European Parliament were often shared widely on social media, particularly those in which she denounced what she described as “Western hypocrisy” in global conflicts. She criticized the U.S. for its invasions and interventions, the EU for supporting sanctions that she argued hurt ordinary people, and NATO for escalating tensions rather than pursuing peace.
Her positions became particularly controversial during the Russia-Ukraine war. Daly was among the minority who voted against sanctions on Russia and abstained from supporting Ukraine’s EU membership bid. She justified her stance by stating that the West should prioritize diplomacy over escalation, a viewpoint that sparked significant backlash both in Ireland and abroad.
Did Clare Daly Win? – Election Results and Political Fallout
The 2019 European elections were a victory for Clare Daly. Running in the Dublin constituency, she secured over 11% of the vote and won a seat in the European Parliament. Her entry into the EU legislative body was seen as a victory for those opposing the dominant narratives in European politics.
However, her fortunes changed dramatically in the 2024 European elections. Daly was eliminated on the 17th count, failing to secure re-election despite a strong social media presence and celebrity endorsements from figures like Susan Sarandon and Annie Lennox. Her vote share had dropped significantly to around 7.13%, marking a clear decline in public support.
Observers cited various reasons for her electoral defeat, including her controversial foreign policy positions, perceived alignment with Russian and Chinese interests, and growing voter fatigue with her combative rhetoric. While many admired her consistency, others felt her views were increasingly out of touch with the broader European sentiment amid geopolitical tensions.
So, did Clare Daly win in 2024? No—she lost her seat, closing a significant chapter in her political career.
Clare Daly’s Views on Global Politics
Daly’s critics often label her as a “mouthpiece” for authoritarian regimes, but she refutes this by insisting her positions are rooted in anti-imperialism and a desire for peace. She has been particularly vocal about her opposition to arms shipments to conflict zones, EU militarization, and Western double standards.
On China, she criticized aggressive Western rhetoric, urging for economic cooperation and diplomatic engagement instead of confrontation. On Russia, her call for a ceasefire and dialogue instead of sanctions made headlines across Europe.
She also championed human rights in less-covered regions and supported global climate justice, housing rights, and fair labor practices within and outside the EU.
Clare Daly and the Public Perception
Clare Daly’s public image is polarizing. To her supporters, she is a principled and brave dissenter who dares to speak the truth in a world dominated by propaganda and corporate politics. To her critics, she is dangerously naive, giving comfort to regimes with poor human rights records under the guise of anti-imperialism.
Despite the criticism, she remains consistent in her messaging, rarely backing down or adjusting her positions for political gain. Her career is an example of how principled politics can both inspire loyalty and alienate a wider electorate.
What’s Next for Clare Daly?
With her 2024 defeat, questions remain about Clare Daly’s future. Will she seek a return to national politics? Will she continue as an activist outside of institutional politics? Given her passion and persistence, it’s likely Daly will remain involved in political discourse in one form or another.
Her long-standing collaboration with Mick Wallace and her connection to international peace movements suggest she may take on a broader global advocacy role or continue to challenge EU policies from outside the system.
Conclusion
Clare Daly’s political journey is a testament to unwavering conviction in a world that often rewards conformity. From her early days in Dublin activism to her years in the Dáil and the European Parliament, Daly has embodied the spirit of dissent. Her commitment to anti-war principles, criticism of power structures, and tireless advocacy for transparency and justice set her apart in Ireland’s political landscape.
While she may no longer hold office, her voice continues to echo across debates on war, peace, sovereignty, and civil liberties. Clare Daly remains a symbol of what it means to challenge the status quo—even when the personal and political costs are high.
This article is published on Mating Press.
