Are populists up to the task, or will they will retreat into illusory confines of reactionary liberalism, deferring intellectualism and post-victory policy to others?

The Seanad is aptly regarded as a body which exists for runners-up from the general election and wind-bags from Trinity College and the NUI colleges.

The importance of Fennell in this regard is in providing an intellectual formulation of a populist ideology which stands the test of time.

Only time will tell if Ireland’s vox populi, against massive establishment efforts, will continue to find its voice.