In almost all competitive political systems, parties dominant elections. In Ireland however, independents or non-party politicians remain significant players. At the DAil election of 2016 independents won 23 seats, proportionally the highest level of elected independent representation in the national parliament of any established democracy since 1950, and more than the combined total in all other advanced democracies. Not only have independents in Ireland persisted, but they have also had a significant political impact. Frequently holding the balance of power as kingmakers in hung...