yuyutsu - not unprecedented. This is how the Irish managed to get abortion legislation through. Governments change, politicians lose their seats when a small number of people change their vote. The Teals got elected because they listened to their constituents. But because the margins are small politicians are risk averse - they avoid policies that seem 'risky'. But what if they have some solid data that demonstrates that people actually favour a particular course of action? The more opportunities we create where people can infuence the political culture the better the chance that politicians are prepared to take a risk. Universal Basic Income is not a left wing initiative - Richerd Nixon was set to introduce it until he was distracted by Watergate.

I found this interesting "John is a founding member of a new political party Stop Population Growth Now".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabian_Society

The Irish favour of Socialism seems to relate to their reaction to the previous British "relationship". Now that The Republic Of Ireland is pretty secure there doesn't seem to be a need to flirt with Communism/ Socialism under the urge to stick it to the man.