Labour leader Brendan Howlin says Donald Trump and Boris Johnson are the symptoms of deep-rooted problems for democracy.
Addressing Labour Youth in Waterford last night, the party leader said no one person is to blame, but we can never take democracy for granted.
Deputy Howlin added that 'fake news' and toxic anti-migrant lies are now 'getting to' people in Ireland and warping their perception of reality.
He added that all governments need to respond to their people in order to recognise their human rights.
Mr.Howlin believes the advance of democracy has slowed down and in some cases, it has reversed. The Labour leader cited the examples of democracy being 'under strain' in Russia and Turkey.
