Aontú

The party was founded by Peadar Tóibín, a TD who resigned from Sinn Féin on 15 November 2018 due to his anti-abortion views after opposing the party whip on the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/peadar-toibin-announces-resignation-from-sinn-fein-885583.html |title=Peadar Tóibín announces resignation from Sinn Féin |work=Irish Examiner |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=15 November 2018 |archive-date=21 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221195858/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/peadar-toibin-announces-resignation-from-sinn-fein-885583.html |url-status=live }}{{cite book|author=Michael Gallagher|chapter=The Results Analysed: The Definitive End of the Traditional Party System?|editor1=Michael Gallagher|editor2=Michael Marsh|editor3=Theresa Reidy|title=How Ireland Voted 2020: The End of an Era|publisher=Springer Nature|year=2021|isbn=9783030664053|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SPUyEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA180|page=180|access-date=25 April 2024|archive-date=4 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904011720/https://books.google.com/books?id=SPUyEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA180#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}} Tóibín began canvassing elected representatives, securing support within a week from two local councillors in the Republic.{{cite web |last1=Finn |first1=Christina |title=Tóibín signs up two members to his new 'Euro-critical party' which aims to protect 'all human life' |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/peadar-toibin-new-party-4353218-Nov2018/ |date=21 November 2018 |website=TheJournal.ie |access-date=5 February 2019 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090307/https://www.thejournal.ie/peadar-toibin-new-party-4353218-Nov2018/ |url-status=live }} Tóibín held meetings across the island addressing interested potential members. The first Northern Ireland local councillor declared on 7 January 2019.{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Connla |title=Co Tyrone councillor Rosemarie Shields defects from SDLP to Peadar Tóibín's new party |url=https://www.irishnews.com/news/politicalnews/2019/01/07/news/co-tyrone-councillor-rosemarie-shields-defects-from-sdlp-to-peadar-to-ibi-n-s-new-party-1522136/ |access-date=5 February 2019 |work=The Irish News |date=7 January 2019 |archive-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013702/https://www.irishnews.com/news/politicalnews/2019/01/07/news/co-tyrone-councillor-rosemarie-shields-defects-from-sdlp-to-peadar-to-ibi-n-s-new-party-1522136/ |url-status=live }} {{As of|2019|01|28}} eight councillors had joined.{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Hannah |title=Una D'Arcy Joins Peadar Tóibín's New Political Party |url=http://www.midlands103.com/news-centre/una-darcy-joins-peadar-toibins-new-party/ |access-date=5 February 2019 |work=Midlands 103 |date=28 January 2019 |archive-date=31 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131102900/http://www.midlands103.com/news-centre/una-darcy-joins-peadar-toibins-new-party/ |url-status=live }} A second councillor in Northern Ireland joined on 26 February 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.lurganmail.co.uk/news/sinn-fein-has-lost-contact-with-the-grassroots-says-lennon-as-he-joins-new-republican-party-1-8825750|title=Sinn Fein has lost contact with the grassroots says Lennon as he joins new republican party|work=Lurgan Mail|date=26 February 2019|access-date=26 February 2019|archive-date=26 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226234334/https://www.lurganmail.co.uk/news/sinn-fein-has-lost-contact-with-the-grassroots-says-lennon-as-he-joins-new-republican-party-1-8825750|url-status=live}}

The name "Aontú" was announced at a meeting in Belfast on 28 January 2019.{{cite news |last1=Lehane |first1=Mícheál |title=Tóibín reveals name of new political party |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2019/0128/1026108-toibin-political-party/ |access-date=28 January 2019 |work=RTÉ News|date=28 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129124053/https://www.rte.ie/news/2019/0128/1026108-toibin-political-party/ |archive-date=29 January 2019 |url-status=live}} The Meath Chronicle said that the announcement of the name was precipitated by its unexpected publication on the UK Electoral Commission website.{{cite news |last1=Becton |first1=Gavan |title=Party started early for Tóibín |url=https://www.meathchronicle.ie/news/roundup/articles/2019/01/29/4168452-party-started-early-for-tibn/ |access-date=6 February 2019 |work=Meath Chronicle |date=29 January 2019 |archive-date=7 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020635/https://www.meathchronicle.ie/news/roundup/articles/2019/01/29/4168452-party-started-early-for-tibn/ |url-status=live }} Tóibín said the party had sought registration in both jurisdictions, that "Aontú obviously means unity and our major objective is the unity of Irish people north and south". He recalled that Belfast was the birthplace of the United Irishmen of 1798.{{cite news |title=Peadar Tóibín names new political party Aontú |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/peadar-toibin-names-new-political-party-aontu-900778.html |access-date=6 February 2019 |work=Irish Examiner |date=29 January 2019 |archive-date=7 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020303/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/peadar-toibin-names-new-political-party-aontu-900778.html |url-status=live }} Aontú would "seek to build an all-Ireland economy to mitigate the worst effects of Brexit, economic justice for all and to protect the right to life".{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/peadar-t%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn-to-name-new-political-party-aont%C3%BA-1.3773803 |title=Peadar Tóibín to name new political party 'Aontú' |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=28 January 2019 |access-date=28 January 2019 |first=Jennifer |last=Bray |archive-date=29 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129015943/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/peadar-t%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn-to-name-new-political-party-aont%C3%BA-1.3773803 |url-status=live }} Tóibín said he was talking with Sinn Féin, SDLP, and independent representatives in Northern Ireland,{{cite news |title=More defections expected as McHugh joins new party |url=https://www.impartialreporter.com/news/17392169.more-defections-expected-as-mchugh-joins-new-party/ |access-date=5 February 2019 |work=Impartial Reporter |date=2 February 2019 |archive-date=4 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204212712/https://www.impartialreporter.com/news/17392169.more-defections-expected-as-mchugh-joins-new-party/ |url-status=live }} and that "people from Sinn Féin, SDLP and Fianna Fáil backgrounds would feel comfortable" in the party.{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Connla |title=New party formed by ex-Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín to be called 'Aontú' |url=https://www.irishnews.com/news/politicalnews/2019/01/29/news/new-party-formed-by-ex-sinn-fe-in-td-peadar-to-ibi-n-to-be-called-aontu--1538550/ |access-date=5 February 2019 |work=The Irish News |date=29 January 2019 |archive-date=7 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207072317/https://www.irishnews.com/news/politicalnews/2019/01/29/news/new-party-formed-by-ex-sinn-fe-in-td-peadar-to-ibi-n-to-be-called-aontu--1538550/ |url-status=live }}

Following its foundation in January of that year, Aontú contested the Northern Ireland local elections in May 2019. The party, which nominated 16 candidates,{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Niall |title=Council elections 2019 – all you need to know Part I |url=https://sluggerotoole.com/2019/04/09/122416/ |website=Slugger O'Toole |access-date=30 April 2019 |date=9 April 2019 |archive-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430145322/https://sluggerotoole.com/2019/04/09/122416/ |url-status=live }} won one seat on Derry and Strabane Council, with its two outgoing councillors losing their seats.{{cite web |title=The final result of Northern Ireland's council election for all parties |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-northern-ireland-politics-47969826#title_5cce0eeec2514206599a6257 |website=As it happened: NI council election 2019 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=5 May 2019|date=4 May 2019 |archive-date=6 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506113817/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/uk-northern-ireland-politics-47969826#title_5cce0eeec2514206599a6257 |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |last1=Sweeney |first1=Eamon |title=Council Election 2019: Aontu get first candidate elected in the North |url=https://www.derrynow.com/news/council-election-2019-aontu-get-candidate-elected-derry/277307 |access-date=5 May 2019 |work=Derry Now|archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505231910/https://www.derrynow.com/news/council-election-2019-aontu-get-candidate-elected-derry/277307 |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |title=Fermanagh and Omagh District Council candidates |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48137682 |website=Election 2019 |publisher=BBC News |date=4 May 2019 |quote=Mid Tyrone .. Rosemarie Shields ... Eliminated |access-date=5 May 2019 |archive-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503231506/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48137682 |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |title=Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council candidates |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48137522 |access-date=5 May 2019 |work=Election 2019 |publisher=BBC News |quote=Craigavon ... Fergal Thomas Lennon ... Eliminated |date=4 May 2019 |archive-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505231911/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48137522 |url-status=live }} Several months after the election, a councillor for the SDLP in Mid Ulster joined Aontú.{{cite news |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sdlp-councillor-quits-party-over-same-sex-marriage-vote-and-joins-aont-38348652.html |title=SDLP councillor quits party over same sex marriage vote and joins Aontú |newspaper=Belfasttelegraph |via=www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk |access-date=26 July 2019 |archive-date=26 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726151955/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sdlp-councillor-quits-party-over-same-sex-marriage-vote-and-joins-aont-38348652.html |url-status=live }} Later in May 2019, the party put forward 53 candidates in the 2019 local elections in the Republic Ireland, including its seven sitting councillors. Three were elected.{{cite news |last1=Finn |first1=Christina |title=Peadar Tóibín hits out at larger parties: 'If you vote Fianna Fáil, you get Fine Gael' |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/aontu-manifesto-launch-4638944-May2019/ |access-date=16 May 2019 |work=TheJournal.ie |date=15 May 2019|archive-date=16 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516234722/https://www.thejournal.ie/aontu-manifesto-launch-4638944-May2019/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |last1=Finn |first1=Christina |title=Aontú sets its sights on Dáil seats as new party wins a handful of seats in the locals |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/aontu-local-elections-4662098-Jun2019/ |access-date=4 June 2019 |work=TheJournal.ie |date=4 June 2019|archive-date=4 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604145155/https://www.thejournal.ie/aontu-local-elections-4662098-Jun2019/ |url-status=live }} Of the four Dáil by-elections held in November 2019, Aontú contested two. Finian Toomey came 7th in the 2019 Cork North-Central by-election with 1,008 votes (3.9%),{{cite web | url = https://electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2016B&cons=57 | website = electionsireland.org | title = By Election: 29 November 2019 - Cork North Central | accessdate = 8 July 2024 | archive-date = 8 July 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240708184129/https://electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2016B&cons=57 | url-status = live }} and Jim Codd came 6th in the 2019 Wexford by-election with 2,102 votes (5.2%).{{cite web | url = https://www.electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2016B&cons=232 | work = electionsireland.org | title = By Election: 29 November 2019 - Wexford | accessdate = 8 July 2024 | archive-date = 8 April 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200408052435/https://electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2016B&cons=232 | url-status = live }} Aontú contested seven seats in the 2019 United Kingdom general election in Northern Ireland. The party, which received 9,814 votes (1.2%), won none of these seats.{{cite report | url = https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/documents/raise/publications/2017-2022/2019/general/0719.pdf | date = 2019 | publisher = Northern Ireland Assembly, Research and Information Service | website = niassembly.gov.uk | title = Election Report: Westminster General Election, 12 December 2019 | page = 10 }}

Aontú fielded 25 candidates in the 2020 Irish general election, including leader Peadar Tóibín (Meath West), deputy leader Anne McCloskey (Sligo-Leitrim) and a number of sitting local councillors.{{Cite web |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-peadar-t%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn-targets-four-seats-for-aont%C3%BA-1.4145625 |title=Election 2020: Peadar Tóibín targets four seats for Aontú |last=O'Halloran |first=Marie |website=IrishTimes.com|access-date=21 January 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121013604/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-peadar-t%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn-targets-four-seats-for-aont%C3%BA-1.4145625 |url-status=live }} Tóibín was the only successful candidate. As Tóibín was not invited to participate in a televised debate alongside the leaders of other parties, the party threatened a High Court action against RTÉ. The party, however, did not proceed with the action noting that there "was not enough time to have the action heard" before the debate.{{Cite web |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/aont%C3%BA-leader-withdraws-action-seeking-to-halt-rt%C3%A9-election-debate-1.4152744 |title=Aontú leader withdraws action seeking to halt RTÉ election debate |last=O Faolain |first=Aodhan |date=27 January 2020 |website=IrishTimes.com|access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127175715/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/aont%C3%BA-leader-withdraws-action-seeking-to-halt-rt%C3%A9-election-debate-1.4152744 |url-status=live }} In the 2020 Seanad election, Paul Lawless contested the Cultural and Educational Panel receiving 2.6% of votes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayonews.ie/news/35128-mayo-candidates-await-seanad-election-results|title=Mayo candidates await Seanad election results|website=www.mayonews.ie|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618162058/https://www.mayonews.ie/news/35128-mayo-candidates-await-seanad-election-results|url-status=live}}

In September 2020, Aontú's then deputy leader Anne McCloskey came under criticism for her comments about the effectiveness of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, with party leader Peadar Tóibín defending her right to her view on the topic.{{cite web |last1=Ryan |first1=Philip |title=Tóibín defends Aontú deputy leader's right to have a 'personal view' on face masks |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/toibin-defends-aontu-deputy-leaders-right-to-have-a-personal-view-on-face-masks-39540520.html |website=Irish Independent |date=17 September 2020 |access-date=16 October 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117122944/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/toibin-defends-aontu-deputy-leaders-right-to-have-a-personal-view-on-face-masks-39540520.html |url-status=live }} McCloskey stepped down as a councillor in October 2020, and was replaced by party member Emmet Doyle.{{cite web |title=Anne McCloskey to step down as Aontú Councillor on Derry City Council |url=https://aontu.ie/anne-mccloskey-to-step-down-as-aontu-councillor-on-derry-city-council/ |website=Aontú |access-date=16 October 2020 |archive-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017211607/https://aontu.ie/anne-mccloskey-to-step-down-as-aontu-councillor-on-derry-city-council/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-54846238|work=BBC News|title=Aontú: Emmet Doyle to replace Dr Anne McCloskey on council|date=6 November 2020|access-date=21 December 2020|archive-date=25 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825034151/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-54846238|url-status=live}} She was replaced as deputy leader by Denise Mullen. At the 2022 Ard Fheis, Mullen stepped down from the position of deputy leader and was replaced by Gemma Brolly, Aontú candidate for East Londonderry at the May 2022 Assembly election.

In November 2020, the Standards in Public Office Commission announced that Aontú were one of five political parties who failed to provide them with a set of audited accounts for 2019, in breach of statutory obligations.{{cite news|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/sipo-concerned-aontu-renua-statement-of-accounts-2019-5279366-Nov2020/|title=SIPO 'very concerned' about failure of Aontú and Renua to submit statements of their annual accounts|last=McDermott|first=Stephen|work=TheJournal.ie|date=26 November 2020|access-date=26 November 2020|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126135021/https://www.thejournal.ie/sipo-concerned-aontu-renua-statement-of-accounts-2019-5279366-Nov2020/|url-status=live}} In response, Aontú released a statement claiming that they had submitted the account statements and apologising for the delay, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=McQuinn |first1=Cormac |title=Aontú apologises for delay in sending accounts to watchdog |url=https://www.independent.ie/news/aontu-apologises-for-delay-in-sending-accounts-to-watchdog-39795385.html |access-date=July 7, 2021 |agency=Irish Independent |date=November 27, 2020 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709205813/https://www.independent.ie/news/aontu-apologises-for-delay-in-sending-accounts-to-watchdog-39795385.html |url-status=live }}

Mairéad Tóibín unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Dublin Bay South by-election, coming ninth with 740 first preference votes (2.8%).{{cite web|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/news/elections/dublin-bay-south-byelection | archiveurl = https://archive.today/20210711132829/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/elections/dublin-bay-south-byelection | archivedate = 11 July 2021 | date = 2021 | work = Irish Times | title = Dublin Bay South Byelection }}

Aontú fielded 12 candidates in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election.{{Cite news|title=Aontú Candidates|url=https://aontu.ie/north-of-ireland|access-date=2022-01-30|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130165258/https://aontu.ie/north-of-ireland|url-status=live}} None of its candidates were elected, with the party coming in eighth place with 12,777 first preference votes (1.5%).{{Cite news|title=Northern Ireland Assembly Election Results 2022|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2022/northern-ireland/results|access-date=2022-05-09|archive-date=24 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924111539/https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2022/northern-ireland/results|url-status=live}} The party also contested the 2023 Northern Ireland local elections. None of Aontú's 19 candidates were elected, with their incumbent councillor in Derry City and Strabane District Council losing his seat.{{Cite news |title=Derry and Strabane election result |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2023/northern-ireland/councils/N09000005 |access-date=9 August 2023 |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720051241/https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2023/northern-ireland/councils/N09000005 |url-status=live }}

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| image1 = Paul Lawless, Dec 2024 - (54194389010) (cropped).jpg

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In 2024, the party campaigned for No votes in the 2024 Irish constitutional referendums; Both referendums were overwhelmingly defeated.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68484651 |title=Irish referendums: Voters reject changes to family and care definition |website=BBC |date=10 March 2024 |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309064753/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68484651 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kealy |first1=Michael |last2=Melley |first2=Brian |title=Irish prime minister concedes defeat in a vote over constitutional amendments about family and women |url=https://apnews.com/article/ireland-women-constitution-referendum-8eead7fd4ee13e76d77e8322bf348d0d |website=Associated Press |date=9 March 2024 |access-date=20 March 2024 |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309232237/https://apnews.com/article/ireland-women-constitution-referendum-8eead7fd4ee13e76d77e8322bf348d0d |url-status=live }} Aontú later ran 66 candidates in the 2024 Irish local elections, securing eight council seats. It also fielded candidates in three constituencies for the 2024 European Parliament elections: Peadar Tóibín in Midlands North West, Patrick Murphy in Ireland South and Aisling Considine in Dublin. None were elected.{{Cite news |title=European Election: Midlands-North-West results |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/09/european-election-midlands-north-west-constituency-results/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |newspaper=The Irish Times|archive-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904011624/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/09/european-election-midlands-north-west-constituency-results/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=European Election: Ireland South constituency results |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/09/european-election-ireland-south-constituency-results/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |newspaper=The Irish Times|archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624185836/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/09/european-election-ireland-south-constituency-results/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=European Election: Dublin results |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/09/european-election-dublin-constituency-results/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |newspaper=The Irish Times|archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625111006/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/09/european-election-dublin-constituency-results/ |url-status=live }} Sarah Beasley also ran, unsuccessfully, as the Aontú candidate in the 2024 Limerick mayoral election.{{cite web | url = https://www.rte.ie/news/limerick-mayoral-election-2024/results/ | website = rte.ie | title = Live results from the 2024 Limerick Mayoral Election | accessdate = 8 July 2024 | archive-date = 8 July 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240708184359/https://www.rte.ie/news/limerick-mayoral-election-2024/results/ | url-status = live }} In the 2024 Westminster election in Northern Ireland, Aontú stood in 10 of 18 constituencies,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2024/uk/regions/N92000002 |work=BBC News |title=NI an 'accountability-free zone', Aontú leader says |first=Brendan |last=Hughes |date=1 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024 |quote=Aontú is fielding candidates in 10 constituencies in Northern Ireland |archive-date=4 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704232228/https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2024/uk/regions/N92000002 |url-status=live }} winning no seats from 7,466 votes (1.0% of the total).{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c72v30p5n0zo.amp |work=BBC News |title=Northern Ireland Election 2024 Results |date=5 July 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024 |archive-date=6 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706045858/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c72v30p5n0zo.amp |url-status=live }} Aontú won a second seat in the Dáil in the 2024 general election with Paul Lawless elected as a TD for Mayo.{{cite web |last1=Hurley |first1=Sandra |title=Aontú wins second seat as Lawless joins Tóibín in Dáil |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1201/1484124-aontu-election/ |website=RTÉ |access-date=3 December 2024}}

On 8 December, both Aontú TDs joined a technical group 'Regional Group' formed by eight independent TDs - Seán Canney, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Kevin "Boxer" Moran, Verona Murphy and Gillian Toole; after Aontú's entrance, the group had 10 TDs in total.{{cite web |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/aontu-joins-regional-group-government-formation-talks-6566138-Dec2024/ |title=Aontú joins Dáil technical grouping 'Regional Group' as formation talks ramp up |date=8 December 2024 |first=Emma |last=Hickey |website=TheJournal.ie}} The group intended to address regional infrastructure issues such as railway lines, as well as accelerating housing construction.{{cite web |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/eight-independents-join-regional-group-6562896-Dec2024/ |title=Eight independent TDs form 'Regional Group' amid government formation talks |date=4 December 2024 |website=TheJournal.ie |first=Lauren |last=Boland}}

In January 2025, Aontú left the Regional Group and instead joined a technical group in the Dáil with the political party Independent Ireland.{{cite web |last=Manning|first=Harry|date=22 January 2025|title=Aontú TDs leave Regional Independent Dáil grouping|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0122/1492332-aontu-regional-technical-group/|work=RTÉ News|access-date=22 January 2025}}

{{Irish republicanism|Active parties}}

Party founder and leader Peadar Tóibín has described Aontú as left of centre economically while "socially conservative".{{cite podcast |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fOdwDwYRZCWIRpDe6Ou5s?si=a03c70d906854708 |title=Peadar Tóibín on Aontú, Sinn Féin, immigration and ambition |website=Inside Politics |publisher=The Irish Times |host=Linehan, Hugh |date=18 January 2023 |time= |access-date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120201609/https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fOdwDwYRZCWIRpDe6Ou5s?si=a03c70d906854708 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Casey |first=Ann |date=16 May 2022 |title=Tóibín targeting council seats after 'successful' NI election campaign |url=https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2022/05/16/toibin-targeting-council-seats-after-successful-ni-election-campaign/ |work=Meath Chronicle |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |quote=Deputy Tóibín said Aontú is left of centre economically and socially conservative}}{{cite web | last=Finnerty | first=Mike | title=What influence will the far-right have on June’s elections? | website=Dublin People | date=2024-03-07 | url=https://dublinpeople.com/news/dublin/articles/2024/03/07/far-right-le-24/ | access-date=2024-07-13}} In 2019, the party was described by the unionist Belfast News Letter as "Catholic conservative",{{cite news |last=McBride |first=Sam |date=27 April 2019 |title=Sam McBride: Though slightly obscured from view, a hypothetical path to devolution exists |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/sam-mcbride-though-slightly-obscured-from-view-a-hypothetical-path-to-devolution-exists-1-8906375 |work=News Letter |access-date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427121458/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/sam-mcbride-though-slightly-obscured-from-view-a-hypothetical-path-to-devolution-exists-1-8906375 |url-status=live }} and by The Times as "socially conservative",{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/eoin-o-malley-sound-the-death-knell-for-pro-life-renua-nq5l7pgr0|title=Eoin O'Malley: Sound the death knell for pro-life Renua|last=O'Malley|first=Eoin|work=The Times|date=16 June 2019|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223130736/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/eoin-o-malley-sound-the-death-knell-for-pro-life-renua-nq5l7pgr0|url-status=live}} while Harry McGee described its ideology as "rural conservatism and traditionalism".{{cite news |author=Harry McGee |date=12 February 2019 |title=A party is born: but can Aontú weather the long, hard road ahead? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/a-party-is-born-but-can-aontu-weather-the-long-hard-road-ahead-1.3791429 |work=Irish Times |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714110051/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/a-party-is-born-but-can-aontu-weather-the-long-hard-road-ahead-1.3791429 |url-status=live }} In 2020, David Quinn of The Sunday Times called Aontú "a pro-life centre-left party". In 2024, Politico and The Connaught Telegraph described Aontú as "right wing", and The Irish Times said it had "positions that lean both left and right".{{cite web | last=Bray | first=Jennifer | title=Aontú may be ‘listening’ but party is squeezed on all sides | website=The Irish Times | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/27/aontu-may-be-listening-but-party-is-squeezed-on-all-sides/ | access-date=2024-09-28 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20240427165157/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/27/aontu-may-be-listening-but-party-is-squeezed-on-all-sides/ | archive-date=2024-04-27 | quote=The second is that Aontú has struggled to make a national breakthrough and will continue to be squeezed on all sides, having, as it does, positions that lean both left and right.}} The European Center for Populism Studies described it as populist and "on the right",{{cite web |last=Pretorius |first=Christo |date=2024-09-04 |title=Populism in Ireland: Sinn Féin and the Alternative to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s Political Dominance |url=https://www.populismstudies.org/populism-in-ireland-sinn-fein-and-the-alternative-to-fine-gael-and-fianna-fails-political-dominance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224180930/https://www.populismstudies.org/populism-in-ireland-sinn-fein-and-the-alternative-to-fine-gael-and-fianna-fails-political-dominance/ |archive-date=24 February 2025 |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=ECPS}} while Eoin O'Malley, a political science professor at Dublin City University, concurs that Aontú is populist and socially right wing, although he views their economics as left-wing. The Irish Independent described the party as "economically left-wing, but socially conservative", while political scientist Corinne Deloy wrote that Aontú is "economically positioned on the left of the political spectrum but on the right when it comes to social issues". Political researchers Gilles Ivaldi and Emilia Zankina wrote that the party is left-wing populist, and rivals with Sinn Féin.{{cite journal |last1=Ivaldi |first1=Gilles |last2=Zankina |first2=Emilia |date=29 October 2024 |title=Conclusion |url=https://www.populismstudies.org/conclusion-for-the-report-on-2024-ep-elections-under-the-shadow-of-rising-populism/ |journal=In: 2024 EP Elections under the Shadow of Rising Populism |publisher=European Center for Populism Studies |doi=10.55271/rp0087 |doi-access=free|url-access=subscription }} The party draws support from right-wing voters.

The party condemns "culture wars" and argues that they serve to distract from the issues of Irish unity and economic justice. In 2023, Peadar Tóibín expressed opposition to sexually explicit material being taught to children in schools.{{cite web |last=Hand |first=Gerry |date=2023-04-06 |title=Tóibín; 'Controversial Sex Book Not Suitable For School Children'. |url=https://meathlive.net/2023/04/06/toibin-controversial-sex-book-not-suitable-for-school-children/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904011627/https://meathlive.net/2023/04/06/toibin-controversial-sex-book-not-suitable-for-school-children/ |archive-date=4 September 2024 |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Meath Live}} Aontú opposed a 2024 proposed expansion of hate speech laws on the grounds that it amounted to censorship.{{cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Barbara |date=2024-06-17 |title=Why is Ireland's hate crime bill attracting so much hate of its own? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/17/why-is-irelands-hate-crime-bill-attracting-so-much-hate-of-its-own |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707124834/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/17/why-is-irelands-hate-crime-bill-attracting-so-much-hate-of-its-own |archive-date=7 July 2024 |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Al Jazeera}} The party has supported a proposed enquiry into the Irish government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web | title=Aontú urge Cavan public to support ‘People’s COVID Inquiry’ | website=Anglo Celt | date=2024-09-03 | url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2024/09/03/aontu-urge-cavan-public-to-support-peoples-covid-inquiry/ | access-date=2024-09-15}} In 2024, Tóibín opposed the possible extension of free contraception to girls aged 16 and described it as the State "giving licence to underage sexual activity" and said Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was "virtue signalling".{{Cite web |last=McQuinn |first=Cormac |date=2024-09-18 |title=Free contraception for 16-year-olds amounts to State giving licence for underage sex, says Aontú's Tóibín |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/18/free-contraception-for-16-year-olds-amounts-to-state-giving-licence-for-underage-sex-says-aontus-toibin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209141321/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/18/free-contraception-for-16-year-olds-amounts-to-state-giving-licence-for-underage-sex-says-aontus-toibin/ |archive-date=2025-02-09 |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=The Irish Times |issn=07915144}}{{Cite web |last=Gataveckaite |first=Gabija |last2=Monahan |first2=Tabitha |date=2024-09-18 |title=Peadar Tóibín criticises Health Minister’s push to make contraceptives free for 16-year-old girls as ‘virtue signalling’ |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/peadar-toibin-criticises-health-ministers-push-to-make-contraceptives-free-for-16-year-old-girls-as-virtue-signalling/a262538352.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126175500/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/peadar-toibin-criticises-health-ministers-push-to-make-contraceptives-free-for-16-year-old-girls-as-virtue-signalling/a262538352.html |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=Irish Independent |issn=00211222}}

Aontú is anti-abortion, a stance which Tóibín has described as a "core value" of the party.{{Cite web |author=Busby |first=Mattha |date=4 May 2019 |title=Northern Ireland local election counts continue after DUP gains |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/04/northern-ireland-local-election-counts-continue-after-dup-gains |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504101037/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/04/northern-ireland-local-election-counts-continue-after-dup-gains |archive-date=4 May 2021 |access-date=4 May 2021 |website=The Guardian |quote=the newly formed anti-abortion party Aontu to be elected}}{{cite web |last=McCormack |first=Jayne |date=2019-04-30 |title=Aontú 'only party that will defend right to life' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48106253 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707125429/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-48106253 |archive-date=7 July 2024 |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=BBC}}

In 2023, Tóibín introduced a bill in the Dáil Éireann to prevent transgender female prisoners from being placed into women's prisons,{{cite web |date=2023-06-26 |title=Letterkenny Aontú rep Mary T Sweeney backs Bill to prevent male-born criminals being placed into women's prisons |url=https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/1233522/letterkenny-aontu-rep-mary-t-sweeney-backs-bill-to-prevent-male-born-criminals-being-placed-into-womens-prisons.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707124836/https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/1233522/letterkenny-aontu-rep-mary-t-sweeney-backs-bill-to-prevent-male-born-criminals-being-placed-into-womens-prisons.html |archive-date=7 July 2024 |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Donegal Live}} and in their 2024 manifesto the party called for the repeal of the Gender Recognition Act for the same reason.{{Cite web |title=Manifesto General Election 2024 Part 2 |url=https://aontu.ie/styles/kcfinder/upload/images/Manifestop2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118210724/https://aontu.ie/styles/kcfinder/upload/images/Manifestop2.pdf |archive-date=18 January 2025 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Aontú |page=18 |quote=Aontú seeks to repeal the Gender Recognition Act to end the shocking government practice of male born sex offenders being placed in women's prisons.}} In 2024, Meath County Councillor Emer Tóibín proposed a motion calling on the LGFA to reverse its transgender policy which allows transgender women and girls to play ladies' Gaelic football.{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Killian |date=4 March 2025 |title=Motion to ask LGFA to reverse their transgender policy rejected at Meath County Council's monthly meeting |url=https://www.lmfm.ie/news/lmfm-news/motion-to-ask-lgfa-to-reverse-their-transgender-policy-rejected-at-meath-county-councils-monthly-meeting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304073805/https://www.lmfm.ie/news/lmfm-news/motion-to-ask-lgfa-to-reverse-their-transgender-policy-rejected-at-meath-county-councils-monthly-meeting/ |archive-date=4 March 2025 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=LMFM}}{{Cite web |last=Gleeson |first=Colin |date=19 February 2023 |title=Transgender players given green light by Ladies Gaelic Football Association |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2023/02/19/transgender-players-given-green-light-by-ladies-gaelic-football-association/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110184442/https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2023/02/19/transgender-players-given-green-light-by-ladies-gaelic-football-association/ |archive-date=10 November 2024 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=The Irish Times |quote=The Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) has introduced a new policy that allows transgender women and girls to play the sport except in circumstances where an “unacceptable risk” arises.}}

The party advocates for an immigration policy that is "stricter" and "sustainable", while also containing "compassion and common sense".{{cite news |last=Weeks |first=Liam |date=14 April 2019 |title=Rising immigration concerns won't open the door for Aontu |work=Irish Independent |location= |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/rising-immigration-concerns-wont-open-the-door-for-aontu-38012822.html |access-date=10 April 2022 |archive-date=20 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420190818/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/rising-immigration-concerns-wont-open-the-door-for-aontu-38012822.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Immigration |url=https://aontu.ie/immigration |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=Aontú |archive-date=16 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716170523/https://aontu.ie/immigration |url-status=live }} Tóibín stated that Ireland has a moral obligation to offer sanctuary to immigrants who flee war, famine or violence, but also argued that there should be no "orthodoxy and uniformity" on the issue.{{cite web |last=Leahy |first=Pat |date=16 May 2019 |title=Aontú making a place for itself in Irish politics, says Tóibín |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/aontu-making-a-place-for-itself-in-irish-politics-says-toibin-1.3894746 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219185326/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/aontu-making-a-place-for-itself-in-irish-politics-says-toibin-1.3894746 |archive-date=19 December 2024 |website=The Irish Times}} In 2021, deputy leader Denise Mullen called for Ireland to offer help during the Afghan refugee crisis.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Connla |date=2021-08-19 |title=North ready to do what it can for Afghan refugees |url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/08/19/news/north-ready-to-do-what-it-can-for-afghan-refugees-2422165/ |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=The Irish News|archive-date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929063411/https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2021/08/19/news/north-ready-to-do-what-it-can-for-afghan-refugees-2422165/ |url-status=live }} Tóibín supports an "Irish Sea border in terms of people", where asylum seekers who arrive in Northern Ireland would be subject to the same passport controls as at Irish airports and ports. Aontú has called for a greater level of public consultation on immigration.{{cite web | last=Meskill | first=Tommy | title=Aontú leader calls for 'common sense' immigration policy | website=RTE.ie | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0427/1445970-aontu-party-conference/ | access-date=2024-09-28}}

The party opposed the 2024 EU Asylum and Migration Pact,{{cite news | last=McGee | first=Harry | title=Aontú calls for new border agency to oversee Ireland's migration system | newspaper=The Irish Times | date=2024-06-04 | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/04/aontu-calls-for-new-border-agency-to-oversee-irelands-migration-system/ | access-date=2024-07-07 | archive-date=7 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707022400/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/04/aontu-calls-for-new-border-agency-to-oversee-irelands-migration-system/ | url-status=live }} arguing that it would "erode the ability of domestic governments to manage their immigration systems and adapt to any changes in migration". Aontú also calls for stronger border protection and security, stating that border agencies are understaffed.{{cite web |url=https://www.europeanmovement.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Irish-General-Election-Manifesto-Overview.pdf |title=2024 General Election Manifesto Overview |date=November 2024 |journal=Putting Europe on Agenda |publisher=European Movement Ireland |pages=30, 60, 65, 70}}

The Phoenix has described Tóibín and Aontú as possessing a "strong rightward stance" on immigration{{cite news |last= |first= |date=14 July 2023 |title=Profile: Peadar Tóibín |url=https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/profile-peadar-toibin/ |work=The Phoenix |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714103557/https://www.thephoenix.ie/article/profile-peadar-toibin/ |url-status=live }} while Gerald Howlin of the Irish Examiner has described Tóibín's views on immigration as "nativist".{{cite news |last=Howlin |first=Gerald |date=10 April 2019 |title=New politics of nativism is just the bitter defence of a few bleak acres |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-30916713.html |work=The Irish Examiner |location= |access-date=14 July 2023 |archive-date=14 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714103555/https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-30916713.html |url-status=live }} Gilles Ivaldi and Emilia Zankina argue that the party's views on immigration make it a more conservative left-wing populist competitor with Sinn Féin.

At its 2025 ardfheis, Aontú members backed a motion calling for an "outright ban" on anyone who "purposely destroyed their travel documents" entering the State.https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/05/25/aontu-reform-ardfheis

Aontú is broadly Eurosceptic, opposing European federalism and a European army.{{cite web |last1=Finn |first1=Christina |title=Tóibín signs up two members to his new 'Euro-critical party' which aims to protect 'all human life' |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/peadar-toibin-new-party-4353218-Nov2018/ |work=TheJournal.ie |date=21 November 2018 |access-date=8 February 2019 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090307/https://www.thejournal.ie/peadar-toibin-new-party-4353218-Nov2018/ |url-status=live }}{{cite book | last=Herkman | first=J. | last2=Palonen | first2=E. | title=Populism, Twitter and the European Public Sphere: Social Media Communication in the EP Elections 2019 | publisher=Springer Nature Switzerland, Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan | year=2024 | isbn=978-3-031-41737-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VDz-EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA242 | access-date=2024-07-21 | page=242 | archive-date=21 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721124523/https://books.google.com/books?id=VDz-EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA242 | url-status=live }} It also speaks against EU enlargement and criticizes the EU for being too centralized; Aontú wishes to "devolve foreign policy back to the nations states".

The party supports Irish neutrality and opposes proposals by the Government to remove the requirement of a UN mandate before more than 12 members of the Defence Forces can be deployed abroad.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |title=Government Has Declared War on Irish Neutrality - Tóibín |url=https://aontu.ie/government-has-declared-war-on-irish-neutrality-toibin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312082940/https://aontu.ie/government-has-declared-war-on-irish-neutrality-toibin/ |archive-date=12 March 2025 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Aontú}}{{Cite news |last=Mag Raollaigh |first=Joe |date=16 March 2025 |title=Explainer: Triple Lock or not for peacekeeping missions |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0316/1502199-triple-lock-explainer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316143743/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0316/1502199-triple-lock-explainer/ |archive-date=16 March 2025 |access-date=18 March 2025 |work=RTÉ News |quote=In this context, debate is taking place in Ireland about the future of the Triple Lock - the legislative device that, since 2001, has required a United Nations' mandate along with a Dáil and Government decision to be taken before more than 12 members of the Defence Forces are deployed on overseas missions.}}{{Cite news |last=McQuinn |first=Cormac |last2=O'Halloran |first2=Marie |date=4 March 2025 |title=Cabinet signs off on proposals to scrap triple lock for troop deployments |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/04/cabinet-signs-off-on-proposals-to-scrap-triple-lock-for-troop-deployments/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250314042116/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/03/04/cabinet-signs-off-on-proposals-to-scrap-triple-lock-for-troop-deployments/ |archive-date=14 March 2025 |access-date=18 March 2025 |work=The Irish Times |quote=Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said the triple lock is the foundation stone of Irish neutrality and “by definition, means that Ireland does not align with any existing military bloc”.}} The party opposes a European Defence Union or any moves towards a military alliance.{{Cite web |title=Manifesto General Election 2024 Part 2 |url=https://aontu.ie/styles/kcfinder/upload/images/Manifestop2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207023111/http://aontu.ie/styles/kcfinder/upload/images/Manifestop2.pdf |archive-date=7 December 2024 |access-date=18 March 2025 |website=Aontú |page=28 |quote=Aontú opposes any moves towards a military alliance.}}

The party supports a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestine conflict.{{cite web|title=Aontú General Election Manifesto 2024 | url=https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/issues/politics/docs/aontu/aontu_2024-07-04_ge_man.pdf | date=2024 | page=4 | quote=We support a peaceful two-state solution in Palestine. We have met the Palestinian Ambassador and raised money for medical aid during the recent conflict and we will continue to support and end to the violence.}} The party takes a pro-Palestine stance, pledging to ban trade with the settlements of Israel, impose economic and military sanctions on Israel, and expelling the Israeli ambassador from Ireland. It also proposes conducting an ethics audit to ensure that Irish public institutions do not cooperate nor fund Israel.

The party holds left-wing views on economics and climate change. According to Eoin O'Malley, the party shares the economic positions of Sinn Féin, and places focus on economic justice. Aontú also strongly supports economic welfare.{{cite web |title=MNI Political Risk Analysis-Ireland Election Preview |first=Tom |last=Lake |url=https://media.marketnews.com/MNIPOLITICALRISK_Ireland_Election_Preview_3afea623c9.pdf |publisher=MNI |page=3}} As of early 2020, the party's published policies included proposals for a united Ireland, a referendum on a "right to collective bargaining and trade union membership",{{Cite web|url=https://aontu.ie/issues/workers-rights/|date=24 January 2020|title=Aontu Policy on Workers Rights|website=aontu.ie|access-date=24 January 2020|archive-date=9 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209094014/https://aontu.ie/issues/workers-rights/|url-status=dead}} an end to zero hours contracts, and increased state spending on public housing.{{Cite web|url=https://aontu.ie/issues/housing-crisis/|date=24 January 2020|title=Aontu Policy on Housing|website=Aontu|quote=If the state invested €2.2 billion in capital spending a year the 10,000 housing units per year objective of the Oireachtas Housing Committee could be surpassed.|access-date=24 January 2020|archive-date=9 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209094554/https://aontu.ie/issues/housing-crisis/|url-status=dead}} Aontú also proposes reforming the Irish healthcare system into a state-paid one, where the state will cover the operations, treatments and consultations received by Irish patients. Their site states Ireland should model itself on the "best practice in Scandinavian countries". Tóibín stressed the importance of economic issues, stating that one "cannot be a left-wing political party and allow for your communities to slide into poverty and sit by idly by".{{cite web |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/aontu-chief-calls-on-sinn-fein-to-reactivate-stormont-1.4103748 |title=Aontú chief calls on Sinn Féin to reactivate Stormont |date=3 December 2019 |first=Gerry |last=Moriarty |website=The Irish Times}}

In their 2021 budget submission, the party called on changes to the state pension scheme, reducing Leap Card fares and increasing the Banking Levy.{{Cite web|last=Finn|first=Christina|title=Rent freeze, free transport, more homes: Here's what other parties say they would do if in power|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/alternative-budget-sinn-fein-5568634-Oct2021/|access-date=2021-10-29|website=TheJournal.ie|date=8 October 2021|language=en|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029014118/https://www.thejournal.ie/alternative-budget-sinn-fein-5568634-Oct2021/|url-status=live}} Aontú supports the building of a "new international city" in a different part of the country from Dublin.{{cite web | title=Aontú calls for ‘international city in Ireland beyond the M50’ | website=BreakingNews.ie | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/aontu-calls-for-international-city-in-ireland-beyond-the-m50-1618718.html | access-date=2024-10-06}} The party also adheres to protectionism and opposes trade deals such as the EU–Mercosur Association Agreement. It also offers to address housing shortage by taking the power to build social homes to public service, limiting the power of corporations in the housing industry and cracking down on "vulture funds".{{cite web |url=https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/1642009/accountability-matters-for-aontu-general-election-in-laois.html |title='Accountability matters' for Aontú General Election candidate in Laois

|date=29 October 2024 |first=Conor |last=Ganly |website=Leinster Express}} Aontú also proposes linking pensions to the rate of inflation, and extending tax credit increases for workers to pensioners as well. It advocates a reformed social insurance model that would ensure a right to decent income during retirement and prevent workers from losing pension rights because of changing market conditions. The party also proposes reinstating the occupational supplementary pension for workers such as the Defence Forces members.{{cite web |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/others/irish-general-election-2024-pension-reform |title=Irish General Election 2024: Where do the parties stand on pension reform? |date=25 November 2024 |first=Michael |last=Malone |website=IrishCentral}}

While Aontú was founded in a split from Sinn Féin, Aontú members and elected representatives come from different political backgrounds: two councillors were former members of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, one councillor was a former member of Fianna Fáil, and two other councillors never held political office prior to joining Aontú.{{cite news |last=Fitzgerald |first=Cormac |date=7 December 2018 |title=Cavan councillor quits Fianna Fáil to join Peadar Tóibín's new party |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/cavn-councillor-4381328-Dec2018/ |work=TheJournal.ie |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=4 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904011625/https://www.thejournal.ie/cavn-councillor-4381328-Dec2018/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last= |first= |date=6 November 2020 |title=Aontú: Emmet Doyle to replace Dr Anne McCloskey on council |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-54846238.amp |work=BBC News |location= |access-date=27 June 2022}}{{cite news |last=Cross |first=Gareth |date=27 July 2019 |title=Councillor Denise Mullen leaves SDLP over party's stance on abortion |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/councillor-denise-mullen-leaves-sdlp-over-partys-stance-on-abortion-38350015.html |work=Belfast Telegraph |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627014911/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/councillor-denise-mullen-leaves-sdlp-over-partys-stance-on-abortion-38350015.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Jim Codd |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/election-2020/candidate/847/jim-codd/%20https://m.independent.ie/irish-news |work=TheJournal.ie |location= |access-date=27 June 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627014911/https://www.thejournal.ie/election-2020/candidate/847/jim-codd/%20https://m.independent.ie/irish-news |url-status=live }} The party retains the ideology of Irish republicanism,{{cite news |date=27 July 2019 |title=SDLP councillor quits to join Aontú |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/sdlp-councillor-quits-to-join-aontu-1-9013617 |work=News Letter |access-date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=25 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925173416/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/sdlp-councillor-quits-to-join-aontu-1-9013617 |url-status=dead }} and related policies; for example, Aontú maintains a policy of abstentionism, which means that while it runs candidates in Northern Ireland in British general elections, should an Aontú candidate be elected, they would not take up their seat in the British parliament.{{cite news |last= |first= |date=14 September 2019 |title=Aontú's mantra is change but their policies seem like more of the same |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/enniscorthyguardian/lifestyle/aontus-mantra-is-change-but-their-policies-seem-like-more-of-the-same-38483329.html |work=Irish Independent |access-date=20 April 2022}}

The Irish Catholic editor Michael Kelly believed the party could "capitalise" on the "abandon[ment] [of] many of the values that were key to a largely Catholic electorate in the North" by "the traditional parties of nationalism".{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Michael |date=5 December 2019 |title=Aontú can be proud of outpolling well-funded establishment parties |url=https://www.irishcatholic.com/aontu-can-be-proud-of-outpolling-well-funded-establishment-parties/ |website=The Irish Catholic |access-date=16 November 2021 |archive-date=16 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116134617/https://www.irishcatholic.com/aontu-can-be-proud-of-outpolling-well-funded-establishment-parties/ |url-status=live }}

The party has three representatives, TDs Peadar Tóibín and Paul Lawless (in Dáil Éireann) and Sarah O'Reilly (in Seanad Éireann), at national level.

As of June 2024, Aontú has eight sitting representatives at local level, all of whom are county councillors in the Republic of Ireland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/aontu-local-elections-4662098-Jun2019/|title=Aontú sets its sights on Dáil seats as new party wins a handful of seats in the locals|first=Christina|last=Finn|website=TheJournal.ie|date=4 June 2019|access-date=4 June 2019|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604145155/https://www.thejournal.ie/aontu-local-elections-4662098-Jun2019/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-peadar-t%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn-targets-four-seats-for-aont%C3%BA-1.4145625|title=Election 2020: Peadar Tóibín targets four seats for Aontú|first=Marie|last=O'Halloran|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=20 January 2020|access-date=21 January 2020|archive-date=21 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121202108/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/election-2020-peadar-t%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn-targets-four-seats-for-aont%C3%BA-1.4145625|url-status=live}}

The following are the terms of office as party leader.

Aontú's youth branch, Ógra Aontú, was formed in May 2020. Membership of the branch is open to Aontú members aged between 16 and 30.{{Cite web|url=https://aontu.ie/youth-wing-of-aontu-movement-launched-over-zoom/|title=Youth Wing of Aontú Movement launched Over Zoom|website=aontu.ie |date=1 June 2020|access-date=20 June 2020|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621065334/https://aontu.ie/youth-wing-of-aontu-movement-launched-over-zoom/|url-status=live}} As of April 2024, John Bryan was leading the party's youth wing.{{cite news |last1=Nolan |first1=Darragh |title=Kildare young people elected president and vice president of Ógra Áontú |url=https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/1495894/kildare-young-people-elected-president-and-vice-president-of-ogra-aontu.html |access-date=22 May 2025 |work=Kildare Now |date=8 May 2025}}

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Category:2019 establishments in Ireland

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