Early indications from the local elections suggest that the adults are still in charge.
The promised tsunami of a radical, right wing political force in Ireland has not materialised.
Yes, there will be a few individuals who will win council seats on the basis of bashing foreigners and spreading an “Ireland is full” message.
But the biggest party will be either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael, centrist parties who have had their hands on the levers of power since the foundation of the State.
Sinn Fein’s performance has been appalling and the pressure must mount now on Mary Lou McDonald.
Perhaps they would be better off standing for something and recognising that they cannot be all things to all people all the time.
And simple solutions to complex problems will only gain so much ground.