The article compares the Slovak political party Smer to Sinn Féin, which was historically regarded as the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) from the 1970s to the 1990s. It explains that both Sinn Féin and the IRA shared identical objectives of Irish unification and independence from Britain, but while the IRA engaged in armed struggle, Sinn Féin sought political means, allowing it to participate in elections legally. Consequently, Sinn Féin was tolerated while the IRA was banned, later playing a constructive role in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 that brought peace to Northern Ireland.

In the context of anti-corruption drives during the governments of Igor Matovič and Eduard Heger in Slovakia, Smer has been labeled as the political wing of organized crime by various commentators. This designation reflects the party's aggressive press conferences, where they vehemently attacked judicial authorities and portrayed themselves as victims of repression. Such actions have fueled concerns about the party's legitimacy and its influence over the political landscape of Slovakia.

The implications of this comparison suggest a potential risk for Slovakia if Smer continues to operate unchecked under the perception of criminal associations. It raises questions about the integrity of Slovak democracy, public trust in political institutions, and the broader fight against corruption. As Smer navigates its political future amid these allegations, the historical context of Sinn Féin serves as a cautionary tale of how political entities can both engage with and distance themselves from violent or criminal factions, shaping public perceptions and aspirations for governance.