Both the local elections and European elections were held in Ireland in May 2014. The Sinn Fin and the Independents performed well in contrast to the poor performance of the three mainstream parties，indicating an obvious tendency towards more fragmented party politics in Ireland. After its exit from the bailout programme in the end of 2013，Ireland achieved a rapid economic recovery. The year 2014 is the 35 anniversary of the establishment of China-Ireland diplomatic relationships，which have been developing smoothly. <<