[7][15][16] Barrett, who was raised in County Tipperary, has a background in anti-abortion and anti-immigration politics, formerly being a leading figure in Youth Defence and campaigning against the Treaty of Nice.

[14][18][19][20] In 2016, in an interview where he incorrectly overstated the levels of migration to Ireland by a factor of three, he called his attendance at these meetings "a mistake".

[23][24] He was associated with the Libertas Ireland political party in 2009,[25][26] and campaigned for a No vote in the Fiscal Compact referendum in 2012 as chairman of the small Farmers for No group.

[30] The party held its first Ardfheis in November 2017, at the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Ireland in County Clare.

John Wilson, a guest speaker from County Cavan, challenged homophobic comments made by deputy leader James Reynolds.

Barrett defended Reynolds' comments and reportedly answered in the affirmative when asked by Wilson whether the National Party was "only for straight Irish people".

[36] During the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland, members of the National Party participated in several anti-mask and anti-lockdown protests.

[38][39][40][41] In July 2020, the National Party organised a protest against Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman, who they accused of being sympathetic to paedophiles.

In the wake of the original assault, far-right social media accounts had claimed the victim had faked her injuries.

A party spokesperson stated: "Whilst the National Party does not endorse any illegal activity, yesterday evening's events were an outburst of passion in response to overt injustice... Ireland's open borders immigration policy has allowed the dregs of foreign countries to settle in Ireland, often being entitled to housing and welfare whilst Irish people struggle.

"[49] The party's annual Ard Fheis held in the Lough Erne Resort, County Fermanagh was disrupted by a group of far-left protesters who arrived by minibus, some of whom were armed with hammers and covered their faces with scarves and balaclavas.

In his speech, the then deputy leader, James Reynolds, condemned the attack on the conference by "red communist thugs".

[59] The matter was reported to An Garda Síochána, however Gardaí did not commence a criminal investigation as they sought to establish legal ownership of the gold.

[61] Barrett stated that the gold "formed the main part of the party's reserves in case of a mishap in general or more particularly a collapse in the value of fiat currency".

[62][63] The origin of the gold raised concern from politicians such as Senator Michael McDowell[64] and Fine Gael councillor Emma Blain.

Blain’s complaint, on the source of the party's funding and its failure to publish accounts, prompted the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) to pledge to investigate, stating that concerns "will be followed up to ensure proper compliance with the requirements of the Electoral Acts.

All matters relating to possible noncompliance with the requirements of the Electoral Acts that are brought to the attention of the Commission, are followed up and enquiries made as appropriate".

Barrett denied being removed as leader and claimed the statement was "farcical" and blamed it on "social media password possession" by the faction which had ousted him.

[65] In September 2023, Reynolds dismissed Barrett as a "disgruntled ex-leader" and a "beaten docket" in an interview with the Sunday Independent.

[68] In February 2024, it was reported that the party had failed in its bid to be granted "approved body" status in referendums.

[70] He used the organisation to attack the Reynolds faction within the National Party, and rallied support for his side in the leadership dispute.

The party opposes allowing any law permitting abortion in Ireland, supports repeal of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, and refers to the X Case as "obtuse".

Patrick Quinlan, the deputy leader of the Reynolds faction of the party, was elected to Fingal County Council.

In the concurrent European Parliament elections, the party stood four candidates in two constituencies but did not win a seat.