Poll casts doubt on Green light for a coalition

‘We can’t rule anything out’

DOUBT was last night cast on whether Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party will succeed in forming a government.

A Young Green poll revealed that just under two-thirds of their 600-strong membership vote against the Programme for Government deal.

The poll of 185 participants found that 34% voted against it, while 65% voted for it.

Each membership will vote on whether or not to approve the power-sharing pact, with the results expected by Friday.

The Greens are the biggest obstacle to the potential administration, with two-thirds of members needed to get the deal over the line.

Rumblings of dissent have also emerged amongst the Fianna Fáil grassroots, but TDs are understood to be confident the deal will be approved by a simple majority of 50% plus one. Éamon Ó Cuív is one prominent Fianna Fáil TD against the triumvirate with Fine Gael and the Greens.

Fine Gael is expected to pass the deal with ease, with its parliamentary party controlling most of the weight of the vote.

However, a second general election hasn’t been ruled out, the Tánaiste has said.

Simon Coveney made the admission when asked if another ballot was on the cards if the draft government deal can’t be passed by all three parties.

Mr Coveney has said that he is a positive person and believes the deal can be approved.

He also reminded rebel Green TD Neasa Hourigan – the most prominent member of her party opposing the deal – that concessions have been made by both their parties to agree the deal.

As well as Ms Hourigan, a number of Green members have voiced their concern about it.

The leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland, Clare Bailey, has also called for a No vote.

Mr Coveney said he is still hopeful the deal will be passed.

‘I think we will have to have that debate when it happens. I’m a positive person and I believe we can get this done this week and that is what the country wants us to do,’ Mr Coveney told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

Asked if another election could be on the cards if the deal fails to pass, he said: ‘Well, I mean we can’t rule out anything.

‘Our focus will be on getting this deal passed and putting in place a government that can work for people when the country needs it.’

He said this is a difficult week for Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party because there is division among members and politicians about the deal. He said: ‘In many ways, within Fine Gael there are lots of people who still find it difficult to contemplate going into government with Fianna Fáil in particular. Politics has changed, and if Fine Gael defines itself by its past and its past relationship with Fianna Fáil, then I believe the electorate will move away from us. We have got to define ourselves by what we want for the future.’

When asked about opposition to the deal voiced by Ms Hourigan, he said she was part of the negotiating team that signed off on the deal. He said: ‘She did not get everything she wanted in the deal... nor did I.’

The results of all three party votes will be announced on Friday and all three must back the deal in order for Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to be elected Taoiseach when the Dáil sits this Saturday.