‘I’d support a national unity government involving all the parties - if it would work’

THE document agreed by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael negotiators is the basis for further talks which could lead to an historic powersharing government involving former foes Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

But the government, which is likely to face many decisions which would up to now been thought of as unthinkable, needs another party to ensure its stability for four to five years.

This is what Michael Moynihan, Cork North West TD and Fianna Fáil’s Chief Whip in the Dáil, told The Corkman this week as the smaller parties - the Greens, the Social Democrats and Labour - mulled over their stance with regard to the possibility of supporting a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael partnership in government.

“The landscape is very different to what it was seven or eight weeks ago, just after the election, as we’re now in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and this presents us with enormous challenges in terms of government formation.

“The majority of people want a stable government, a cohesive government, one that will last the course - four to five years - with a programme for government that will bring real change to the lives of ordinary people.”

He said that the evidence of the impact of the pandemic was to be seen on our streets. “It’s caused devastation and we can see it on the streets of our towns and villages.”

Rewinding to the day of the count in Mallow’s GAA pavilion, the TD said that no-one could have envisaged what has occurred since and, particularly, the possibility of a government involving both Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael being formed as a result of the February 8 poll.

“No one saw it coming - we fought the elections on the basis that we would get into government and implement Fianna Fáil policies.”

Focusing on the document, he said there was a lot in it and it would form the basis of further discussions within Fianna Fáil, between FF and Fine Gael and within the smaller parties.

“What people are looking for is stability, a majority government, a cohesive government - and this will be necessary for the enormous decisions that will have to be taken in these extraordinary times for our country.”

What has happened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic underlines that enormous change is possible - changes like the creation of a universal health system, with no distinction between public and private, and greater emphasis on decentralisation of services, with more and more people working from home.

Deputy Moynihan has no particular issue with any of the parties who could be in the next Government.

He draws on his own experience as a member of the Dáil’s Business Committee, which is an all party body, as the basis of his view that a national government involving all the parties was unlikely to work.

“I was pushing to get a full debate going on the nursing homes situation last week and because it was proposed by Fianna Fáil it was opposed by other parties.

“I would support a national unity government if I thought it would work.”

“I also respect the views of all members of the Fianna Fail party who have been in contact with me about this issue in recent weeks.”

He added that he had no particular objection to working with any party.