Interesting times ahead in Irish politics as old enemies find common ground
SIR, Ever since the 2016 election there’s been talk of the next election. The media would love one. lt provides for juicy speculation. ‘Will they, won’t they ; the possible future government combinations intrigue us.
At the moment we have a most unusual coalition, one party with all the perks but with both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil running the country. The budget, which is the main function of government, is designed by the two parties – in effect a coalition decision. ln between they come to agreements on many items – good coalition partners.
Fine Gael offered Fianna Fáil the opportunity to avail of the perks of office after the last election, but Micheál Martin declined the offer; they were after all two ‘distinct’ parties.
Well they have worked well together and we have had stability. As for compassion, fairness and empathy with the people – that’s another debate entirely.
Can they really say, in the debates before the next election, that they can’t be in government together, both sharing in ministries?
We remember Charles Haughy and Dessie O’Malley who were apparently bitter enemies coming together. Labour, a ‘ left wing’ party, having a seamless five years in government with a right wing Fine Gael party.
In politics the impossible is possible,
The polls indicate that the results of the next election will largely mirror those of the last one. What are Fianna Fáil going to do? Sinn Fein are ‘not fit for government yet’, we are told. They may be fit for government in the northern lreland Assembly but we have higher standards here.
Are Fianna Fáil becoming a bit irrelevant in lrish politics? They have serious decisions to make about their future. Labour would appear to be going the way of the Progressive Democrats and are static in the polls since their fall from grace, going from 33 seats to just seven.
They have no traction with the electorate. Maybe they changed their clothes once too often and have completely confused the public. What they stand for prior to an election seems to evaporate when the trappings of power dangle enticingly in front of them.
We were at a crossroads after the 2016 election; Fianna Fáil just couldn’t admit it to themselves. Are they going to bite the bullet after the next election? Their future as a ‘prop up’ coalition partner will surely see the party stagnate and ultimately, who knows?
Interesting times ahead for the politicians of all parties! Sincerely,
Gerry Cournane, Tralee.