Fine Gael should really keep Fianna Fáil at a safe distance
AS A supporter of Fine Gael, in the immediate aftermath of the general election in February – and the historic progress made by Sinn Féin under the provocative leadership of Mary Lou McDonald – I anticipated that within a relatively short period of time, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil would merge as one political movement.
My thinking around a potential merger was on the basis that it appeared the Civil War stance, which defined the relationship between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and the very nature of successive governments for nearly a century, seemed almost irrelevant.
This was particularly the case against the backdrop of the profoundly critical negotiations surrounding the UK’s exit from the European Union, the substantial challenges faced by government, particularly in the areas of health and housing, and the requirement for experienced and measured political leadership to manage the economic crisis which has stemmed from Covid-19.
In addition, there was an obvious necessity to form a long-term, collective, stable and rational opposition to the utterly reckless economic strategy of Sinn Féin which is not only unworkable, but would leave our small island economy exposed.
Upon reflection, it would be irresponsible and unintelligent for Fine Gael to even consider a merger with Fianna Fáil. The blatant reality is that Fine Gael has established an identity which has been founded on a commitment to fiscal responsibility, historic social progress and, in the last months of the previous government, a compassionate response to the challenges presented by Covid-19.
In comparison, the Fianna Fáil-led administration in the early 2000s can be held solely responsible for the absence of stringent banking regulations, and the diminution of Ireland’s ability to govern itself financially.
Since the return of Fianna Fáil to Government, Micheál Martin has not spoken to the nation in the same reassuring way as his predecessor as Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
The Barry Cowen saga has curtailed the ability of the Government to make meaningful progress and epic infighting has occurred in the party, effectively bringing it to the brink of civil war. Cillian Boggan
St Peter’s College, Wexford