vote united left - get blueshirts?

[eejoynt]

What matters is the composition of the government - not the opposition.
to the extent that boyd barret succeeds at the expense of bacik in kingstown or collins succeeds at the expense of conaghan in south central it will make single party FG government more certain::

[Hapax]

What matters is the composition of the government - not the opposition.
to the extent that boyd barret succeeds at the expense of bacik in kingstown or collins succeeds at the expense of conaghan in south central it will make single party FG government more certain::


Don't vote for the ULA and independents and you leave them without important experience, profile and material resources (and I don't mean brown envelopes). It seems unlikely this will be a long-term government, given the problems it has to resolve, and we only get a credible new crowd to vote in next time if we suport them now.

[TotalMayhem]

It seems unlikely this will be a long-term government, given the problems it has to resolve

Depands on how big FGs majority will be and indeed how quick they'll get rid of Enda. Can't see him lasting much longer than the summer recess, not with all the backstabbers he failed so badly to root out. It won't be long until the newly gained faith of the likes of Bruton, Varadkar, Coveney and Creighton in Enda's leadership will be put to a test.

[Jolly Red Giant]

Depands on how big FGs majority will be and indeed how quick they'll get rid of Enda. Can't see him lasting much longer than the summer recess, not with all the backstabbers he failed so badly to root out. It won't be long until the newly gained faith of the likes of Bruton, Varadkar, Coveney and Creighton in Enda's leadership will be put to a test.
The Irish establishment - and indeed the international establishment - do not want a single party FG government. Such a government would have a very slim majority or be supported by right-wing independents making it very unstable with very little wiggle room for the attacks that are underway on working class people. Their preference would be to have a FG/ LP government with a big majority that they would then hope would last five years and get through their austerity programme.

Even if FG are borderline on a majority I think they will come under significant pressure to do a deal with the LP. And if they don't you could well see the establishment swinging lock, stock and barrell behind the LP (or a new right-wing party) that would tear both FG and the remnants of FF asunder.

[TotalMayhem]

I think, people are thoroughly fed up and the last thing they want is FG and LAB engaging in endless fights to please their respective clientele. They'll pick a leader they hope will get the job done and there's not much alternative to Enda Kenny, or is there?

Enda Kenny may be as dumb as sh*t but unlike Martin and Gilmore he's not associated with any major scandals.

That's the only two reasons I can see for the massive swing to towards FG in recent days.

[morticia]

Enda Kenny may be as dumb as sh*t but unlike Martin and Gilmore he's not associated with any major scandals.


The operative word there might be "yet".

Most importantly, people are voting FG because they have a little faith in Bruton, Varadkar, Noonan etc.

Kenny could easily bring them rapidly to heel by appointing one to Finance, another to Education and the last to Health. I'd give it at least a year before another heave erupts..... unless there's a scandal.

Mind you, the Irish press tend only to publish the financial sort of scandal..... the personal ones in Ireland tend to get hushed up.

[Fraxinus]

In a way a FG government without Labour could be the best thing ever to happen the left. A right wing regime will prove very unpopular after a few months. FG will be found out as a different brand of FF. And those of the left in opposition (not including the Labour party) will gain support if they use the stage wisely.

[RedSunRising]

What matters is the composition of the government - not the opposition.
to the extent that boyd barret succeeds at the expense of bacik in kingstown or collins succeeds at the expense of conaghan in south central it will make single party FG government more certain::

Kingstown?

I think you should leave the 19 th century...:p

[TotalMayhem]

Most importantly, people are voting FG because they have a little faith in Bruton, Varadkar, Noonan etc.

See, Finance goes to Noonan and Health goes to Reilly and that will leave Kenny with two very unhappy campers from the get go, both of whom played a major role in the last heave and who pursue an agenda of their own.

[morticia]

See, Finance goes to Noonan and Health goes to Reilly and that will leave Kenny with two very unhappy campers from the get go, both of whom played a major role in the last heave and who pursue an agenda of their own.


I suppose there's Tanaiste, Enterprise and Education still up for grabs??
But I do agree with you....had forgotten about Reilly. Why does he want the poisoned chalice, exactly??

[TotalMayhem]

Tanaiste, Enterprise Bruton and Education Varadkar? HA HA... That doesn't really cut it for these types, way too ambitious. Kenny might actually be safer as Taoiseach in a coalition with Labour rather than with a comfortable FG majority of seats. They'll want to ditch him at the first opportunity, not such an easy task if you're dealing with a coalition partner.