What is the alternative to Fine Gael/Labour?

[Baron von Biffo]

The only remotely realistic alternatives to FG/Labour are either an FG led government with parties to the right of Labour, or a Labour-led government without FF or FG in it.

A growing number of Labour comrades are demanding that the present government deliver on its promises of sigle-tier health, collective bargaining rights and proper economic stimulus. If those policies are not implemented, comrades like myself will demand withdrawal from this government.

If that happened, then even if Labour gets mauled in a general election, it will stil emerge as the only party in a position to lead a government of the left.

Lab isn't in a position today to lead a government and that's after getting your best ever result. How would you lead a government with less than half your present seats?

[TotalMayhem]

Labour ain't "left" nor will they "emerge" from the next general election.

[Richardbouvet]

Biffo, you have a point insofar as had Labour stayed in opposition after this last election, they would undoubtedly have led the next government. Unfortunately, Labour chose to throw away that opportunity.

However, Labour's position as the largest left party in Ireland will continue to be unassailable for many years to come, which is why socialists now need to join Labour in greater numbers. Labour can be made to change direction. I know this for a fact.

[Baron von Biffo]

Biffo, you have a point insofar as had Labour stayed in opposition after this last election, they would undoubtedly have led the next government. Unfortunately, Labour chose to throw away that opportunity.

However, Labour's position as the largest left party in Ireland will continue to be unassailable for many years to come, which is why socialists now need to join Labour in greater numbers. Labour can be made to change direction. I know this for a fact.

The ghost of the PDs is more Left than Lab is. No left wing minister would describe unemployment in the middle of a recession as a lifestyle choice. How could a left wing party stand over having 600 people chasing welfare fraud and only 10 chasing company fraud?

[TotalMayhem]

Most people didn't vote Labour for what they got in return: a Fine Gael government in which Labour has no say, they will not make the same mistake again. And a great number of their core voters will turn away from Labour in disgust over Gilbore's treacherous sellout. Labour is done. No socialist in their right mind would join this scum.

[Shaadi]

Most people didn't vote Labour for what they got in return: a Fine Gael government in which Labour has no say, they will not make the same mistake again. And a great number of their core voters will turn away from Labour in disgust over Gilbore's treacherous sellout. Labour is done. No socialist in their right mind would join this scum.

People who voted for Labour should have known exactly what they were getting. They were always going to protect the Upper levels of the PS first and foremost, there's nothing else to them apart from a bit of cronyism and a veneer of Liberalism. A bit of tinkering with reform in their Depts and some faux fighting with FG until the pensions are in the bag, that's all there is to them.

I've more respect for FG than Labour, they wear their contempt for the poor on their sleeves, unlike Labour who express faux concern yet cut peoples means tested entitlements while hiding behind no headline cut to basic Welfare rates.

ABFG/LAB/FF, I'll give the shinners and the ULA/INDs a chance. I don't expect much from them, but the more theTroika of FG/LAB/FF feel under electoral pressure the more likely they are to behave themselves. I really think we're going to see poverty and despair on a huge scale when the bailouts end and the interest on the loans becomes unsustainable.

[culmore]

There is no alternative only an overall majority for Fine Gael, and that might be a good thing, a one party government is what is now needed to move the country forward

[Dr. FIVE]

lol

[Baron von Biffo]

People who voted for Labour should have known exactly what they were getting. They were always going to protect the Upper levels of the PS first and foremost, there's nothing else to them apart from a bit of cronyism and a veneer of Liberalism. A bit of tinkering with reform in their Depts and some faux fighting with FG until the pensions are in the bag, that's all there is to them.

I've more respect for FG than Labour, they wear their contempt for the poor on their sleeves, unlike Labour who express faux concern yet cut peoples means tested entitlements while hiding behind no headline cut to basic Welfare rates.

ABFG/LAB/FF, I'll give the shinners and the ULA/INDs a chance. I don't expect much from them, but the more theTroika of FG/LAB/FF feel under electoral pressure the more likely they are to behave themselves. I really think we're going to see poverty and despair on a huge scale when the bailouts end and the interest on the loans becomes unsustainable.

To be fair Lab voters could reasonably expected something similar to 92-97 when the party implemented the great bulk of its election manifesto. Unfortunately for them what they got was a return to Lab of the 70s and a return to the old job of FG mudguard.

[Baron von Biffo]

There is no alternative only an overall majority for Fine Gael, and that might be a good thing, a one party government is what is now needed to move the country forward

The transformation to FF is now complete.

[Apjp]

Five's option beats the idea of voting for this rabble of schoolteachers, auctioneers and solicitors. Holding office (I hesitate to use the verb "governing") on the basis that "it's our turn now" is no way to run anything. As there is no viable alternative, the plane out makes sense. Mind you, they manage to tax you as you leave, they are that visionless.

Or boat(considering many people will go to Britain again as Europe poses language problems and some mightn't want to leave for good).

[Apjp]

The ULA are mad! Their volunteers are the most aggressive and rude people you'll ever meet. I know people are mad out there in these economic times but when the ULA canvassed at my door in the last election and when I told them I was voting FG, the woman told me 'to burn in hell you c**t'. And how about their people that go around the country for these household charge protests and attack/verbally abuse ordinary party members of Fine Gael and Labour? My mate who's an FG member told me he got punched in the back of the head going to the Ard Fheis back in March. And these people want votes? ULA hasn't got the organisation to push a majority, They are a loose collective of parties with little national organisation and don't ever have annual conferences.

I also find it hypocritical that the likes of Claire Daly and Joe Higgins attempt to reach out to the working class yet won't admit they have private health insurance. I've even heard some of their prominent volunteers have private health insurance and can afford to send their children to private schools and as well as boarding accommodation. The ULA's so called 'working class sympathy' is just an affront to win votes. And have you heard of their economic policies? Absolutely wacko stuff.

Not defending ULA but I'm sure I'd punch a FG member too.

[Apjp]

There is no alternative

Enough said. This is the problem with too many Irish people. There are always alternatives but our conservative venal electorate seeks to ignore them.

[Ah Well]

an overall majority for Fine Gael, and that might be a good thing

The Bookies odds are lengthening by the minute (re that being a good thing)

[C. Flower]

To be fair Lab voters could reasonably expected something similar to 92-97 when the party implemented the great bulk of its election manifesto. Unfortunately for them what they got was a return to Lab of the 70s and a return to the old job of FG mudguard.

Labour and FF was a different mix, and of course it was a boomtime government.