The Labour Party in Government

[Maximus]

Well it was Labour that stopped a single party Fine Gael government with their pleas in the last week of election 2011 of 'Fine Gael would cut child benefit' 'Ireland needs a balanced government to be fair' so they pretty much have themselves to blame. Bet Labour wish they were in opposition now. I'd say they'd probably be in the mid to high 30s in the polls. Looking at low 10s in the next election and they've given Fiannna Fáil a second chance, had Labour gone into oppositon to a single party FG government it would have killed Fianna Fáil entirely.

[C. Flower]

Well it was Labour that stopped a single party Fine Gael government with their pleas in the last week of election 2011 of 'Fine Gael would cut child benefit' 'Ireland needs a balanced government to be fair' so they pretty much have themselves to blame. Bet Labour wish they were in opposition now. I'd say they'd probably be in the mid to high 30s in the polls. Looking at low 10s in the next election and they've given Fiannna Fáil a second chance, had Labour gone into oppositon to a single party FG government it would have killed Fianna Fáil entirely.

With the rare exception of Sinn Fein, who are working to a longer term strategy, I think "Jam today" is the motto of practising politicians in Ireland.

[DCon]

Well it was Labour that stopped a single party Fine Gael government with their pleas in the last week of election 2011 of 'Fine Gael would cut child benefit' 'Ireland needs a balanced government to be fair' so they pretty much have themselves to blame. Bet Labour wish they were in opposition now. I'd say they'd probably be in the mid to high 30s in the polls. Looking at low 10s in the next election and they've given Fiannna Fáil a second chance, had Labour gone into oppositon to a single party FG government it would have killed Fianna Fáil entirely.

Pat and Eamonn will have their enhanced pensions (both were only Ministers of State in the Rainbow) after this government runs its course and can sail off into the sunset.

No chance they were going to turn that down.

[PaddyJoe]

A bit of jostling going on for seats at the constitutional convention according to Miriam Lord. It seems that Alex White has already been alloted the leadership of the Labour delegates so that leaves six positions. All should be clear by next Thursday when the Oireachtas heads off for the summer.

The anointing of Eamon’s white-haired boy has rattled the ranks of Labour’s ambitious. Particularly as Alex, as chairman of the Oireachtas finance committee, is also being talked up by some as the man best suited to chair the inquiry into the bank guarantee.
But it has horrified those Labour TDs hoping to pick up a ministry when Eamon gets around to a reshuffle. The big constitutional convention job was seen as a major indicator of whom he favours. Thursday’s barbecue may yet end up as the kerfuffle before the reshuffle.
We understand the candidates for the six remaining seats include deputies Joanna Tuffy, Ciara Conway, Anne Ferris, Aodhán Ó Riordáin, Robert Dowds, John Lyons and Michael McCarty; and Senators Aideen Hayden, Lorraine Higgins and Ivana Bacik.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...edj7jY.twitter

[PaddyJoe]

Nice bit of work from TV3 there on the 5.30 news. Leads with Gilmore saying he only heard about the Cathal McGee resignation from the media as he stands beside Kenny at a press conference this afternoon. Cue Ursula Halligan with a few barbed questions to Kenny on 'communication' and Enda doing a rabbit caught in the headlights impression as Gilmore watches him squirm.
One of those big time cringe moments for government handlers

[Dr. FIVE]

One of those big time cringe moments for government handlers

aka a public appearance

[Greengoddess]

Issue of abortion on Prime Time. This could be a big problem for Labour. I personally would have a major problem with reneging on this. Professionally and politically.

[Victor Meldrew]

Issue of abortion on Prime Time. This could be a big problem for Labour. I personally would have a major problem with reneging on this. Professionally and politically.

I'm also disgusted at the manner and conduct of the 15 FG deputies who think they can demand to review and debate the expert committee findings in advance of it going to cabinet. That one of them is a min-state shows breathtaking contempt for their labour cabinet colleagues, and smacks of "know your place"


Despite being a Blueshirt, I am utterly sickened by this.

[goatstoe]

Is the row between Shorthall and Reilly a sign that this government will end with Labour pulling out. How long more do Gilmore and Rabbitte need to stay in to ensure they'll get minister's pensions.

If Labour want to remain in anyway intact as a party after the next GE they will have to manufacture a credible exit strategy. Hogan and Reilly among others will provide them with ample opportunities to bail out the gap.

[Baron von Biffo]

Is the row between Shorthall and Reilly a sign that this government will end with Labour pulling out. How long more do Gilmore and Rabbitte need to stay in to ensure they'll get minister's pensions.

If Labour want to remain in anyway intact as a party after the next GE they will have to manufacture a credible exit strategy. Hogan and Reilly among others will provide them with ample opportunities to bail out the gap.

Shorthall heaving the toys out of the pram probably shouldn't be interpreted as anything more significant than her difficulty dealing with men who disagree with her.

[goatstoe]

Shorthall heaving the toys out of the pram probably shouldn't be interpreted as anything more significant than her difficulty dealing with men who disagree with her.

Looks like they don't get on on a personal level, and with Reilly under pressure with other stuff, Shorthall can't resist twisting the knife.

[DCon]

trouble in paradise?

THREATENED cuts to student grants for thousands of families in farming and business have sparked a major rift in the Coalition.

Fine Gael backbenchers are organising a mass revolt against Labour's Education Minister Ruairi Quinn, who is currently reviewing the grants system.

Farmers fear their land will be included for the first time in a new type of means test for student grants. Thousands of small shop and business owners also fear their premises will be included. They are currently only assessed on actual income from their farm or business.

http://www.independent.ie/national-n...s-3194301.html

[Greengoddess]

trouble in paradise?



http://www.independent.ie/national-n...s-3194301.html

What on earth is this fuss about? Quinn has in fact not said much at all about this. I expect much more trouble about Croke Park. Maybe FG will be the rebels in this budget.

[DCon]

What on earth is this fuss about? Quinn has in fact not said much at all about this. I expect much more trouble about Croke Park. Maybe FG will be the rebels in this budget.

Jostling by TD's to gain favour with their Constituents no doubt.

[Baron von Biffo]

Lab's crank chairman is trying to protect his party's right flank from ULA encroachment by looking to defer the introduction of a proper property tax.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/k...ax-562202.html