Emergency: A national government of the 'talents' needed

[seabhac siulach]

The incompetent mishandling of the budget by FF (aided and abetted by the Greens and the remnants of the PDs) brings to mind Tallyrand's quip, 'it was worse than a crime, it was a mistake'...
With the economy going into freefall, e.g., Goodbody stockbrokers predicting a decline of 4.5% in GNP in 2009, FF ministers flapping and showing leadership qualities reminiscent of headless sheep (was the budget thought up on a whim for its provisions to be so quickly overturned in the face of public pressure?) and the prospect of EU pressure for a new Lisbon referendum building, the stakes are very high and things are growing very serious. I would class the present situation as a crisis, i.e., we have an economic crisis coupled with a massive political one (the Lisbon treaty mess). FF on it own, or with the meagre help of its coalition lackeys, is clearly unable to deal with the mess it has created. The last few days have confirmed this. No one wants an election at this time (least of all Fine Gael/Labour in case they might actually win and be saddled with solving these massive problems with FF in opposition!), so it is perhaps time to consider the idea of a national government comprised of the (scarce) 'talents' to be found in the Dáil.

Cowen could remain as Taoiseach (for appearances sake only, not for ability. Has one man, of limited ability/competence and with no history of legislative innovation, ever drifted so easily into that office, from inheriting his seat onwards...?). As perhaps could Brian Lenihan (but moved from Finance) and Dermot Ahern.
Richard Bruton could be brought in, as could Ruairi Quinn, Eamon Gilmore, Pat Rabbitte, Michael Noonan. Any other 'big guns' in the Dail that could be drafted in?
It is at times like this that one realises with some shock the actual scarcity of heavyweight (politically speaking) politicians in the Dáil. There is something very badly wrong with a parliament that contains politicians of the calibre of Jackie Healy-Rae, etc., etc. The system really needs to change.

[goosebump]

Richard Bruton could be brought in, as could Ruairi Quinn, Eamon Gilmore, Pat Rabbitte, Michael Noonan.

None of these have presented a feasible alternative to the Budget, so what would be the point?

[farnaby]

I agree with the concept - the most qualified public representatives should be made (or rather, voted in directly as) ministers, regardless of party. However, at this time no-one gains politically from the arrangement you describe so no-one would initiate it; and you are all too right about the scarcity of talent in the Dail. Perhaps a seanad of genuinely wise heads would be useful in an emergency, but the current bunch of failed TDs, political appointees and student reps are next to useless at such a time.

[Big Bobo]

I'd prefer to see a general election called in the next year.

[goosebump]

I'd prefer to see a general election called in the next year.

Why?

How many more nails can the Socialist Party coffin take?

[Digout]

Why?

How many more nails can the Socialist Party coffin take?

We want to put some nails in Zanu-FF. They would be finished if there were an election tomorrow...

[Odyessus]

None of these have presented a feasible alternative to the Budget, so what would be the point?

Exactly. There is no point in shouting: "you're doing it all wrong", unless you tell us how you would do it right.

The opposition can claim that our present problems arise from years of bad decisions by the government, but the alternative polices they proposed would have left us in a even worse position today.

[Big Bobo]

Why?

How many more nails can the Socialist Party coffin take?

Joe Higgins would take Lenihan's seat and Claire Daly would be elected too. Everyone can now clearly see what liars and crooks the FF party are now.

[seabhac siulach]

None of these have presented a feasible alternative to the Budget, so what would be the point?

One could debate that point, e.g., with regard to Fine Gael's recommendations prior to the budget (reforming the public services, reducing VAT (proposal in May), etc.). It was widely held prior to the budget that FF got us into this and should carry the can for the mess they had created (no opposition helping hands, despite Lenihan asking for it in the Dáil!). However, this was before the budget chaos of the last few days where the government's incompetence has become shockingly manifest. Things have changed in a sort space of time.

However, that is not the point...
In any national government, one would obviously be (temporarily) drawing a line under the past, and party divisions, and looking for the political heavyweights to chart a way out of the present mess. What happened in the past is in the past (blame can be apportioned later at any subsequent elections, where FF/Greens should be punished...). Long term, a root and branch reform of the Oireachtas is needed...reducing seats, an end to clientelism, etc. The Lisbon result, if nothing else, showed a huge gap between TDs and the populace on real issues beyond parish pump politics.

[hiding behind a poster]

None of these have presented a feasible alternative to the Budget, so what would be the point?

You're either stupid or lazy, Goosebump. I suspect both.

http://www.finegael.ie/news/document...ctive%2008.pdf