What Fine Gael has done for the Irish economy

[Ard-Taoiseach]

I am always being accused of being a Fianna Fáiler on this site, or merely being their propagandist. I reiterate that I am non-aligned. I see good in virtually all of our political parties and find myself agreeing with many points from many of them.

To start a few threads on this, I'd like to ask P.ie contributors about their opinions and views on what our second-largest party has done for our economy.

One major thing, for which I commend them, is their agreement to the Tallaght Strategy. Co-operation with a minority Fianna Fáil in implementing the fiscal, social and moentary reforms required to unleash our Tiger, was a particularly inspired move.

I am sure there are many others, and I'd like to hear of them.

[Keith-M]

Apart from the Tallaght strategy I can think of nothing. FG are better in opposition (far better than FF), and they should stay there.

[Ard-Taoiseach]

Apart from the Tallaght strategy I can think of nothing. FG are better in opposition (far better than FF), and they should stay there.

What about the Rainbow Coalition? They seem to have steadied the boat enough, the first budgetary surplus in the current economic revival was achieved in 1997, one year before FF/PD/Inds took over.

[Keith-M]

[quote=Ard-Taoiseach]

Apart from the Tallaght strategy I can think of nothing. FG are better in opposition (far better than FF), and they should stay there.

What about the Rainbow Coalition? They seem to have steadied the boat enough, the first budgetary surplus in the current economic revival was achieved in 1997, one year before FF/PD/Inds took over.[/quote:3gxxea0r]

FG weren't in power long enough to make any significant contribution. I do accept that some credit must go to Labour who were in power for 5 years, but then I remember the tax rates we wewre paying, so any credit is minimal.

[meriwether]

The Tallaght strategy.
The 1980's (someone tell me we were in a worse position economically in 1987 than 1982, go on)
Managing it 1994-1997.

I wouldn't mind Keith-M.
He used to have a party, but then they lost all their seats bar 2.
Now, he is tossing around in the wind, without a party, defined only by what he doesn't support (FG) than what he does. We cant expect any sort of informed analysis from him, and we shouldn't.

[meriwether]

The Tallaght strategy.
The 1980's (someone tell me we were in a worse position economically in 1987 than 1982, go on)
Managing it 1994-1997.

I wouldn't mind Keith-M.
He used to have a party, but then they lost all their seats bar 2.
Now, he is tossing around in the wind, without a party, defined only by what he doesn't support (FG) than what he does. We cant expect any sort of informed analysis from him, and we shouldn't.

[dubsthcentralboy]

I am always being accused of being a Fianna Fáiler on this site, or merely being their propagandist. I reiterate that I am non-aligned. I see good in virtually all of our political parties and find myself agreeing with many points from many of them.

To start a few threads on this, I'd like to ask P.ie contributors about their opinions and views on what our second-largest party has done for our economy.

One major thing, for which I commend them, is their agreement to the Tallaght Strategy. Co-operation with a minority Fianna Fáil in implementing the fiscal, social and moentary reforms required to unleash our Tiger, was a particularly inspired move.

I am sure there are many others, and I'd like to hear of them.

I suppose by being such a useless alternative they've convinced the people to stick with Fianna Fáil, thus delivering a strong and dynamic economy that benefits everyone.

[Auditor #9]

Garrett Fitzgerald and Sunningdale? Didn't this lead to Stormont and ultimately the Assembly we have today? Pardon my ignorance if this is totally wide of the mark.

[Ard-Taoiseach]

The Tallaght strategy.
The 1980's (someone tell me we were in a worse position economically in 1987 than 1982, go on)
Managing it 1994-1997.
.

I'll quote this one(you double-posted ) and that's how I see it. I see worth in the current Government's economic management, however, I don't think all of it is to do with Fianna Fáil. I believe all the parties which were part of government over the past 25 years have some claim on the Tiger's stripes.

[meriwether]

The Tallaght strategy.
The 1980's (someone tell me we were in a worse position economically in 1987 than 1982, go on)
Managing it 1994-1997.
.

I'll quote this one(you double-posted ) and that's how I see it. I see worth in the current Government's economic management, however, I don't think all of it is to do with Fianna Fáil. I believe all the parties which were part of government over the past 25 years have some claim on the Tiger's stripes.

Exactly.
No one can deny FF have made their contribution. Every party in some way has played its part, and only the usual suspects (half wits like DSCB and Keith-M) would conversly state all the credit lies with FF.

In fact, you could argue that Govt policy has been minimal, seeing as we dont have central planning.

The real credit lies with the workforce however.