will FF ever be out of power?

[PaddyPie]

Time to ignore the monkey. The depressing thing is that his ignorant opinion is so widespread that it in itself was the decisive factor in FF getting back in. A depressing reflection on this country

Are we feeling a little raw lads? Don't worry, you've plenty of time to languish in opposition and rest while we take the country forward. Sad, but the blueshirts can't see it's their arrogant approach and looking down upon people that makes voters reject them.

No need for assumptions you clown. I actually support the Greens. We'll be there with you to keep an aye on things. What I am against is corruption in all forms. So I'm certainly far more sympathetic to FG than FF. You also seem to be placing all your ignorant views on FG. The Greens and Labour are equally as puzzled with the indiffernce of so many people to incompetence and dishonesty

[dubsthcentralboy]

Time to ignore the monkey. The depressing thing is that his ignorant opinion is so widespread that it in itself was the decisive factor in FF getting back in. A depressing reflection on this country

Are we feeling a little raw lads? Don't worry, you've plenty of time to languish in opposition and rest while we take the country forward. Sad, but the blueshirts can't see it's their arrogant approach and looking down upon people that makes voters reject them.

No need for assumptions you clown. I actually support the Greens. We'll be there with you to keep an aye on things. What I am against is corruption in all forms. So I'm certainly far more sympathetic to FG than FF. You also seem to be placing all your ignorant views on FG. The Greens and Labour are equally as puzzled with the indiffernce of so many people to incompetence and dishonesty

Don't think so. We neither need nor want the Greens.

[PaddyPie]

Time to ignore the monkey. The depressing thing is that his ignorant opinion is so widespread that it in itself was the decisive factor in FF getting back in. A depressing reflection on this country

Are we feeling a little raw lads? Don't worry, you've plenty of time to languish in opposition and rest while we take the country forward. Sad, but the blueshirts can't see it's their arrogant approach and looking down upon people that makes voters reject them.

No need for assumptions you clown. I actually support the Greens. We'll be there with you to keep an aye on things. What I am against is corruption in all forms. So I'm certainly far more sympathetic to FG than FF. You also seem to be placing all your ignorant views on FG. The Greens and Labour are equally as puzzled with the indiffernce of so many people to incompetence and dishonesty

Don't think so. We neither need nor want the Greens.

By 'we' I assume you. And yes you do need us. The alternative is the depleted PDs and a morally questionable string of independents (excluding Gregory and McGrath). However, I suppose that wouldn't deter you. The latter scenario is far more unstable. Ahern wants stability although how long's he's there to oversee it is up for debate

[dubsthcentralboy]

Time to ignore the monkey. The depressing thing is that his ignorant opinion is so widespread that it in itself was the decisive factor in FF getting back in. A depressing reflection on this country

Are we feeling a little raw lads? Don't worry, you've plenty of time to languish in opposition and rest while we take the country forward. Sad, but the blueshirts can't see it's their arrogant approach and looking down upon people that makes voters reject them.

No need for assumptions you clown. I actually support the Greens. We'll be there with you to keep an aye on things. What I am against is corruption in all forms. So I'm certainly far more sympathetic to FG than FF. You also seem to be placing all your ignorant views on FG. The Greens and Labour are equally as puzzled with the indiffernce of so many people to incompetence and dishonesty

Don't think so. We neither need nor want the Greens.

By 'we' I assume you. And yes you do need us. The alternative is the depleted PDs and a morally questionable string of independents (excluding Gregory and McGrath). However, I suppose that wouldn't deter you. The latter scenario is far more unstable. Ahern wants stability although how long's he's there to oversee it is up for debate

You're entitled to believe that if you so wish. I'd ease off on the moralising though, not very edifying sitting in judgement over a person's morality.

[PaddyPie]

[quote=dubsthcentralboy]

Time to ignore the monkey. The depressing thing is that his ignorant opinion is so widespread that it in itself was the decisive factor in FF getting back in. A depressing reflection on this country

Are we feeling a little raw lads? Don't worry, you've plenty of time to languish in opposition and rest while we take the country forward. Sad, but the blueshirts can't see it's their arrogant approach and looking down upon people that makes voters reject them.

No need for assumptions you clown. I actually support the Greens. We'll be there with you to keep an aye on things. What I am against is corruption in all forms. So I'm certainly far more sympathetic to FG than FF. You also seem to be placing all your ignorant views on FG. The Greens and Labour are equally as puzzled with the indiffernce of so many people to incompetence and dishonesty

Don't think so. We neither need nor want the Greens.

By 'we' I assume you. And yes you do need us. The alternative is the depleted PDs and a morally questionable string of independents (excluding Gregory and McGrath). However, I suppose that wouldn't deter you. The latter scenario is far more unstable. Ahern wants stability although how long's he's there to oversee it is up for debate

You're entitled to believe that if you so wish. I'd ease off on the moralising though, not very edifying sitting in judgement over a person's morality.[/quote:3ky7ejt4]

By 'you' I meant FF collective. Any comments I make re morality are based entirely on recent historical evidence (i.e, facts) to do with the FF party. And considering both Lowry and Flynn were both kicked out of their parties and Healy Rea is not the most scrupulous of politicians, I stand by my comment

[gaelach]

Right now it's very easy to say no they won't. FG is in stronger position to try again in a few years though with a larger and more parliamentary party and we have a good few new young TDs. The opposition failed this time, but there’s nothing more you can do then try again and hope it works out next time.

Good man Rocky. Fine Gael put in a good show, but just didn't make, simply because we also put in a good show.

Put for the love of God, it sickens me when I hear crap like "When the people wake up, when the people cop on, Fianna Fáil have duped" from FGers, it's undignfied.

[factual]

Its an interesting discussion.

Basically there are various factors that will determine the next election in 2012:

1. There is a real probability that the ecnomomy will slow a bit in the next 4 years. It may be a good thing for FG that its not in power while this happens, particularly if there are painful effects for some of the voters. FF may lose some of its repuatation (whether ill deserved or well deserved) for economic management. That could lose FF quite a few seats.

2. The mood for change will be greater as FF are in power longer. This happens in all democracies. FG are now well placed to present themselves as the only alternative.

3. Will FF have resolved its leadership succession issue well? Who will be the new leader? Will he be overshadowed by Bertie? It seems unlikely he could be as popular as Bertie. There is surely a likelihood that the changeover could lose FF quite a few seats in the Dail.

4. Fine Gael have gone from 31 to 51 - adding 20 seats. Thats quite some increase. It doesn't quite take them up to the 2002 level when they had 54. But it does restore them to the level they have been at typically through the last 40 years. This means they are back with credibility. They will have the energy and the momentum and a lot more human talent. They could well go up to the high 50s.

5. The Labour party seem somewhat static. I think they will remain at their present level and I think they will opt to stick with the idea of an FG coalition next time.

6. The spanner in the works might be Sinn Féin, who are likely to pick up quite a few seats next time. Dublin Central, Donegal North East and DSW all look easily within reach now and Dublin South West and a few others. That is, although Sinn Fein lost a seat this time it was in special circumatances and Sinn Fein are likely to add some next time, placing them on 8 or 9. This will make it harder for the rainbow to break through and FG will have to drop its hostilities to Sinn Fein

Overall I think there is a very good likelihood that FG will form a givernment in 5 years time.