SINDO - Will government survive budget vote?

[Outlander]

When it comes to crunch, FF can't count on majority - Analysis, Opinion - Independent.ie

The death of Seamus Brennan and the exile of James McDaid and Joe Behan from the party whip means that with 75 votes, Fianna Fail are dangerously low in the water.
But the support of the Greens, the PDs and independents Jackie Healy-Rae and Michael Lowry means that with 85 votes they have a definite majority of seven and on a good day the DNA of James McDaid and Joe Behan means this can be as high as nine.
But when you're on effectively your fourth budget in a year, it's a lot more complicated; and when it comes to avoiding an accidental election, a lot will depend on the actual run-in to the budget.

No one saw Joe Behan coming last December and if the country gets the budget it needs, the Government could well be sunk by utterly un-known figures such as Christy O'Sullivan, MJ Nolan, Niall Collins or Noel Grealish.
When Bertie Ahern was putting his elaborate coalition together, it was noted at the time that a four-legged coalition was far more secure than one with three legs.
The sad truth is, however, that if Mr Cowen is not very careful he will learn the hard way that if one of the legs falls off it doesn't matter whether you're sitting on a four- or a three-legged stool.
The end result is still the same, and it will be a lot more undignified than any portrait hanging in the national gallery.

The engineer in me knows that a three point support is better - no matter how uneven the ground is a three legged stool will never wobble - for this reason the moon landers were tripods. John Drennon seems to be suggesting that the Triffids will be waiting this budgetary moon-shot.

See Triffid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for an accurate description of the average independent/back-bencher.

So if the government fails to pass the budget we face an election, followed by an even harsher budget because of the greater time delay.

[anlkestony]

They will survive. SINDO are full of s***e as usual.

[Factorem]

The engineer in me knows that a three point support is better - no matter how uneven the ground is a three legged stool will never wobble - for this reason the moon landers were tripods.

Yes, but the reason you don't get 3-legged stools in bars is because people are far less likely to fall of a 4-legged stool.

[Iarmhi Gael]

Yes, but the reason you don't get 3-legged stools in bars is because people are far less likely to fall of a 4-legged stool.

Very True - But a 3-legged stool would cost less. By going with the comfort of 4 legs FF have wasted more money with their promises needed to keep the 4 legs planted on the floor

[one acre capitalist]

Was the LEM not 4 legged?

[Skin]

Surely a one-legged stool is the most secure?

Those ones where they are secured into the ground.

[Ulster-Lad]

In answer to your question: I do not believe that they will pass the budget but they will survive. FF seem to have a predeposition for survival.

[Catalpa]

In answer to your question: I do not believe that they will pass the budget but they will survive. FF seem to have a predeposition for survival.

No can doo old chap

A Government that cannot pass a Budget falls

Thats how Garret lost his first Government way back in '82.

[Ulster-Lad]

No can doo old chap

A Government that cannot pass a Budget falls

Thats how Garret lost his first Government way back in '82.

I simply do not believe that they will pass the budget that has been rumoured. I think many will find the cuts and added taxes too much to bear. Then they will take their own political survival into account.

[jmcc]

O'Reilly must be worried that Lenihan will tax him and other tax exiles.

Regards...jmcc