FF/PD's/IND Why it doesn't make any sense!

[Gay Byrne]

Ok, FF have performed exceptionally well in the election and have received a massive endorsement from the electorate, I think that much is clear. Indeed, there is no doubt that the people favour a FF lead government.

However, why would FF involve the PD's in such a government. The people have spoken quite resoundingly on exactly what they think of PD policy and principle. The people voted to annihilate that party and it is quite clear that the PDs have absolutely no mandate from the people to be any part of the next government. Why, therefore would Bertie 'Mr Populist' Ahern want to bring on board one of the most unpopular parties in the state? Wouldn't such an action spit in the face of the vast, vast majority of the electorate who voted against the PDs?

Secondly, FF have been in government for 10 years and have pulled off a remarkable achievement by winning 78 seats. Hats off to all in FF for achieving same. Therefore, why on earth would you want to do business with a handful of independents? In 1997 when Independents were an integral part of your government their numbers more than doubled from the 1997 election to the 2002 election where 13 were returened. As every tom, dick and harry single issue candidate promised to get the sun, moon and stars for their area. Indeed, when their help wasn't required to form a government post 2002, the independents subsequently lost numerous seats as voters realised the peripheral value of independents on the opposition benches. As a direct consequence only 5 Independents were elected to the 30th Dail. So,why would Bertie give the kiss of life to the Independents? Can't he foresee that by so doing FF will lose seats to Independents at the next election as voters turn back to single issue candidates in an attempt to get all sorts of goodies for their areas.

FF/LAB makes sense and would provide a solid, stable government going forward. Which would almost guaranteed to win the next election also. Pick up the phone Bertie get talking to Pat or whoever. Lab owe fg nothing at all, as Lab had a large part to play in making fg a viable alternative and hence had a massive role in fg winning back most of their seats.

In conclusion, FF/Lab and the Irish people stand to benefit most from such an arrangement. Don't waste the opportunity to eliminate the PD's as a political force by allowing them slither back into government without any mandate from the people. And don't breathe life into the Independents.

[Limerick Lad]

We all know how much FF would love to bag Labour as their Coalition partners so that FF can be installed in Government in perpetuity but hopefully Labour will resist FFs blandishments and let FF run with their "preferred" partners the PDs and FF gene-pool Independents.

[Pauli]

Well, he is right on one thing: the PDs policy platform had absolutely no mandate and if FF do business with them again, it should be on the basis of them keeping the PDs on a life support machine and that the PDs should be grateful to FF for providing the electricity. Even the Shinners are not as unpopular as the PDs

[fergalr]

And yet we keep getting into government..
That must really annoy you.

[Munion]

It really does.

It keeps them awake at night wondering wtf a party like the PDs has had more influence in Ireland over the past 50 years than any party other than FF.

Ministrys make FF happy. By taking on Labour they must give away more of the things that make them happy.

[oreiley1]

Where was the great endorsement? FF lost three seats overall. Kenny must stand firm or we will be stuck with FF in power forever. There is a chance that Bertiegate could yet lead to ruin for FF. A by election in Mayo would go FG when Flynn is declared bankrupt.

The PD explosion should be a reminder to all of what awaits them if they join FF.

[fergalr]

It is, I reckon. Probably why the Greens are being so coy.

[malahide mullet]

"Where was the great endorsement? FF lost three seats overall. Kenny must stand firm or we will be stuck with FF in power forever. There is a chance that Bertiegate could yet lead to ruin for FF. A by election in Mayo would go FG when Flynn is declared bankrupt"

Stop being a clown our share of the vote remained the same. 860,000 people voted FF. Deal with it

[Pauli]

And yet we keep getting into government..
That must really annoy you.

Not really. I'm leaving. I can't take the mindless planning, ridiculous infrastructure, lousy child care, dangerous streets, the poor health system, deteriorating education structure, very bad public transport etc. etc etc.

The PDs helped make these problems worse in the last 10 years. I hope in a certain way Harney is around if the economy goes tits-up so she can be a lightening rod for public rage.
I won't be here to see it. There is only so much official stupidity a person can take. And my liimit has been reached. I'm out of here. Soon.

[malahide mullet]

OK leave there is droves of people waiting to get in.

If you haven't noticed people are doing fairly well