Tactically, when should the gang of 5 contenders pull the plug on this government?

[Question R24U]

On the assumption that Cowen will hang onto the bitter end, when would Lenihan, Martin, Ahern, Hanifin and Dempsey (any of whom could be the next leader of FF*), say enough is enough, and get Cowen to go for an election?

5th June - only FF and FG have the capacity to fight on all fronts and the damage would be lessoned.

Autumn - ie before the December budget which had planned to cut €4bn at least, but the exchequer returns say will be worse. At least one of them could be nominated to the EU commission. The Local elections will be over, which means that if the FG + an other government ran full term, they would have a springboard in advance of a general.

Any time at the mercy of the Greens, Lowry, JHR or a Jow Behan backbencher.

Whenever 545 days or so have elapsed - Cowen will have served longer than Bruton.

Before April, 2011 - to give a chance of being in power for 1916 centenary.

The bitter, the bitter end (ie May, 2012) and risk:
1) The prospect of losing their own seats.
2) when it just aint good getting up in mornings.
3) A Canadian Tory style meltdown or even Bristish Tory style meltdown (where a second term in the wilderness is also at risk)
or
hope against hope, that it all magically comes right?

* God help us all.

[sheedy's left peg]

what does it matter??
none of those 5 clowns would bring anything fresh or innovative to the table
the country needs a change of government and the sooner the better

[mmrebel]

There's a gang of 5 ???

[an asal]

3 TEACHERS 2 LAWYERS HAVE ALL CONTRIBUTED TO THE PRESENT DISASTER,as they say in the Rebel County " you would be insulted if you got any one of them in a lucky-bag.

[Fooz]

George Hook had a text poll today on the show; towards the end of it 90% of people who sent a text in wanted a general election. Will it ever bloody happen though?

[Question R24U]

3 TEACHERS 2 LAWYERS HAVE ALL CONTRIBUTED TO THE PRESENT DISASTER,as they say in the Rebel County " you would be insulted if you got any one of them in a lucky-bag.

Maybe they should get Cowen to step aside after June and bring back Bertie for a 4 in a row (Cork need Foot &Mouth disease to break out in the 40's to get one of those).

[An Gilladaker]

It is a bit late for pulling the plug maybe a crash course in swimming would be more useful

[JCSkinner]

George Hook had a text poll today on the show; towards the end of it 90% of people who sent a text in wanted a general election. Will it ever bloody happen though?

If 100,000 people camped outside the Dail day and night demanding it, there'd be an election next week.
But the Irish are way too passive for that sort of thing.
Worked very well in a load of other places though. It's always good to remind the elite from where their assumed power actually derives. It's even better to flex that power back at them sporadically.

[Question R24U]

If 100,000 people camped outside the Dail day and night demanding it, there'd be an election next week.
But the Irish are way too passive for that sort of thing.
Worked very well in a load of other places though. It's always good to remind the elite from where their assumed power actually derives. It's even better to flex that power back at them sporadically.

You don't need 100,000, just 4: 3 Govt TDs to switch and 1 to abstain.


the 2 bye-election victories for FG means its FF 75 + 6 Gr + MH = 82
But FG 53, Labour 20 + 5 SF + F. McG= 79.
Leaving Joe Behan, JHR, M Lowry and Noel Grealish in play. (JO'D does not count).
Stop pairing with Bertie and only vital ministers on vital business.

Or else the 6 Greens - if they are promised two cabinet seats.
Or any of the 5 pretenders to make a move from within against Cowen.

[Question R24U]

what does it matter??
none of those 5 clowns would bring anything fresh or innovative to the table
the country needs a change of government and the sooner the better

A change in leader would almost certainly lead to a general election, the difference is that ff will not face a tory 97 meltdown (will people stay up for cullen's defeat?) and could bounce back for 2014 ie economic upturn and the commemoration.in 2016.