What would FF look like in opposition?

[alonso]

They need to be wiped out on June 5th, and I mean wiped out - 20% and around 10% in Dublin. Then, and only then, can we anticipate a good kicking in a General Election. And after they're hovering around the 30-40 seat mark in LH, way off the pace with FG around 70, we may see a different FF in opposition. Unless that scenario emerges we will see the same ol arrogant, bullying, rancid, angry populist narks that we have seen before. A nightmare for anyone in Government bar the hardiest, toughest, most single minded and forthright Ministers.

[hiding behind a poster]

I think this is the best possible outcome for the country. Labour could even do their own version of a Tallaght Strategy and promise to support the FG government in power for a full 5 year term without joining a coalition "in the national interest". This would leave FG free to take the hard decisions and fix the economy while leaving Labour free to finish off Fianna Fáil and engage in populist opposition.

There's absolutely zero chance of that. Firstly, Labour in Opposition would not be able to finish off FF in Opposition. FF have far more members, more branches, more local reps, better structure, nationwide. And the fact that Gilmore comes across well on the box won't change that fact. Secondly, why would Labour turn down the certainty of being in government with their voters' preferred coalition partner versus the outside shot at trying to finish off a remarkably resilient foe in FF? Thirdly, this is a last shot at government for most of Labour's front bench. Fourthly, populist opposition seems to be Labour's game right now - if an FG government was taking the hard decisions while a Labour government supported them from Opposition, they'd be killed by the masters of populist politics - FF.

Face it, folks, FF aren't going away. The structure is too solid, the membership too large.

[fiannafuddy]

...with their voters' preferred coalition partner...

I'd say Labour voters' second preferences split 40:40:20 - FF:FG:Others from talking to people I know who vote Labour.

[hiding behind a poster]

I'd say Labour voters' second preferences split 40:40:20 - FF:FG:Others from talking to people I know who vote Labour.

In your dreams, mate.

[fiannafuddy]

In your dreams, mate.

How many doors have you knocked on recently?

[hiding behind a poster]

How many doors have you knocked on recently?

I think you'll find that anyone who knows me on this site would answer that question for me.

[florin]

I think as soon FG enter into power Enda Kenny will forget about any kind of institutional reform as he contemples his Seanad nominations (failed FG election candidates), ministerial appointments (make sure Wafurd, Kerry & the wesht get one) and junior ministries (Micheal Ring).

In time FF will return to its gombeen at the parish pump roots and promise the earth, moon & stars to an electorate not liking FGs austere by-the-book methods, and FF will return to power to wreak more havok.

"It's the circle... the circle of life!"

[Benz]

I'd say that those in FF who have any talent will scarper pretty quickly to the Private Sector so we'll be left with the worst of them (which is saying something). Thank God Fine Gael and Labour are stuffed to the gills with geniuses...

Actually, hang on a sec...

[ang]

FFers will go on back to work enterprise schemes. Retailing Walter Mitty disguises for all their old friends.Therefore still living the dream of kick starting the economy.