FG's Barry Walsh calls for a General Election

[adamirer]

That is the dumbest thing ever. Ok, he's safe saying it, becuase he knows it won't happen. But still a dumb move. Just looks foolish.

[irishhooligan]

They don't really want a General Election, but considering Enda hasnt spoken at any length in the last number of weeks he has to say something I guess.

[Dublinguy]

What are the FG strategists thinking? It's trying to take the maximum political capital from a resignation with no regard for the what is in the best interests of the country. Unfathomable!!

I don't believe someone from FF is actually talking about "what is in the best interests of the country"...

[blondie]

Oh for the love of God. What a hysterical response. And totally out of tune with the public mood, people are feeling sorry for Bertie, even people (like me) who wanted him gone. Enda was very magnanimous on RTE but calling for an election is ridiculous.

[Anorakphobia]

Someone should explain to young Baz how a parliamentry democracy works. Look at UK when Blair stepped down if he needs an example.

Besides, as Atlantic says - may be better to let FF bear the brunt of the economic downturn.

There was and is no suggestion from the Tories that Labour stole the election on a false premise.

One way or the other, not a chance FF will agree, only chance is that Greens might gamble that calling for a "clear the air" Election might reap dividends for them (and personally I think it might, esp as it is highly unlikely they won't be back in Govt under any combo).

[fergalr]

Kenny has just called for an election!!!!!! radio 1...

I should have read the whole page, shouldn't I? :P
Enda.. really? Okay he might get lucky with a hung Dail but the electorate are unlikely to be thrilled with another vote not even a year after the last one, not to mention potential economic considerations.

[meriwether]

Correct move to call for an election.

Either we have the cojones to face the public, or we dont.

[John Boy]

I can understand where Barry Walsh is coming from demanding a general election in the summer but i dont think the public would thank FG for forcing the issue. leave the current in place. They created the mess we are in so let them take the pain and correct it.

I do agree FG must be more effective in opposition and bring more alternative policies. Brian might look for his own mandate in 18 to 24 months if things start to pick up so he can shake off the greens and what is left of the PDs

[Universal_001]

Are you sure you want this?
Picture the scene.

Third interparty govt of FG-Lab-Green-SF-Ind takes power.
Recession really starts to kick in just as they start office.

Everyone starts to think "ahh jasus just as Bertie left it all went to hell and now we have dis bleeden dolly mixture government ************************************g everything up again just like in the 80s!!!" and from the next election onward, FF gets another 25 years of uninttterupted power. (probably after Labour or SF storm out of govt in a hissy fit over spending cuts due to said recession)

[Rocky]

Superb - he wants an election - bring it on !!!

Definitely.

FG have a far stronger front bench, so it won't be a case of just Bruton and Kenny in this campaign.

On top of that FF promises in such areas as Education, Transport, Justice, Health, Finance have been shown for the lies they were, we have a economy that is going is downhill and pretty much every FF Minister has already stated that what Bertie did was correct and he was forced to resign over it and without all that being the case FG came with in 3 seats of getting in power last time and of course there’s the most recent poll on which Enda would be Taosieach if an election was held tomorrow.