Time to go for broke?

[farnaby]

Is it time for FG to make a clear push for a majority government consisting of FG alone?

FG are currently the most popular party in the country, and are currently offering more clarity and ideas on the economic crisis than the incumbent government. Yet the suspision persists that if a GE is called FG will sign up with Labour in a compromised coalition; make tough unpopular decisions that are insufficient (public sector reform scuppered); it'll be the 80s all over again and a resurgent FF will be back in govt after promising an even boomier boom than previously. Perhaps this is why their poll ratings are stuck in the low 30s which is impressive but not their full potential at this time.

Should FG adopt a strategy to denounce both FF and Labour party policies; eschew coalition with Labour; declare an FG majority govt an aim and a distinct possibility; convince the electorate that this is their best chance of a decisive govt that will (in particular) reform the public sector - and risk the possibility of not being in power at the end of it all? I'm not saying they completely avoid coalition - they should keep the Greens in mind - but they should avoid having a partner that will oppose the main planks of their govt programme.

[Factorem]

I really hope FG don't go into power with Labour. The prospect of that happening really turns me off FG.

I'd sooner vote for SF or Libertas than vote for a FG/Labour coalition.

[Digout]

I really hope FG don't go into power with Labour. The prospect of that happening really turns me off FG.

I'd sooner vote for SF or Libertas than vote for a FG/Labour coalition.

FG + SF could be on the cards.

[Simbo67]

I really hope FG don't go into power with Labour. The prospect of that happening really turns me off FG.

I'd sooner vote for SF or Libertas than vote for a FG/Labour coalition.

Easiest way to ensure that doesn't happen is.... vote Fine Gael!

[davehiggz]

FG won't be able to have an overall majority in the dail, there's no way they'll disrupt the core FF vote and Labour is also gaining support. FG/Lab seems to be a viable option considering the Mullingar Accord was only 2 years ago, however their policies have drifted apart since. FG/FF makes perfect sense considering that their political ideology is quite similar however it doesn't need to pointed out that it will never happen! Lab/FF, I believe is also an option. Eamonn Gilmore has stated that he won't go into coalition with FF, however he didn't rule out FF going into coalition with them

FG could go in with either SF or the Greens, or both, however they would need to make significant gains by the next election, and Green numbers are expected to drop after their deal with the devil (FF).

So, in reality, as the polls stand, 2 out of the 3 main parties will need to go into coalition together after the next general election.

[SamVimesBoots]

The last two polls have put FG on 38% and 36%, while the FF vote is down to 20%.

In effect in the last two years the two parties have directly swapped places in terms of voting strength.

If FG consolidate their vote at around 42% - which would have been an insane proposition two years ago but is now only a gain of a few more points - then we've seen what happens in 1997, 2002 and 2007 - that sort of vote can get you 75-80 seats, and any random collection on Indos and minor parties will do to keep an FG administration on the road for 5 years - or 15.

FGers I think can't quite believe how far they've advanced in the polls in so short a time and still think of themselves as a 24% party. You need to get over that nagging inferiority complex and doubt lads, because the numbers are clear - a strong push for just another 5/6% and we're in FG overall majority territory.

[MsAnneThrope]

I have nothing personal against Enda Kenny. In fact he strikes me as an inherently nice man. But he's not a modern party leader and does not have the full public confidence. With a stronger, more charismatic and affable leader I really believe FG would be well over 40% now and edging ever closer to 50%. They have never had a better opportunity than at present to win over the Irish electorate.

Until FG grasp this nettle they will always be faced with the prospect of having to form compromising coalitions, and this is costing them votes in the first place. I do believe Kenny would make a great TD however. He's just not leadership material in my view.

If somehow FF manage to retain control, and a GE is unlikely until their current term is over, then FG need to use those intervening years to internally address the leadership question. I agree it would be madness to attempt it just now.

[Adrian Wainer]

Will it not cause bad relations with the USA, with the Democrats having the Joint houses of Congress and Presidency, if Enda Dan Kenny-Quayle is elected Taoiseach, just thinkin.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW2K0-VItAk]YouTube - Who is Dan Quayle? Part 1 of 2[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S3r3Lbl9a4]YouTube - Who is Dan Quayle? part 2 of 2[/ame].

Best and Warm Regards
Adrian Wainer

[asset test]

I have nothing personal against Enda Kenny. In fact he strikes me as an inherently nice man. But he's not a modern party leader and does not have the full public confidence. With a stronger, more charismatic and affable leader I really believe FG would be well over 40% now and edging ever closer to 50%. They have never had a better opportunity than at present to win over the Irish electorate.

I wish I didn't have to, but I agree 100%.

The majority of people I speak to about this say " I don't really like Enda Kenny" I cannot argue with someone's instinct on this despite the fact that no clear reason is given either.

The sad thing is, as said above, if a different leader was in place, FG would really clean up. Enda, (while FG core will say he is a great manager etc. and that is true), is a liability to the party at the moment. I'm sorry, but that is the perception out there. People want someone who inspires them as a Taoiseach, not someone who can get the grassroots sorted and the party machine working again, they don't care about that, they want to see the person who will inspire them in the middle of all this mess. And sadly, despite his great managerial skills, Enda just does not cut it.

[FutureTaoiseach]

Yes. Kick Labour to the curb. 77% of us remain opposed to their participation in govt in this country. As with the 1982-7 govt, they would paralyse public-sector reform, tax cuts and privatisation. Do what FF did in 1997 and aim to go in with a micro-party and a few Independents. Otherwise, you won't be able to implement your programme - so different is it from Labour's. In any case, what does Enda owe Gilmore, who subjected FG to harsh criticism at the Labour Ard Fheis? No more Mr.Nice Guy.