Dempsey wouldn’t rule out coalition with Greens

[David Cochrane]

COMMUNICATIONS Minister Noel Dempsey has become the second Fianna Fáil member of Cabinet to say he would have no difficulty holding talks with the Green Party in post-election coalition negotiations.

Mr Dempsey said that Green Party leader Trevor Sargent may be “doing a little dance” saying he was not going to go into coalition with FF. - Irish Examiner

[Gombeen]

If anyone is "doing a little dance" I think it's FF. Really falling over themselves aren't they! They must really be feeling threatened.

[Maximus]

The latest Red C poll saw the Greens polling a very impressive 19% in Dublin, giving them a three-month average of 15% in the Capital. The numbers else where are still modest, nonetheless on these numbers (if Sargent can get his act together in terms of their organisation) they are set to make gains.

Now a serious question Green supports need to ask themselves is what is the best way of implementing their policy agenda? As second fiddle to Labour in a three strand rainbow coalition holding 1 or maybe 2 ministries or holding 2+ ministries and the position of Tánaiste in a coalition with Fianna Fáil?

[rockofcashel]

The latest Red C poll saw the Greens polling a very impressive 19% in Dublin, giving them a three-month average of 15% in the Capital. The numbers else where are still modest, nonetheless on these numbers (if Sargent can get his act together in terms of their organisation) they are set to make gains.

Now a serious question Green supports need to ask themselves is what is the best way of implementing their policy agenda? As second fiddle to Labour in a three strand rainbow coalition holding 1 or maybe 2 ministries or holding 2+ ministries and the position of Tánaiste in a coalition with Fianna Fáil?

Like I've said before, this is FF playing a game.. and a very smart one to boot.

FF will lose seats at the next election. They know that. Their priority then, is to make sure they don't lose them to FG.

So, they boost the Greens. They make them a player as far as the voters are concerned.

FG have 2 seats in Dublin. They need between 10-12 if they have a chance of government. That means 8-10 extra seats. I'm sure a few Greens are already targetted.

If FF leak votes to these candidates, then the net loss isn't so bad.

Remember, the emergence of the PD's into Irish politics insulated FF rather than damaged it. FG were the losers.

Now with the PD's dminishing, FF need a new insulator. Thats the Greens.

Every Green gain next time out, will be a kick against FG coming back.

[cute hoor]

If anyone is "doing a little dance" I think it's FF. Really falling over themselves aren't they! They must really be feeling threatened.

Anybody in Irish politics might be thinking that oppostion might be the
best place to be after the next election.

[baldur0300]

If anyone is "doing a little dance" I think it's FF. Really falling over themselves aren't they! They must really be feeling threatened.

Anybody in Irish politics might be thinking that oppostion might be the
best place to be after the next election.

If the economy does go belly up, I know that's where I'd prefer to be. It's doubtful that even if the greens run their campaign properly that we could form a government with them alone. That means independents during what may be a rocky period. Maybe the opposition benches would be best for the party and we can blame everything on FG/Lab et al.