Intransigence has only left the Greens looking foolish

[Galmor]

Interesting article from Irish independent journalist Fionnan Sheahan on the potential candidacy of Dermot Ahern for the leadership position of Fianna Fail, as well as on the potential dismay of many within the Green party at remaining in the current coalition- as many do not seem to be in thrall with the concept of remaining within the current government if Ahern is indeed elected as the next Taoiseach, and party leader of FF.

The Greens expect their views to be taken seriously by their coalition partners, yet Mr Ahern isn't actually acting in a manner completely out of kilter with his own party's beliefs.
The cultural contradiction of liberal Greens versus conservative Fianna Fail has combined with the junior coalition party's personality clash with Mr Ahern.

The danger now is the precedent set by the senators of voting against the Government and then abstaining on a crucial piece of legislation. This will put enormous pressure on their TDs to act in the same way for the next piece of contentious legislation or spending cuts -- of which there will be many.

Intransigence has only left the Greens looking foolish - Fionnan Sheahan, Columnists - Independent.ie

[fergalr]

I know FF are contemptuous of outside opinion but if the public dislike Cowen's abrasiveness, electing someone even more abrasive would not be wise. Ahern isn't doing a great job in Justice and was a non-entity in Foreign Affairs. His biggest fans as Taoiseach will be FG, I promise you that.

[Flango]

Dermot Ahern has done the impressive job of managing to stand out as easily the worst, most backward, and generally dislikable minister in the Government. When you look at the front bench of FF, that's a pretty remarkable achievement.

Congrats Dermot Ahern, you complete tool.

[fergalr]

Dermot Ahern has done the impressive job of managing to stand out as easily the worst, most backward, and generally dislikable minister in the Government. When you look at the front bench of FF, that's a pretty remarkable achievement.

Congrats Dermot Ahern, you complete tool.

Coughlan?

[red leveller]

Dermot Ahern has done the impressive job of managing to stand out as easily the worst, most backward, and generally dislikable minister in the Government. When you look at the front bench of FF, that's a pretty remarkable achievement.

Congrats Dermot Ahern, you complete tool.

Ah now, Martin Cullen surely?

[FakeViking]

Do FF really think they can ditch not one but two leaders and not go to the people?

[yehbut_nobut]

Dermot Ahern has done the impressive job of managing to stand out as easily the worst, most backward, and generally dislikable minister in the Government. When you look at the front bench of FF, that's a pretty remarkable achievement.

Congrats Dermot Ahern, you complete tool.

Coughlan?

I think Ahern wins by a length when dislikeability is taken into account.

[ManOfReason]

Do FF really think they can ditch not one but two leaders and not go to the people?

This is FF we are talking about - in their world they think they can do what they like and anybody is not in 'De Party' can go f* themselves.

That said, any new leader would have to prefer the option of a few years in opposition - where FF cynicism could be be put to its most efficient use as they sabotage any attempt to get the country back on its feet.

FF - The Party Before Country Party

[fergalr]

That said, any new leader would have to prefer the option of a few years in opposition - where FF cynicism could be be put to its most efficient use as they sabotage any attempt to get the country back on its feet.

FF - The Party Before Country Party

The party who opposed the Anglo-Irish Agreement and then became the ones to put it into practice the most. They took their early Treaty lessons to heart, didn't they?

[atlantic]

would you not throw Mickey "SPOOFER"Martin into the mix.

Dermot Ahern has done the impressive job of managing to stand out as easily the worst, most backward, and generally dislikable minister in the Government. When you look at the front bench of FF, that's a pretty remarkable achievement.

Congrats Dermot Ahern, you complete tool.