Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein?

KarmaCreep

What do you reckon the chances are? If we look back historically (Dev released the old IRA from prison after Cumann na nGaedhal) it would suggest possibilities of a coalition. Also in recent weeks Sinn Fein have praised certain policies of Fianna Fail's while slating the opposition. One of the main reasons, according to Bertie, for not going into power with Sinn Fein was their policy on corporation tax (to increase it to 17.5%, potentially damaging the economy) however when Mary Lou McDonald was questioned on this issue she stated that it was not in their manifesto. Sinn Fein appear to me to be pushing for coalition and if I were Bertie i'd sooner go into coalition with Sinn Fein than the PDs or Labour for that matter.

Opinions needed!!!!

Jonny Arson

FF will happily hop into bed with SF if it means keeping power.

gandalf

Imho yes they will go into government with Sinn Fein if they give them the numbers for the great leader to continue his vision :rolleye:, quoting the fact that they are in Government in NI as the excuse for the u-turn.

Whatever about FF hopping into bed with Sinn Féin,I find it funny that some people use SF as a tool to vote against FF.
Reason? Well I reckon given a choice between a FG taoiseach ( FG being the "southern unionists as I once heard them called LoL) and an FF Taoiseach-then SF will either abstain or vote for Ahern.

I can see them voting for Ahern once he's nominated.

They might vote against the two of them but they are in my opinion more likely to strike a deal with FF than FG.I can't see Kenny accomadating them at all.

Villain

I don't think Sinn Fein are ready for government in Southern Ireland and I think FF would be much more likely to go with Labout or the Greens than SF.

mike65

Quite so, FF will have other options. Or no need for an option as FG/Lab/Greens will have enough.

Mike.

brianthebard

Do SF even have a 2007 manifesto? They didn't about two weeks ago.

E92

Fianna Fáil would go in with anyone. After all, if all thats wrong with the Shinners these days is their economic policies(apparantly thats all thats wrong with them), then whats stopping Bertie going in with them, once they patch up on that issue? Labour and the PDs are very different parties, on quite a number of levels, yet Fianna Fáil was happy to do business with them, werent they?

I should add that Sinn Fein have not yet launched an election manifesto, or maybe thats because all they are interested in is ''saoirse'', and Brit-bashing,though they still believe in ''Equality'', more like a la carte equality it seems,which is pretty much their attitude on policing in NI too.

johnnyskeleton

The fact that Bertie publically stated that he would never go into government with SF means, when you put it through a politics=truth translator, that there is a very strong possibility that they will go into power together.

However, with regard to Tristrame's point, I think that all the parties are prepared to get into bed with each other (except the PDs, who are FF minions and nothing more), and power, not policy, will determine who goes into coalition with whom.

miju

i've said it before and i'll say it again theres something i can feel in my waters that makes me think SF and FF will be the next coalition government.

Chakar

*sigh*

How many times do I have to say it?

Anyway the people will decide on May 24.

Villain

Chakar wrote:

*sigh*

How many times do I have to say it?

Anyway the people will decide on May 24.

Well they will and they won't, if no Party gets a majority on its own a deal will have to be brokered and thats not something the public will have much control over.

Bottle_of_Smoke

What do you reckon the chances are? If we look back historically (Dev released the old IRA from prison after Cumann na nGaedhal) it would suggest possibilities of a coalition

That's the second time today I've seen someone pull the de Valera Card on Fianna Fail.

It makes as much sense as punching Tony Blair in the face and calling him a Black & Tan.

Fianna Fail is not Eamonn De Valera/ He may have started them off but it's different people there now.

brianthebard

E92 wrote:

I should add that Sinn Fein have not yet launched an election manifesto, or maybe thats because all they are interested in is ''saoirse'', and Brit-bashing,though they still believe in ''Equality'', more like a la carte equality it seems,which is pretty much their attitude on policing in NI too.

Still no manifesto? Do they plan on surprising us at the polling booth? Or are they just going to rely on clever rhetoric and mix and match policies? It really is a joke that they haven't announced their manifesto at this stage.

is_that_so

I saw Gerry on TV on Sunday and he was far from assured . Waffle of the highest order tbh. As I've said elsewhere SF are surefooted on all things northern but come across as not really having a clue when they step outside that. All the parties are making policy announcements or pushing policies today , whereas Gerry and Martin are going on a bus tour. I don't think they are ready for it and I can't see it happening under any circumstances this time round.

Chakar

irish1 wrote:

Well they will and they won't, if no Party gets a majority on its own a deal will have to be brokered and thats not something the public will have much control over.

I have the fullest confidence that Mr. Bertie Ahern will not accept Sinn Fein support. That's my opinion.

Time Magazine

miju wrote:

i've said it before and i'll say it again theres something i can feel in my waters that makes me think SF and FF will be the next coalition government.

You don't live in Galway do you?

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

Senator

Sinn Féin supporters (and potential voters) are talking up their own chances of a coalition with Fianna Fáil on these boards and others. That is an indication of how "respectable" and "harmless" - in relative terms - SF have become.

So, why bother voting SF ? Just vote FF and be done with it.

A Random Walk

The problem with a FF/SF combination is that there is a very large block of people (cross party) who will vote against any party that goes into coalition with SF. If FF go into coalition with SF, that block is lost to FF for the forseeable future - I think Bertie is smart enough to know that there is no point in gaining power in the short term to see FF lose 10/20% support in the long term.

brianthebard

Senator wrote:

Sinn Féin supporters (and potential voters) are talking up their own chances of a coalition with Fianna Fáil on these boards and others. That is an indication of how "respectable" and "harmless" - in relative terms - SF have become.

So, why bother voting SF ? Just vote FF and be done with it.

They definitely look like less of a protest vote when you put it like that. Strange how the usual crowd aren't in defending SF's lack of manifesto and their hopes of government...

Voipjunkie

Probably not this time but the next time out if things are well bedded down in the North and the IRA are more of a memory than anything else then they will but at that stage FG would as well.

Remember that Bruton said no way to the DL before spring hopped in with FF when Spring came back just 2 years later Bruton had no objection to the DL becausew it was his only chance of power.

Also remember that the Labour party eliminated the threat from the left that was DL by bringing them into the tent DL were then establishment and no longer a protest vote. ( Although they may have reverse taken over the labour party after that)

Chakar

Chakar wrote:

I have the fullest confidence that Mr. Bertie Ahern will not accept Sinn Fein support. That's my opinion.

He can't stop them voting for him as Taoiseach-so it's not a matter of acceptance.
It's a matter of nudge nudge wink wink, wheres that new school you want again?

Senator

brianthebard, SF are trying to have an each-way bet on this election. They tell one set of potential supporters, usually in the estates of inner cities and towns, that they are radical and will "shake things up". Meanwhile, their leadership is out assuring business leaders that in government they will not frighten the horses and know which knife and fork to use. No surprise really to anyone who knows Irish history - Fianna Fáil did exactly the same when they came in from the cold.

GarraiGamhain

This is the very reason why people should not vote for fianna fail.

Senator

Try telling 'em.

marco murphy

Sinn Feins manifesto is on its way.

Dontico

If I ever live under a SF government, I'm leaving the country and declaring an citizenship in a country that will let me. I'll feel safer in Iran.

Senator

Yes, can't you just see SF getting their hands on all the Depts. of Justice, Foreign Affairs and Defence files !!!

Voipjunkie

Senator wrote:

Yes, can't you just see SF getting their hands on all the Depts. of Justice, Foreign Affairs and Defence files !!!

Didn't FF get their hands on those and the world carried on people were saying the exact same thing back in the 30s and lets not forget that when FF entered the Dail they were armed because tensions were so high.
Honestly it is just history going around again. If they can be in charge of policing and security in the North(eventually) and they are now taking their places on the policing boards it is only a matter of time before they are in power in some form here either under their own name or ala OSF/SFWP/WP/NA/DL under some other name.

Voipjunkie

Dontico wrote:

If I ever live under a SF government, I'm leaving the country and declaring an citizenship in a country that will let me. I'll feel safer in Iran.

Start looking for a house in the Tehran area now before the property market takes off.

Raskolnikov

Dontico wrote:

If I ever live under a SF government, I'm leaving the country and declaring an citizenship in a country that will let me. I'll feel safer in Iran.

After ten years of FF/PD government, I would already feel safer in Tehran than in parts of Dublin.

marco murphy

This bandwagon theory of ''Iam leaving the country if SF get into power'' is crazy. Whats the reason?

Time Magazine

I would rather not live in a country governed by people who have no idea how to govern (such as recommending an ammendment be placed in a piece of legislation forcing the President to Article 26 it to the courts) with ethics and morals that I find repulsive (such as petitioning for the release of murderers of gardaí, party members "not being authorised" to condemn said murder, murder of extended family members in similar circumstances, maintaining ties with a private army...)

That's before we get to policy.

delta_bravo

Ibid wrote:

I would rather not live in a country governed by people who have no idea how to govern (such as recommending an ammendment be placed in a piece of legislation forcing the President to Article 26 it to the courts) with ethics and morals that I find repulsive (such as petitioning for the release of murderers of gardaí, party members "not being authorised" to condemn said murder, murder of extended family members in similar circumstances, maintaining ties with a private army...)

That's before we get to policy.

Here here. Excellent points

ircoha

E92 wrote:

which is pretty much their attitude on policing in NI too.

and down here: ask jerry mccabes widow

guinnessdrinker

Quick question guys,

Why does the government here (and a lot of people living here) find it acceptable for Sinn Fein to be in government in the North but say they wont except it in the Dail?

Seems like double standards to me.

Bottle_of_Smoke

guinnessdrinker wrote:

Quick question guys,

Why does the government here (and a lot of people living here) find it acceptable for Sinn Fein to be in government in the North but say they wont except it in the Dail?

Seems like double standards to me.

In Northern Ireland the priority has been Peace. You need Sinn Fein for that.

gandalf

guinnessdrinker wrote:

Quick question guys,

Why does the government here (and a lot of people living here) find it acceptable for Sinn Fein to be in government in the North but say they wont except it in the Dail?

Seems like double standards to me.

I don't like the fact that they are in power up in Northern Ireland, I'm sure I am not the only one.

delta_bravo

gandalf wrote:

I don't like the fact that they are in power up in Northern Ireland, I'm sure I am not the only one.

Definitely not. How can one vote for a party you don't trust? The party has too many criminals, ridiculous "economic policies" and their stance on the Jerry Mc Cabe murder is a disgrace.

brianthebard

Ibid wrote:

I would rather not live in a country governed by people who have no idea how to govern (such as recommending an ammendment be placed in a piece of legislation forcing the President to Article 26 it to the courts) with ethics and morals that I find repulsive (such as petitioning for the release of murderers of gardaí, party members "not being authorised" to condemn said murder, murder of extended family members in similar circumstances, maintaining ties with a private army...)

That's before we get to policy.

Agree with everything said here.

E92

guinessdrinker wrote:

Why does the government here (and a lot of people living here) find it acceptable for Sinn Fein to be in government in the North but say they wont except it in the Dail?

I'm sick of hearing this question. Its like comparing chalk and cheese, as to why they are ok in NI but not in Ireland. Its a very different political climate as we all know in NI. In NI they are trying to integrate two communites that have been fighting and doing all sorts of stuff, and making a big deal if one of their 'own' gets killed/savagely attacked etc but when a member of the 'enemy' is murdered/savagly attacked there is a remarkable silence from both sides. SF and the DUP were dragged into this executive kicking and screaming. If there was no such thing as power sharing, there would be either direct rule from London, or else the Unionists would have an overall majority, and those up in NI know what that lead to. Sinn Fein have to be in Government, distasteful and all as it is, or else they and the SDLP cant ensure that their communities are treated in the way they oince were. I mean if I were in NI the idea of SF in Government is repulsive to me, but so is the idea of a unionist majority, cause as I said, we know what happened in the past there, and if theres direct rule well the Brits are not going to be bothered too much by NI, so why would you want that?

In Ireland it is very different. We have a normal system of government in this country. Therefore the most popular party or combination of parties gets to govern. Theres no fear that gerrymandering would happen in this country or that different parts of the country hate other parts or traditions of others. Therefore we dont need nor want Sinn Fein in government. They will not be an acceptable part of a government to me now, and nor for the forseeable future.

NI is a special case, therfore they have to be in, but as Ireland is similar to other European contries, its a completely different ball game. This fact is conveniantly forgotten by Sinn Fein (or anyone else who tryies to make same) whenever they make this argument.

Sleepy

If Fianna Fail get back in I'll strongly consider emmigrating. If they go into coallition with Sinn Fein, there'll be no consideration.

Criminals have no place in government*.

*I'm quite aware how naieve that statement sounds in this country.