What happened today?

looksee

Serious question, can anyone explain to this non-political person what is the significance of today's upheaval?

A number of ministers have resigned, despite (or maybe because of) the fact that an election is imminent. Brian Cowan tried to create new ministers, the Greens objected. Is this just because the Greens didn't get a slice of the pie? What is the objection to the new ministers? Was the election date announced as a result of the objections by the Greens. Why is it all so totally dramatic?

sink

It was a massive political misjudgment on the part of Brian Cowen and the FF leadership. Besides Martin the 5 ministers that resigned today and last night all announced that they were not going to be contesting the next election. In a cynical ploy to strengthen their electoral chances FF decided it would be a good idea to replace them with TD's who would be contesting the election, as cabinet ministers have a higher profile and are more likely to be reelected.

The trouble is Cowen needs to have the approval of the Dail to appoint new ministers and is entirely reliant on the Greens and independents to vote for his appointments. The Greens were not informed of FF plans and simply said they would not vote for any new ministers. Que panic in camp FF, calls for Cowens head, election date set to avoid Greens pulling the plug immediately and Cowen having to distribute vacant cabinet portfolios to existing members.

It is probably only the biggest political miscalculation of the history of the government and possibly the history of this state.

sligopark

A picture often tells a thousand words ...

Liam Byrne

sink wrote: »

It is probably only the biggest political miscalculation of the history of the government and possibly the history of this state.

Only in terms of "purely" political; the biggest miscalculations were already in the bag with Anglo & NAMA.

Strange that it's a cock-up that doesn't really affect our lives and our pockets that brings the whole despicable saga to an end.

feicim

looksee wrote: »

Serious question, can anyone explain to this non-political person what is the significance of today's upheaval?

A number of ministers have resigned, despite (or maybe because of) the fact that an election is imminent. Brian Cowan tried to create new ministers, the Greens objected. Is this just because the Greens didn't get a slice of the pie? What is the objection to the new ministers? Was the election date announced as a result of the objections by the Greens. Why is it all so totally dramatic?

As far as I can see its of no significance.

Lame duck government, makes another mistake.

Its not like its going to cost them the election...

They are so low in peoples estimation at the moment that they could probably admit to satan-worshipping or walk around the dail with their underpants on their heads making bleeping sounds without affecting their poll ratings.

bonerjams03

I've taken an almost back seat view to the failings of the government that's been in place for a while.

But this, I honestly don't see how the President didn't dissolve the Dáil. That's ridiculous, how is a government meant to function with authority with seven ministerial posts effectively not accounted for.It's one of the office's only real roles and I think it would have been a credit to the office had MacAleese just put this to a stop.

hinault

IRcolm wrote: »

I've taken an almost back seat view to the failings of the government that's been in place for a while.

But this, I honestly don't see how the President didn't dissolve the Dáil. That's ridiculous, how is a government meant to function with authority with seven ministerial posts effectively not accounted for.It's one of the office's only real roles and I think it would have been a credit to the office had MacAleese just put this to a stop.

I agree.

McAleese's role in all of this has been barely commented upon by the talking heads in the press.