FF might back a minority FG government: A dilemma for FG supporters

lugha

So FF are suggesting that they may support a minority FG government. I suppose that would save us from old style FF opposition, John O’ Donoghue last time out for example. Though those of a cynical bent might think it is a ploy to avoid looking foolish as they criticize a new government’s attempt to manage a mess that FF had a substantial role in creating,

But what interests me is what FG supporters should do. Should they hold their noses and transfer to FF? It is all very well for them to argue that FF should be punished for their failings. But surely is would be far more sensible, from their perspective, to seek to put in place a FG government that would not have to compromise on policies as they would do if they formed a coalition with Labour.
And if they insist on having their pound of flesh, it would be somewhat ironic to wilfully make a bad decision to punish a political party …. for wilfully making bad decisions!

Of course there is an easy out for FG voters, as it is currently only vague musings. But if FF were to declare that they would definitely back a single party FG government …

amacachi

If everyone was sensible there's no reason why a minority government couldn't work but we all know that wouldn't be the case. I wouldn't want FG to try to govern with FF's support because they could easily end up with egg on their face as soon as the first vote with Enda as Taoiseach was taken.

UDAWINNER

you would want to be an idiot to give fianna fail a transfer vote never mind a number one vote.

cabledude

If FG fell for this they'd be mental. FF will take the time to regroup. Soon as they are back up in the polls they will bring FG down. These boys cannot be trusted.

lugha

amacachi wrote: »

If everyone was sensible there's no reason why a minority government couldn't work but we all know that wouldn't be the case. I wouldn't want FG to try to govern with FF's support because they could easily end up with egg on their face as soon as the first vote with Enda as Taoiseach was taken.

That's a fair point. I will believe that FF are prepared to put people before party when I see it. And I would be very uncomfortable in FG relying on the moral fibre of FF. I doubt if they would try to bring the house down as quickly as the first vote. But once they though it might be to their electoral advantage ...

Cannibal Ox

No one is going to go in with FF, they know that, so they'll spend the next four weeks saying anything and everything that'll keep FG on the back foot, don't forget the Blueshirts, who shot Michael Collins, Enda Kenny in three way romp with Angela Merkel and Jean Claude Trichet, blah, blah, blah, because the more time FG spend reacting to FF, the less time people spend talking about FF, policy and the state of the nation. Don't give them the satisfaction of paying attention to their bull****.

amacachi

lugha wrote: »

That's a fair point. I will believe that FF are prepared to put people before party when I see it. And I would be very uncomfortable in FG relying on the moral fibre of FF. I doubt if they would try to bring the house down as quickly as the first vote. But once they though it might be to their electoral advantage ...

The first vote thing was just an off-the-cuff thing but it would be just as smart to do, force yet another election quickly then have more ammunition against a coalition, pointing out that they did everything they could possibly do to avoid working together until they had no other choice etc. I can't imagine whichever government we get lasting past 3 years tbh.

copacetic

FF offering to back a FG government is an attempt by FF to damn FG with faint praise and imply little difference between the parties. Who wants to vote for the one party that FF say they'll support?

[Jackass]

FF attempting to smear FG with their sh*t stick.

They really have no respect for the electorates inteligence, and often I don't blame them, but they're scraping the bottom of the barrell with this one...

Unpossible

As someone who is going to vote FG in the next election I am ignoring everything comming out of FF these days as its all just spin to try and make others look worse than themselves. The party has changed the face at the front but nothing else. There is not a hope they will get anything from me at the ballot box.

ArtSmart

was waiting for this from FF.

it's pretty clever.

you see, those who vote FF and vote self interest wont vote FF - why vote for a party that wont be in power? - ie, no 'pot holes' fixed.

solution? firstly, suggest FF will be in power in some form.

brilliant.

secondly, this aggravates labour and highlights the difference between labour and FG, also creating a tension in labour and giving FG a hold over labour - ie, play ball or FF are in.

it might work.

however, two probs.

first, FG know an association with FF in any shape or form may do them untold damage - this has happened to any party which accommodates FF, from the Tallaght strategy days to the greens.

second, this may actually play into labours hands - that is, if the public - a public that hates FF, thinks they may get back into power as FG partners, even subordinate power, they may swing to labour.


politics. ye gotta love it.

ETA to clarify, the terminology might suggest facilitation of a minority govt, but the subtext is 'partnership', most definitely.

Capt'n Midnight

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0129/politics.html

Brian Cowen has said he would support a policy of backing a Fine Gael minority government in the next Dáil if economic positions set out by his Government are adhered to and if new Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin backs such a move.

...

Mr Cowen said he had not yet decided whether to run again as a TD in the General Election. He is expected to tell party members of his decision on Monday.

A spokesman for Mr Martin later said the suggestion that he would support a minority Fine Gael government was 'hypothetical'.

The party would adopt a Tallaght-type strategy position - if it were in Opposition - to support government policies in line with its strategy for economic recovery.

stop the lights

Brian Cowan says XYZ - who cares ?
How can he give support to anyone if he hasn't even decided go for re-election and the €200,000 pay cut that goes with it

Mr Martin said - "If there is a FG government then we might vote with them when it suits us."
At least it's a step up from CJ who opposed everything , regardless of merit, on the grounds that that's what an opposition did


To me it means that FG would need to form a government without FF first.


And as the Green's , PD's and Labour will tell you being in government with FF is not good for your parties health.