efanton wrote: » Its easy really, I am sure even you are capable of simple arithmetic too. Without Labour, SF needed an additional 13 seats even if the rest of the left leaning parties all agreed. SF choose not to involve any independents in a potential talks process for obvious reasons. What was the point of even starting talks if you are still going to require 13 independents? Being that the potential numbers were not realistically there, SF did the intelligent thing and didn't bother wasting the countries time going through a talks process that was unlikely to form a government. Maybe that was something the Greens and FG should have considered before wasting yet another month being that neither seem to want to compromise, which surely is part and parcel of any coalition process.
FrancieBrady wrote: » As somebody else said the one where he 'pretends he is Obama in kitschy socks when, in fact, behind the mask he is Thatcher in kitschy socks'
PommieBast wrote: » I think the real damage will come from botching the negotiations rather than just the mere act of going into them. Half of the Greens' TDs never actually reached quota whereas the other half got in comfortably, so I do wonder whether this split coincides with what seems to be the two factions within the party. Quite. So far I have been disappointed with them.
markodaly wrote: » Ah, so more pejoratives. Please explain how that quote makes him Thatcher, and while doing so, explain Tatcher's own policy on immigration, as we would like you to educate us.
satguy wrote: » We all watched SF at the last GE,, they had 12 good poll toppers, most were through at the first count, with a surplus. I think at least 9 of those poll toppers could bring on a second candidate / running mate .. So 37 + 9 = 46 seats, very doable. I really think FG will drop seats, and those seats to be picked up by FF and IND. GP will drop seats, they will have nowhere near 14 ever again. Bring it on ..
blanch152 wrote: » You are assuming that those good poll toppers will do the same again. You are also assuming that having discovered what they are really like, that the electorate will be happy to re-elect Violet and Reada among others. Big, big assumptions. The reality is that Sinn Fein will lose seats and gain seats. Where they end up in net terms is a guess, but I would guess they will lose 2-3 seats.
From the very beginning, Leo Varadkar’s only metric for whether something is okay or not is just how it statistically compares to other countries: homelessness, healthcare, systemic racism. He shows no signs whatsoever of a moral compass.
FrancieBrady wrote: » As so often happens when Leo lets the mask slip - this time on Direct Provision - he provokes very damaging remarks about his tenure. After today's slip this was posted and it is hard to disagree. It must be toe curling for a FG member every time he opens his mouth without the aid of a speech writer.
Podge_irl wrote: » What on earth makes you think FF will be picking up seats?
christy c wrote: » I cant speak for what FG members think, but I have asked before if he puts his foot in it more than other politicians who are in the media a lot? And I dont think he does. Look at Harris with his 18 covids, Coveney congratulating the scrounger Erica Fleming, Mary Lou letting demographics look after themselves, Pearse with the your pension at 65 rubbish, etc.
RandomViewer wrote: » Whoever pulls the rug from Martin will get the popular FF vote, grassroots would rather go into coalition with the Monster raving loony party than FG, the poll drop is because of the talks
FrancieBrady wrote: » 'I can't speak for what FG members think...but I'll tell you to look over there.' :rolleyes:
christy c wrote: » I didnt tell you to look anywhere, thought my point was clear but maybe not.
Look at ...
FrancieBrady wrote: » Rather than address what was said about Leo you specifically said:
StackSteevens wrote: » That's definitely not the kind of unsophisticated whataboutery that a polished spinner like you would stoop to, Francie!
efanton wrote: » I see FF/FG are now looking at scraping the barrel to keep the coalition dream afloat. Its looking likely that any hope of the Greens becoming part of the coalition have dropped dramatically.https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/regional-tds-offered-group-or-individual-deals-to-back-coalition-1.4270959 It looks like FF/fG are now looking toward the Regional Independent Group to prop up their coalition. My personal opinion is this move is more likely to be driven by Michael Martin than Leo or FG, but this would give the coalition government just 80 seats. There will be no room whatsoever for an unexpected revolt from an independent TD, an independent essentially black mailing the government or making additional demands for their support once a government is formed, or the unfortunate death of a government TD. A very risky manoeuvre in my opinion but that's my reasoning that its is probably driven by Mehole than Leo. It will be very hard for FG to be taking the higher moral ground when they are willing to have Micheal Lowry on board and in government.
Deleted User wrote: » You mean that they are doing their damndest to form a government.
FrancieBrady wrote: » We should be mature enough as a country to accept that some things are better not done and less damaging. There is no need for this power swap thing of selling souls and principles and the giving away of freebies to politicians and constituencies lucky enough to hold the power. Go back to the people...cheaper and more honest all round.