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Bass Reeves wrote: » There is no leaving there options open especially if the government survives the full term. Unless this government falls due to a FG/FF fracture then FF have no choice but to align itself with a government voting pact. They will not receive votes from the left or form SF if this goes full term. FF got more seats last election from FG transfers than any other section of the vote.
Loafing Oaf wrote: » Yes but FF were going in to the last election with an even more vehemently anti-SF line than FG. Many in the party may well believe that making friendly noises towards SF will attract some transfers from that quarter. Anyway regardless of that, the underlying thinking within the party may well be that whatever they do about pre-election strategy, they will ultimately be faced with the choice of another deal with FG or one with SF. Jim O’Callaghan sets out what I believe will be their approach: “My view is that at the next election Fianna Fáil should neither rule in nor rule out any party for coalition purposes. By ruling out a party we spend too much time talking about that party. Fianna Fáil should contest the next election on our own manifesto and record. If we are successful and receive sufficient support from the electorate, we should try to form a government with other parties who have compatible policies."
FrancieBrady wrote: » Apart from the usual snideness you have done it again. I.E. Countered a poll of 'individual' political parties by coalescing/merging FF/FG. To continue your 'military' theme, seems to me FF and FG, having been forced to coalesce, are now in a bunker, fighting a rearguard action. Hence the attack dogs getting more rabid and careless, biting themselves more often than not. What happens when they turn on one another to survive will be fascinating.
FrancieBrady wrote: » FG could harm their chances massively by engaging in a pre-election vote pact. The resistance to change/cling to power is going to wear very thin with the electorate if we still have the perennial crisis in key areas of government.
Calhoun wrote: » Its crazy that SF are in ways seen as a left leaning party, they have some left leaning policies but i wouldn't say they are true left. The problem the rest have is they are to fractured and broken out. FF & FG are by no means out for the count because i find allot of times the opposition lacks a clear and concise message or is focused on politics that the regular voter isn't as interested in. Hence people flocking to SF.
FrancieBrady wrote: » That's interesting. FG decline in popularity SF rise and it looks like we are always going to have a FG/FF government as a result. Seems to be what those making the best out of this poll are saying. Why don't they just officially merge and be done with it?
blanch152 wrote: » The numbers suggest that FF/FG mightn't need the Greens the next time.
blanch152 wrote: » Francie, the reality is that Sinn Fein are like the Le Pen party in France. No matter who the other candidate is in a Presidential run-off, the Le Pen candidate loses out. Right transfers to left, left to right etc. and so on. It is the same here. When it comes down to coalition partners and you have a choice between SF and anybody else, including Healy-Raes, Lowrys or Murphys, you pick the non-SF choice. That is how it is going to be for the next decade or more. SF will need to hit 40% or more to make a different coalition too unstable.
Loafing Oaf wrote: » But you're assuming here that FF will always choose a deal with FG over one with SF. I think that's far from a given, especially if FF have a different leader.
Calhoun wrote: » I hope not, the greens have kinda imploded don't know if they will keep their numbers as they are.
FrancieBrady wrote: » Where are you setting SF's 'ceiling' this weather blanch? Michael would have formed a coalition with SF last time had FF a significant number of seats over them and he was assured of first go at Taoiseach. You can deny the evidence of that in the media (Micheál opens door to SF) and here at the time) all you want and refuse to look Jim Callaghan's comments in the face, as well.
blanch152 wrote: » I underestimated the ability of the electorate to see through the fake unworkable populist policies of Sinn Fein, that I got wrong. That doesn't negate the point of SF being akin to the Le Pen party. So you keep telling us about FF, but it never happened so you got that one wrong. Looking forward, FF will dally with SF before and during the election campaign to keep options open etc., and possibly will join them. However, that will only strengthen FG.
FrancieBrady wrote: » Yes it did happen. FF considered going in with SF. They will again. Which brings me back to the reaction to the poll based on FF and FG always being coalition partners. It was nonsense and just another attempt to bat away the new realities in Irish politics. Quite obvious FG and FF's attempt to continue the power swap is on borrowed time.
ineedeuro wrote: » No FF didn't consider going in with SF.
FrancieBrady wrote: » The level of denial still strong on here. Oh well, another disappointment due I suppose when it eventually happens.https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/election-2020/martin-opens-the-door-to-coalition-with-sinn-fein-38941313.htmlhttps://www.rte.ie/news/election-2020/2020/0209/1114244-pathway-to-coalition/
ineedeuro wrote: » If I read both of those articles I see nothing to say FF wanted to go into coalition apart from a headline.
blanch152 wrote: » You believe headlines in newspapers over substance in the articles. The facts are clear - FF never talked to SF about coalition, Martin never mentioned SF as an option, Francie spins a speculative newspaper article into fact.
FrancieBrady wrote: » Next day, when Micheal realised that SF were going to win equal seats, he shut the door again blanch. Seems a lot on this island don't like dealing with equals.
Fann Linn wrote: » 'None so blind...... '
blanch152 wrote: » Well, I will be voting Green again, unless they signal serious intent to go in with Sinn Fein.
Topgear on Dave wrote: » SF seem to be in a bit of a bind without them onboard. Is there anyone else that will go in with them?
Calhoun wrote: » They have the diversion of the splinter group that is doing their own thing, which could impact them.
blanch152 wrote: » No serious party. Labour and Social Democrats didn't give it any serious consideration. The alphabet left split again over it, didn't they?