If the Social Democrats were in Sinn Fein's place

FG supporters supporting FG seems kinda obvious tbh, that’s why when I read the question I figured there must be something I’m missing. It appears what I’m missing is your opinions of people based upon their political affiliation. Never mind attempting to show anyone else up for what they are, you’re showing yourself up for what you are is all you’re doing right now tbh.

Ok, well that’s a much more straightforward question. I imagine as far as FG supporters are concerned, FG haven’t fecked up the country, and they’re likely to support FG policies. They can at least point to coherent FG policies, whereas other parties they probably could point to the fact that they lack any coherent policies. I suppose if another party had coherent policies that were similar to FG’s aims for Irish society, FG supporters might be consider supporting them too.

Can't make a decision on a party leader, let alone make difficult decisions on substantive issues.

Pack of watery whingers

Is there any party whose voters don't blindly vote for them?

The idea that supporters of other parties are more likely to be more informed or judicious about how they cast their vote is fairly fanciful.

Leaving aside that stupid sheep comment can you explain how if SF + IND + GB + LAB + SD + SPBP got into government tomorrow they would make everything so great?

It's become a catch all term for arrogant rich kids, it's often not about any policy position now.

My question to the other poster was "can you explain how if SF + IND + GB + LAB + SD + SPBP got into government tomorrow they would make everything so great?"

Reply: Moriarty tribunal and siteserv investigation etc.

On the 25 year lease do you think it would be better to allow the tenants to purchase the properties at a snip of the original price or let the tax payer pick up the tab for the refurb?

No, because someone needs to be the adult in the friggin room.

Nolan is indeed ex-SF but she was put out for opposing the repeal of the 8th and is closer to the Mattie McGrath school of thought these days.

Marian Harkin is IND through and through but would be fairly centrist.

"I believe this practice would end if FF/FG were out."

Back to my original question:

"My question to the other poster was "can you explain how if SF + IND + GB + LAB + SD + SPBP got into government tomorrow they would make everything so great?"

The thing is, everyone is complaining but don't have any actual solutions or alternatives. Because the only alternatives are largely unpalatable to the voting public. when even SF representatives, including their housing spokesperson and leader, are objecting to developments in their constituency, then you can be sure there won't be any changes.

Objections to large housing schemes are inevitable (irishtimes.com)

They would have to. If a non-FF/FG government becomes a realistic possibility after the next election all sections of the left would be under massive pressure from their supporters to get on board. Agree with you about the inds though.

Which is what exactly?

To be clear, its local authorities that sign those leases, not the Government. This alone shows us you know very very little.

Ireland has gone from an occupied colony where poverty was rife to what is recognised by bodies like the UN as one of the best countries to live in on the planet in about 100 years. All the people who think the governments of various stripes have "wrecked" the country need to see more of the world. We don't have infinite resources, we aren't omnipotent, and there isn't an easy fix to every problem.

We have an excellent voting system in this country and a good tradition of cross party cooperation. Proportional representation means that vocal minorities like Sinn Fein supporters don't get to dictate the direction of the country over other groups of parties that represent far more of the country and are willing to work together for the common good. I'll accept any government that our system produces, but will continue to hope that a large enough portion of our population will continue to see Sinn Fein as the lying charlatans that they are.

I wouldn't put the Social Democrats in the same category as Sinn Fein as they have no history of justifying violence or of using flag waving nationalism to pull the wool over people's eyes, but they have not yet put forward a solid enough agenda to get enough support to become a real political force. Personally I'd like to see them come back into the fold of a rejuvenated Labour party, who's only real sin was being in government and therefore having to deal with reality instead of fantasy.

The numbers weren't there in practice to form such a government. A non-FF/FG government in this Dail would require the support of most of the independents, many of whom, as pointed out elsewhere in the thread, are quite conservative and have no natural affinity with SF. SF would have just made themselves a laughing stock by trying to woo Noel Grealish, Peter Fitzpatrick, Verona Murphy et al.

the minute someone starts uses phrases like 'you clearly dont understand politics or the people of ireland' i stop reading.