Is Ireland on the precipice of a paradigm-altering shift in politics, or are we simply witnessing grand scale pontification?
Since conception, Fianna Fail has been almost permanently in charge with Fine Gael the permanent opposition, occasionally let loose to instil its own brand of corruption in the Dail and on the state.
Enda Kenny has now made what seems like a sincere offer to end civil war politics in Ireland and to work together as equals with Fianna Fail in the best interests of the country (in right- wing terms at least, as both parties share such similar right-wing policies).
The Fianna Fail party however have the more to lose from this offer as they have always had the better support, but potentially something is different this time. It is not for certain that a return to two party domination will even be possible. Not so much the rise of independents who are doomed to be a short-lived blip in the statistics whatever the increased integrity they offer or even the entertainment value of the healy raes, but it is the return of Sinn Fein which I believe has made the greatest change, with both parties now looking over their shoulders at Sinn Fein which is influencing their behaviour and decision making. They have in effect changed themselves and are no longer the same party, although more so Fianna Fail.
So Fine Gael have made the first move. Yes, it will damage Fianna Fail if they refuse to treat the offer reasonably, because in reality what is the difference between the two? Certainly not general policies, and Fianna Fail cannot seriously claim to be a republican party any longer, never mind the republican party.
The truth is, half of Fianna Fail despise Fine Gael and that’s all there is to it.
So Sinn Fein can work with the DUP in the Stormont unionist citadel, but Fianna Fail do not compromise on party ideals for any country or for anyone.
Nothing new I suppose, but what I would like to suggest that the membership do now, is to take a good look at their own party and how it has changed since the days when De Valera sent fire brigades north to assist in the Belfast blitz before convincing Germany to desist as the north was constitutionally part of the Irish free state, which they did, and the attacks on Belfast stopped.
Fianna Fail has completely abandoned its republican ideals and I wonder if there are many remaining republican members considering leaving the Soldiers of Destiny to help Sinn Fein build a new inclusive Ireland? If Sinn Fein continue to grow electorally, there could be some tough choices to be made within the membership of Fianna Fail.
Now that would be a good way to end Civil War Politics in Ireland for good.
Prone to error
Civil war politics is alive and well, with no sign of civil politics in the twenty six counties if RTE Newstalk is anything to go by today. I thought I had tuned in to Radio 4 when I heard Mr Rabbitte talking about parliamentary conventions and then realised he was talking about Dáil Éireann and a critique of Sinn Féin’s election result. In spite of a relentless daily campaign by the media against the party and the acting Tánaiste’s ad hominem attacks, the party now commands much more electoral support than those who pretended to govern on behalf of people who have to work for a living.
There was an element of farce also. Shane Ross, champion of damascene conversions, provided a detailed analysis about respective Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil written proposals for government. We were told that Fianna Fáils document was about half the size of Fine Gael’s with smaller print.
Mr Rabbite lowered the tone of the debate, once more, with references to “windbagging” in Dáil Éireann and the need to hold Sinn Féin’s feet to the fire. “Five years of good government” would sort them out, a telling indictment indeed of the previous Fine Gael/Labour administration. One commentator, stated that for once Mr Rabbitte was right.
She was wrong. He once claimed to be left, however, he was unable to fool the electorate.
I am sure you agree though lolar, the end of civil war politics has never been more in the hands of the electorate.
There is now a clear choice for the southern parties to continue fighting each other over past failures or to reach out to the north and build an inclusive future together based on the principals set out in the proclamation to build a prosperous Ireland capable of fulfilling our real potential which can only be achieved by working together and not in competition which is the alternative.
There would’ve been a government formed by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail by now if it weren’t for Sinn Fein attaining the role of official opposition. Be in no doubt its because of Sinn Fein why there is no Irish Government at the moment. Fine Gael even said they were talking to all parties, including Sinn Fein. What a stark difference between what Fine Gael were saying BEFORE the election and what their saying AFTER it. But Sinn Fein aren’t stupid. If they were to go into Government now they may gain many of the things they have long sought but they will just be used by Fine Gael as a replacement mud guard in the long run. Fianna Fail would also be happy with this arrangement because it means they would take up the role of official opposition and it would more likely be a Fianna Fail Government in 2021.
I don’t think Fianna Fail is going to go into Government with Fine Gael, certainly not as a Junior Partner. That would be winning a battle in exchange for losing the war. Sinn Fein are certainly not going to prop up Fine Gael or Fianna Fail, they firmly want to be in the Opposition because they know that will set them on the road to being the official Irish Government in 2021.
I see another election coming along before the end of the year, its certainly not what Fine Gael or Fianna Fail want but I think its inevitable. I hope Sinn Fein don’t make the same mix up in Donegal that cost them 2 TD’s and lost them one of their best speakers his seat. Overall if there is another election so soon I think it will see Sinn Fein building on their 23 TD’s. Lets just hope if there’s more Leaders debates that Gerry Adams does better than before, he needs to be quick and clear especially when it comes to economic issues. Because I think that’s what damaged Sinn Fein this time round, Gerry’s performances weren’t as good as they should have been. If it had have been Pearse Doherty or Mary Lou McDonald squaring up against Micheal Martin or Enda Kenny (or poor Joan) they would’ve ripped them apart. I’m not saying get rid of Gerry as leader but he does need to spruce up a bit, hes a shadow of what he was like on the Late Late Show Ambush in 1994 and that was 6 against 1 and he still won the debate!…..
Excellent post Ryan – you have it nailed right there.
Thank you.
The political mould has been broken in Ireland. You are absolutely right about the need for people to work together. One party rule has been consigned to the past and many people north and south of the border will not accept the status quo any longer. Irish Tories have much in common with British Tories. It is a pleasure to watch the used car salesmen in Tory Parties being confronted about off shore accounts and property deals. As to southern parties reaching out, some might wish to steal your watch. Google Tom Gilmartin, “They Make The Mafia Look Like Monks.”