For the late Brian Lenihan Sr (FF), “mature recollection” persuaded him to change his story about phoning President Hillery – but it was too late. Apparently a shoe-in, Lenihan never did get to occupy Arás an Uachtarán. Micheál Martin (FF) seems to have been doing some mature recollection regarding Sinn Féin. But is it too late?
You’ll remember that just a year ago (actually it seems like at least a decade), both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were adamant that they would not talk to Sinn Féin, let alone consider entering into government with them. Why? Well, because they were Sinn Féin and not a normal party, shady figures in the background pulling the strings of SF politicians, etc. The fact that Sinn Féin had got more first preference Dáil seats than either FF or FG didn’t enter into it. They were an abnormal political party and besides, their economic policies were bonkers.
According to today’s Irish Times, Micheál’s cough has been softened some. How come? Well, it seems some seventeen FF TDs are open to the idea of a coalition with Sinn Féin after the next election, with Micheál being one of their number. They wouldn’t just jump straight into bed, of course – they’d have to check the Shinners’ policies first. But if satisfied with that, they’d be willing to coalesce.
Micheál’s bogey-man, Jim O’Callaghan (brother of the more famous Miriam) states clearly: “Fianna Fáil should neither rule in nor rule out any party for coalition purposes”. Micheál says something similar, although he mentions that Sinn Féin’s attitude to the EU might be a block.
Sometimes you have to laugh. Micheál’s party is showing horror-show figures in the opinion polls, and for quite some time FF TDs have been looking to Jim O’Callaghan as a possible replacement for Micheál. That’s because they don’t want to have their seats swallowed up by Sinn Féin in the next election.
Is Micheál’s shift in being prepared – if necessary – to do business with Sinn Féin at some point down the road be enough to stop the party rot? Well yes, it may. And it’s also possible that Ian Paisley Jr will stop competing for the title of Most Obnoxious DUP MP.
Still, God loves a trier, Micheál.
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