http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent Mark Hennessy's Election 2007 weblog Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:10:58 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Talks between the Greens and Fianna Fail are proceeding along amiably enough - but the real crunch issues have, as always, been left to the last for resolution: that is, of course, if they can be resolved. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/06/05/the-greens-and-power/ Labour TDs gathered in Leinster House today did not look like a bunch of people who have any hope of being in power in a few weeks time, either with Fianna Fail, or Fine Gael and a conglomeration of other parties. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/30/labours-lack-of-hope-for-power/ Newly-elected TDs, and those who were up to so recently TDs, have begun to gather in numbers in Leinster House for a series of meetings to debate the fall-out from the election. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/30/the-opening-coalition-moves/ The Mahon Tribunal's declaration today that it can find no record of a £30,000 sterling lodgement into Mr Ahern's accounts from Manchester businessman, Michael Wall has placed a new ingredient into the coalition mix. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/28/the-game-changeth-once-more/ The mating ritual has begun, so disbelieve almost everything that you hear about Fianna Fail's coalition options. Tony Gregory and Finian McGrath this morning cleverly raised the prospect that FF is just playing with them, while they talk to Labour on the side. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/28/independents/ Somebody would really need to tell the Greens to be quiet for the next 48 hours until they get a better handle on how serious Fianna Fail is about trying to do a deal with the Progressive Democrats and the Independents. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/27/coalition-optionssilence-needed-from-the-greens/ Bertie Ahern is clearly setting his sights on bringing the Progressive Democrats and Independents such as Tony Gregory and Finian McGrath on board to form a new government, following FF's stunning victory. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/26/bertie-ahern-and-brian-cowen/ If one was under any doubt about Bertie Ahern's current hatred of the media it was clearly on view for those who stayed up late to watch his television interview with RTE's Mark Little. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/26/five-more-years-for-bertie-ahern-updated/ It has been a hectic, and extraordinary day, and it is far from finished. Fianna Fail could end up winning between 75 and 80 seats, far more than even their most partisan supporters would have imagined a few days ago. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/25/fianna-fail-on-a-roll/ Every election holds surprises, and this one is proving to be no different, given indications from Dun Laoghaire that local campaigner, and anti-war activisit, Richard Boyd Barrett has polled extremely well. Up to 10%, if early tallies are right. (more...)Share This http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/correspondent/2007/05/25/the-election-exit-poll/