Enda Kenny faces a major decision in the near future. Should he put the forthcoming European fiscal treaty to popular vote in a referendum or not? Here are some of my own thoughts on the matter, from today’s newspaper. Tell me what you think:- (more…)
Well, there you have it. No great surprises in that, were there? It was billed as a National Address but really it was in many ways a Party Political Broadcast on behalf of the coalition partners. Quite rightly, the Opposition are getting a chance to reply.
That was the week that was! The last days before close of nominations were a mad scramble for Norris and Dana. Your humble blogging scribe was present at South Dublin County Council in Tallaght when Fine Gael and some Labour people voted down the Norris bid. (more…)
It may be the longest political honeymoon in recent decades but, after 100 days, it is well and truly over. From now until the next Budget in December, the Fine Gael-Labour coalition will be coming under increasingly severe scrutiny from media and public alike. As suggested in this piece on the mood in the Labour Party, which I wrote for the print edition of the paper recently, one of the Government’s problems may be that its majority is too big.
As usual, to pass the time prior to the formation of a new government, we indulge in a little bit of fantasy cabinet-making. It’s particularly difficult on this occasion and I’m not happy with scarcity of non-Dublin TDs on the list, for example, but here goes. Not to be taken too seriously: let’s be having your list in return.
One of the first things to remembers about politics is that logic is a very poor guide. We may be in a phase in our evolution as a State when that maxim is about to be proven yet again. (more…)
Shattered must be the only way to describe the feelings of England and Dubs supporters today, after the crushing defeats they suffered at the hands of Germany and Meath respectively.
We have given extensive coverage in this newspaper to Fine Gael’s radical policy reform policy, New Politics (see original story here).
Another cliché of current political discourse (see also previous post) is that a cabinet reshuffle is like moving the deckchairs on the Titanic. I don’t believe I have used it myself but plead guilty that I was in the presence of people who did, and failed to protest. (more…)
Very ‘Oirish’ scene at Leinster House last night. The Fine Gael people were doing a “doorstep” with reporters outside the front gates. Two lads arrive on the scene, clearly coming from the pub (it’s about 12.30 a.m.) The looks of puzzlement and bemusement on their faces are priceless. (more…)
