THE COMING Dáil session will test the ability, reforming zeal and cohesion of the Government parties as they devise a new four-year fiscal programme, tackle unemployment and promote a more balanced system of parliamentary democracy. Having traded on the failures of their predecessors since taking office in March, Ministers are now confronted with difficult decisions that will involve tax increases, reductions in services and lower standards of living for many people. On top of that will come a series of party political challenges.
The depth of the State’s financial difficulties has been partially obscured by the Government’s anxiety to generate public confidence and encourage consumer spending. Cutting the budget deficit in a way that will meet the demands of the EU and IMF, while providing some flexibility on job creation, will challenge the ingenuity of both Michael Noonan and Brendan Howlin. Broadening the tax base through the introduction of property and water charges, cutting the size and cost of the public service and selling State assets will feed into this mix. The Government’s intentions will be contained in a four-year programme which will follow a review of State expenditure.
Recent party gatherings have focused on a changed political reality. The collapse of Fianna Fáil as the dominant political force is still being absorbed and Micheál Martin has gone back to basics in an effort to rebuild his party. Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who survived a leadership challenge only last year, is now a firm favourite with voters. Eamon Gilmore and the Labour Party are fearful that harsh, but necessary, decisions will expose them to a left-wing onslaught while Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin have identified the destruction of Fianna Fáil as their next major project. These conflicting and overlapping objectives will be reflected during next month’s presidential election campaign; in the Dublin West byelection and in responses to the Mahon tribunal’s findings on political corruption.
In opposition, Fine Gael and Labour campaigned aggressively on a need to reform Dáil procedures and rebalance power between parliament and the Executive. So far, progress has been disappointing. Guillotine motions will be applied twice this week to facilitate referendums dealing with Oireachtas investigations and cuts in judicial pay. Oireachtas holidays have been reduced by about a third but the Dáil working week remains too short. In a parliament dominated by the Government parties, making special provision for private members’ legislation is a welcome development, as is facilitation of a daily debate on topical issues.
More, however, should be done to emphasise the status of the Dáil. Signs of tension between Fine Gael and Labour have begun to surface.
Pressure is likely to intensify as Ministers prepare to dispose of State assets, address mortgage repayment issues and review all Government expenditure and welfare payments. Fair and socially just outcomes are required.