View Full Version : Next Government
What is your preferred choice of next government.
I have tried to add all possibilities within reason.
Dodge
10/05/2007, 11:38 AM
Someone forgot the poll...
GavinZac
10/05/2007, 11:39 AM
Anarchy then, yeah?
OneRedArmy
10/05/2007, 11:45 AM
Too many possibilities?!
Schumi
10/05/2007, 11:47 AM
Too few I'd say.
Impatient bunch :(
I have tried to give all available options assuming seat numbers within reasonable expectations. e.g. no FG & PD option as number would never add up.
BohsPartisan
10/05/2007, 12:18 PM
Well, I really don't think it will make any difference in reality so I've gone for FF and SF because I believe it would do those two parties the maximum damage. If there was an ALL ABOVE PARTIES TO MERGE - to cut the pretence theres any real difference between them, I'd have gone for that.
OneRedArmy
10/05/2007, 12:18 PM
Labour to dump FG like a bad smell and jump into bed with FF, Pat Rabitte to resign as Labour leader to save his own personal reputation (but he'll still take up a Cabinet position).
PD's to be decimated.
Hopefully.
Also, as was stated on the Panel last night, loving the duplicity of FF refusing to share power with the Shinners whilst pushing for Big Ian to do the same in the North for the past 5 years........ kind of like their support for full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement including prisoner release in the North, until it got to Garda Jerry McCabe's killers.
Erstwhile Bóz
10/05/2007, 1:22 PM
Fianna Fáil and Labour, to see Rat Pabbitte use his best university-debating rhetoric to explain away his craven lust for power either as party leader and Tánaiste or as a principled, morally upright resigning dissenter ... who lands a ministry in a plumb department. That'd be great politics.
edit: D'oh! Just like OneRedArmy, then ...
Erstwhile Bóz
10/05/2007, 1:28 PM
Also, as was stated on the Panel last night, loving the duplicity of FF refusing to share power with the Shinners whilst pushing for Big Ian to do the same in the North for the past 5 years........ kind of like their support for full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement including prisoner release in the North, until it got to Garda Jerry McCabe's killers.
Wow. I always thought that Dáil Éireann was a wildly different method of parliamentary government from the Northern Executive as defined in the Good Friday Agreement, meaning that, amongst other things, the term 'power-sharing' did not equate to the term 'coalition' by any stretch of the imagination.
BohsPartisan
10/05/2007, 1:29 PM
the term 'power-sharing' did not equate to the term 'coalition' by any stretch of the imagination.
You don't have to stretch the imagination too far, its simply a carve up of power and cabinet positions by the two sectarian wings of NI politics.
Erstwhile Bóz
10/05/2007, 1:33 PM
You don't have to stretch the imagination too far, its simply a carve up of power and cabinet positions by the two sectarian wings of NI politics.
I know, and I'm not a fan of it (while not having any real alternative). Government in the 26 counties, though, is obviously run on a radically different basis and any attempt to imply that Sinn Féin's status is the same for the DUP as it is for Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour, etc., is dishonest.
Conor H
10/05/2007, 6:57 PM
FF and PD's/Labour.
As long as FG and the greens are nowhere near it..
SligoBrewer
10/05/2007, 7:20 PM
how anyone could vote fianna fail after everything is beyond me..
crime, poor infastructure, hospitals are a mess and then bertiegate..i want to see change, first of all corruption should not be tolerated at all and then to see ff make all the promises they made in 2002 again..the same ones, because they really have done nothing
superfrank
10/05/2007, 7:38 PM
FG, Labour and the Greens but far from what I really want.
Risteard
10/05/2007, 7:40 PM
FG, Labour and the Greens but far from what I really want.
Ditto.
I'll settle for a change.
superfrank
10/05/2007, 8:19 PM
Ditto.
I'll settle for a change.
I see it as the most favourable and realistic alternative being offered.
lilywhite stu
10/05/2007, 8:51 PM
Fine Gael and Labour for me. It would be great if they could avoid adding the greens the new gov would start to look a bit soft if they did you did if you ask me.
Think its ingrained in many people to vote FF regardless because they think something bad would happen if they didn't.
GavinZac
10/05/2007, 8:54 PM
voted Fine Fail and Labour. some change would be nice, but i really dont think enda kenny should be taoiseach
bennocelt
11/05/2007, 11:50 AM
how anyone could vote fianna fail after everything is beyond me..
crime, poor infastructure, hospitals are a mess and then bertiegate..i want to see change, first of all corruption should not be tolerated at all and then to see ff make all the promises they made in 2002 again..the same ones, because they really have done nothing
yeah sligobrewer thats a good question, FF the builders party, bunch of crooks
BUT have the opposition done enough do gain peoples confidence, i honestly dont think so, and thats why i hope fg/lab dont get into power, when have we seen Enda Kenny and Rabbite slamming the FF politicans on any issues, only now weeks before an election
better the devil you know...............
jebus
11/05/2007, 12:59 PM
FG, Labour and the Greens but far from what I really want.
I'm for that too
Conor H
11/05/2007, 5:18 PM
how anyone could vote fianna fail after everything is beyond me..
crime, poor infastructure, hospitals are a mess and then bertiegate..i want to see change, first of all corruption should not be tolerated at all and then to see ff make all the promises they made in 2002 again..the same ones, because they really have done nothing
What has the alternative Government said that would make you think they'll change it?
I hate politicians who simply highlight the faults of the opposition and then promise they'll fix all that if elected.:rolleyes:
That may be around 70% of politicans but people who vote for them have themselves to blame when in 3 years nothing has changed.
Look at the party manifesto's...don't just highlight all that;s wrong with Ireland and persume the other parties will fix it.
OneRedArmy
11/05/2007, 5:23 PM
Inda Kinny convinces me less and less by the day.
Its real rock and a hard place stuff.....
Was talking to a FF strategist last night and despite the positive polls recently they are **** scared of the rainbow coalition becoming a reality.
Greens appear to be sliding alarmingly which is disappointing.
Erstwhile Bóz
11/05/2007, 8:26 PM
Fianna Fáil should have more faith in the repugnance of Rabbitte and the cackness of Kenny. ****e opposition looks like saving them yet again.
SligoBrewer
11/05/2007, 9:49 PM
More people want change though.
Most recent polls (including the small one up there) show that fg/lab/greens will outweigh any ff combination bar Labour
Pat Rabbitte wont go into coalition with Bertie, and every other party bar Sinn Fein would rather be in opposition than in power with Fianna Fail. What does that show you?
Why did Bertie suddenly change his mind and take the FG stance on the Nurses dispute, but then rubbish FG?
Why did Brian Cowen say continually that he wouldn't change Stamp Duty, but then suddenly say that he will?
FF know that change is coming and they're desprete, reducing themselves to auctioning votes.
What has the alternative Government said that would make you think they'll change it?
I hate politicians who simply highlight the faults of the opposition and then promise they'll fix all that if elected.:rolleyes:
That may be around 70% of politicans but people who vote for them have themselves to blame when in 3 years nothing has changed.
Look at the party manifesto's...don't just highlight all that;s wrong with Ireland and persume the other parties will fix it.
conor?
You are from Galway, right? Look at how FF planning and poor infrastructure have come to light.
Water, Public Transport, Schools?
Our 2nd level education system IS A JOKE!
BohsPartisan
12/05/2007, 12:02 AM
conor?
You are from Galway, right? Look at how FF planning and poor infrastructure have come to light.
Water, Public Transport, Schools?
Our 2nd level education system IS A JOKE!
I think what he's saying though is its all very well to highlight that, come on its hitting you in the face, but do you really think this opposition will change things substantially.
Why did Brian Cowen say continually that he wouldn't change Stamp Duty, but then suddenly say that he will?
Easily the biggest u-turn of the election so far. If FF really believed in this why did they not implement in the budget? Hilarious that FF criticising the opposition of auction politics. :D
SligoBrewer
14/05/2007, 10:58 PM
I think what he's saying though is its all very well to highlight that, come on its hitting you in the face, but do you really think this opposition will change things substantially. in fairness bp, it cant get much worse.
and yes.. i believe they would have put in the infrastructure before these 'devolpments' got approval. ff just want to help their builder buddies
BohsPartisan
14/05/2007, 11:08 PM
in fairness bp, it cant get much worse.
and yes.. i believe they would have put in the infrastructure before these 'devolpments' got approval. ff just want to help their builder buddies
Well Fingal which has been worst hit by planning madness has been under the control of a FG/Lab coalition at council level for the last few years and, quell surprise, the developers have had a free reign. For the period before that the coalition at council level was FF/FG.
When we have argued the case for halting developement until the required infrastructure is in place, the supposed opposition voted against.
Magicme
15/05/2007, 11:05 AM
My true option isnt there so have settled for FG, Labour & Greens and would settle for them in reality too. Anyone but Bertie would make me happy. Have had dealings with the man in the past and he disgusts me. How he has remained leader for so long is beyond me. Shame on FF for supporting such a despicable person. I wish could say more, but I dont want foot getting into trouble so will just say he is the kinda lowlife who ranks in my top 3 lowlife chart.
With more parties ruling themselves out for sharing with other parties seem to be only 2 choices.
FF & Labour or
FG, Labour & Greens
I wonder how many people who vote for Labour would be disappointed if they brought FF back into government?
IMO FG are picking up all the alternative government votes which is why Labour not gaining votes. The left wing parties are picking up the general anti status quo vote.
Poor Student
15/05/2007, 4:48 PM
I'd prefer Fianna Fail and the Greens. Not the most likely of combinations, I know. I admire the honesty of the Greens in their approach to tax cuts or lack of and I'd hope they'd bring a dimension of social responsibility to the government. I'm not all that fond of FF but I don't like the FG/Labour coalition either. Pat Rabbite is particularly unpalatable. I certainly don't want to see any coalition involving SF or PDs.
dahamsta
15/05/2007, 5:57 PM
Have had dealings with the man in the past and he disgusts me.C'mon Magicme, spill!
Magicme
15/05/2007, 8:06 PM
C'mon Magicme, spill!
Minds outta the gutter & I mite!
dahamsta
15/05/2007, 8:52 PM
Never!
SligoBrewer
15/05/2007, 10:27 PM
My true option isnt there so have settled for FG, Labour & Greens and would settle for them in reality too. Anyone but Bertie would make me happy. Have had dealings with the man in the past and he disgusts me. How he has remained leader for so long is beyond me. Shame on FF for supporting such a despicable person. I wish could say more, but I dont want foot getting into trouble so will just say he is the kinda lowlife who ranks in my top 3 lowlife chart.
what would be your true option?
if i could vote..i do everything i could to keep bertie out.
Conor H
15/05/2007, 10:38 PM
in fairness bp, it cant get much worse.
and yes.. i believe they would have put in the infrastructure before these 'devolpments' got approval. ff just want to help their builder buddies
Are you for real?
Things have never been so good.All you have to do is look back 20 years and you'll see how things could be worse.Ludricous statement.
BohsPartisan
15/05/2007, 10:50 PM
Things have never been so good.All you have to do is look back 20 years and you'll see how things could be worse.Ludricous statement.
You're either still living at home with your parents or you are one of very few fortunate individuals. I don't remember my dad having to get up at six in the morning for work, or needing to make 70 mile round trips to work every day. Don't remember there being a problem with getting me into a school. Can't seem to remember us having a third world health service back then either. You don't see families able to survive on one income any more either.
Bald Student
15/05/2007, 11:00 PM
You're either still living at home with your parents or you are one of very few fortunate individuals. I don't remember my dad having to get up at six in the morning for work, or needing to make 70 mile round trips to work every day.Did your dad have a job and a car back then? Lucky him!
Conor H
15/05/2007, 11:02 PM
They're all results of our success in a way.
Also the Traffic bedlam and crazy times for departure is a Dublin problem not a nationwide one.It is heavy at rush hour,granted,but we're not as misfortunate as those in certain Dublin areas.
The Health sector is in definite need of reform-true.
SligoBrewer
15/05/2007, 11:09 PM
The Health sector is in definite need of reform-true.
and education...
and crime....
and public transport..or transport in general..
i could list off the problems that ff has caused us..:rolleyes:
kingdom hoop
15/05/2007, 11:15 PM
Also the Traffic bedlam and crazy times for departure is a Dublin problem not a nationwide one.It is heavy at rush hour,granted,but we're not as misfortunate as those in certain Dublin areas.
Traffic problems pervade the country. I think it's mostly on account of some congenital defect Irish people have, we seem to have an aversion for long-term strategies. Tony Gregory touched on the lack of any clear strategy to deal with crime on Prime Time tonight. More Gardaí great, but what are they going to do?
On topic, Paddy Power now make the FG/Labour/Green Government even money favourite. Check out the odds here http://www.paddypower.com/bet?action=go_type&category=SPECIALS&disp_cat_id=31&ev_class_id=33&ev_type_id=694&ev_oc_grp_ids=46674&bir_index=
I'm really looking forward to the leaders debate on Thursday, 9.30, for entertainment value if nothing else. Could be pretty disheartening as well though, one of the those two boyos will be leading our country! It's a big test of Kenny's wherewithal, lets see if he can clasp the slippery slime.
sligoman
15/05/2007, 11:16 PM
In all fairness, we're not in a massively bad condition. Yes hospitals are over-crowded, crime is on the up but realistically, regardless of who gets in they'll do the exact same as all politicians are in it for themselves at the end of the day.
dahamsta
16/05/2007, 12:58 AM
Funny definition of success there by Conor H. I've always thought that a successful person or business was one that could manage all aspects of an operation, not one that that builds up one aspect of his business while letting another fall apart.
The building trade seems a suitable comparison, given the topic in hand. What do you call a builder with great bricklayers but woeful electricians and a terrible health and safety record?
Dunno about you, but I call 'em cowboys.
adam
BohsPartisan
16/05/2007, 9:29 AM
Did your dad have a job and a car back then? Lucky him!
He was in and out of jobs and my ma had a part time job from time to time. In 1985 he got a steady job in Tara Mines where he still works to this day so that was lucky yes. In terms of cars, back then he had a series of rusty bangers. One had a hole in the floor on the passenger side. My point however was that yes in some ways we are better off. We (in general - lets not forget there have been some sectors of Irish society left in poverty despite the boom) have more disposable income. However in other ways the boom has quite clearly been wasted. With more money in the economy than ever before, it is criminal that the countries infrastructure, health service and education system are in the state they are in. It is not a "symptom of success" it is a symptom of our government being in the pocket of the property developers. The supposed alternative will change little or nothing all the same.
Magicme
16/05/2007, 10:10 AM
In all fairness, we're not in a massively bad condition. Yes hospitals are over-crowded, crime is on the up but realistically, regardless of who gets in they'll do the exact same as all politicians are in it for themselves at the end of the day.
I cant believe am agreeing with you but generally speaking its true. The Civil servants run the country with a bit of support from the politicians. The government are just mainly a talking shop.
Having had my life saved on 2 occasions in the past few years by Monaghan Hospital, you can imagine the mess that Bertie & Co have made of the health system really bugs me. As a teenager, Mary Harney was a hero to me but she has totally disappointed me in recent times. That said, not sure how much could be done when you have HSE/Health Boards calling the shots. We need someone to go in and kick ass but dont think Enda Kenny is that guy either. We need Caomighin O'Caolain as Health Minister, but I wont be voting Sinn Fein for the 1st time in my voting life due to their attitude to soccer in my county.
God I want them to come knocking on my door so can have a rant, but somehow I always seem to miss the campaigners!
Its crazy to suggest that the country not better now than 20 years ago. I can out of college in 1995 to 20% unemployment. The fact is anyone who is willing to work can find a job now.
FF/PDs seem to want to claim credit for the success of the last 10 years but no blame for the ills. I think they can claim credit to Corporate tax policy but thats about it. Ireland has little say its its economic policy as its driven by EU monetary policy & global trade. This election is about how & who spends the tax revenue. IMO FF/PDs have proven too many times they can't manage this. Its unknown if the alternative can do better.
BohsPartisan
16/05/2007, 11:13 AM
The fact is anyone who is willing to work can find a job now.
Yeah on minimum wage. :rolleyes:
40 year 100% mortgages.
Interest rates out of control.
Wage rises falling below inflation.
Race to the bottom in pay and conditions
Third world health service
Kids can't get into schools,
public transport is overcrowded
But never mind because people have a second car and a playstation 3. :rolleyes:
For all the problems now (i agree there are many) the country is still better off than 20 years ago. We can debate the current ills but its ludicrous to suggest it better before. 20% unemployment meant those lucky to have a job were paying high taxes to pay for those on social welfare. The only reason had only 20% unemployment was people queueing up to leave the country.
I don't want to drag this off topic but the minimum wage in Ireland is one of the highest anywhere. 20 years ago I don't think there even was a minimum wage.
BohsPartisan
16/05/2007, 11:24 AM
I don't want to drag this off topic but the minimum wage in Ireland is one of the highest anywhere. 20 years ago I don't think there even was a minimum wage.
Thats a red herring Pete, in relation to the cost of living it is not one of the highest anywhere.
I'm not denying for one minute that in many ways we are better off but it is also true that in many we are worse off. We swapped one set of ills for another and the fact is it doesn't need to be that way when the country is awash with money.
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