Comments on: Green Party to enter Talks with Fianna Fail Tomorrow, Possibility of Alternative Coalition are ‘Remote’

By: The Issues at the Green Party Convention Tomorrow? at Irish Election

The Issues at the Green Party Convention Tomorrow? at Irish Election — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:50:24 +0000

[...] we were reminded by New Green Man in the comments, the Greens had three main aims for coaltion; * Tackling climate change * Reforming local government * Providing [...]

By: Dermot

Dermot — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:45:26 +0000

In spite of our best efforts the prospects for an alternative coalition look remote.

What a Load of Bullshit. The Green’s refused to join the alliance for change and had no hesitation about entering talks with FF.

By: MEP

MEP — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:28:45 +0000

Correction. Latvian Greens are still in government.

By: MEP

MEP — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:20:20 +0000

Hey Gordon – I think you better recheck your stats. It is not true that any Green party that has aligned itself with the right in Europe has disappeared. In fact there are not many examples but the Greens are in government with the centre right in Finland and the Czech Republic presently. In Latvia, the Greens went into a centre-right coalition in 2002 and even briefly had a prime minister. In the subsequent elections, they increased their vote – although they are no longer in government. That is the only non-contemporary example of a Green-Right alliance.

By: Ian G

Ian G — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 20:10:55 +0000

The latest from rte.ie:

http://rte.ie/news/2007/0603/election.html

“…described today’s talks as ‘cordial and constructive,’ but added that there were differences between the two sides which they would try to work through in the coming days….
Before going in to the meeting today, Fianna Fáil said the two parties have identified sufficient common ground to justify formal talks.”

I suppose all the normal bloggers here are having a quiet Sunday.

By: Jack

Jack — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:03:24 +0000

I don’t know… I think if it was made clear that the reason they didn’t go into government was Shannon, then it might benefit them, but only if it was well publicised.

By: Delphinian

Delphinian — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:49:45 +0000

If the Greens don’t go in to government, when they have the chance, they’ll be seen as an abdication party. They have a mandate as the only smaller party not to have lost a seat. I believe that most voters would be happy to have the Greens in government. It will take compromise, yes. And Shannon compared to the greater policies for the country s progression is minor. If the Greens don’t take this chance and abdicate their responsibility for establishing a stable viable government, they will hit badly at the next election. No good being a nearly party or allying yourself to an opposition block when you have a chance of governing.

By: JG

JG — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 14:16:32 +0000

soubresauts,

“…simply… disgusting. Will the Green Party sink that low?”

Agreed. Sadly, I think they will sink that low. What some people may not get is that Shannon IS a major issue for Green Party voters. If the Greens go in with FF it is likely to do them serious damage come the next election, if they don’t they’ll be seen as a slogan-based protest party. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t methinks.

By: Delphinian

Delphinian — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 14:05:39 +0000

Soubresauts, Shannon is a minor issue. All the smaller opposition parties raised it but it was never going to happen and they all knew it. It’s an easy compromise for anyone negotiating for government including the Indo’s, as per Finnian McGrath. They’d all like it but it is not a dealbreaker for any of them. Co-location depends on the make up of the government. If the PD’s are still in and Harney has health then it is still on. If not then it may be up for discussion. But that isn’t a dealbreaker for the Greens either.

The dealmakers as stated by New Green Man are good ones, evidence of a maturing party. FF would have no problem with 1 or 3 and I think they could go along with 2. I hope both parties are sensible on each others requirements because I think that they would make a good government coalition. And if they work out, it is a very re-electable government.

However I don’t think that it will be the Greens on their own. I believe that FF will bring the remaining 2 Pd’s in as well, giving Harney back Health, just to make the numbers safer, as it means 86 seats (87 if you count Rae). Small deals may be done on the side to keep Indo’s happy just in case of some calamity and the Greens pulled out at some stage. I do think it would be the better government and that it would be stable. I don’t see the Greens pulling out if a deal is agreed. They want to be in government and implement their policies. They will have to make concessions, but it will be worth it for them. As long as they don’t pull out, I don’t think that they will suffer at the next election. They will be a real watchdog for FF as well, which will be no bad thing. Here’s hoping they agree a deal.

By: soubresauts

soubresauts — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 13:12:38 +0000

Simon says: “Shannon is a minor issue.” Wow, what a devastating insight!

Tell that to the people of Iraq. And to the al-Qaida people.

I’m sure lots of Spanish people were, in a similar way, playing down their country’s involvement in the war. Until the Madrid bombings, that is.

The Greens used to say: “Think globally, act locally.” And now…?

You don’t have to be “green”, or any colour at all, to see that we Irish should have NOTHING to do with that war. To be actually profiting from the war is simply… disgusting.

Will the Green Party sink that low?