Coalition parties plot moves on opposing lines

THE Coalition parties meet today to plot their next steps in Government, yet they seem to be heading in opposite directions.

Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats gather separately today to discuss party strategy and recovery after the Government’s disastrous local election results.

At the same time, Fine Gael and Labour will move a step closer to a formal bond designed to present an alternative Government by announcing another joint policy initiative.

Taking a less than subtle swipe at Fianna Fáil’s naval gazing and identity examinations, the PDs are promising to keep a steady ship and deliver on key areas in the coming year.

The theme of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party seminar is social awareness as the party attempts to portray a caring image. With the focus on social issues, anti-poverty campaigner Fr Seán Healy is keynote speaker at the seminar.

Confessing to not being a fan of some of Fr Healy’s policies, PD senator John Minihan said yesterday that Fianna Fáil could listen to him if they wished but the PD’s would be sticking to the low tax and high employment economic model.

“Lower taxes, greater yield and more people at work and I don’t see us changing our philosophy. We’re sticking to our guns and we are more focused on delivering in specific areas.”

The PD’s plan is to hone in on targets and ensure progress, rather than just talking about the party’s direction, Mr Minihan said. “We will be focusing on the reaction of the public in the local elections.

“The public have become a little impatient - they want results now.

“I think they want leadership and action,” he said.

Ahead of Fianna Fáil seminar at Inchydoney in Co Cork, Deputy Government Chief Whip Billy Kelleher launched an attack on the Labour Party last night.

Describing Labour as stagnant and in denial, Mr Kelliher dismissed suggestions that Pat Rabbitte’s party had a successful election campaign in June or that it could be the driving force in the next Government.

“The fact of the matter is that Labour is stagnant. Ageing and grumpy, its TDs confuse bile for vision and invective for policy. Behind the sneers and the bluster, Deputy Rabbitte knows his current party has atrophied,” he said.

While acknowledging the massive swing against the Government, Mr Kelliher said Labour’s gains in popular support were pathetic.

“A fractional increase in Labour support in the context of a huge fall in the Government’s support provides no grounds for Labour’s pretensions. If the Labour Party can’t face the reality of its own abysmal electoral performance how can it possibly pretend to be up to the reality of Government,” he said.