10 suggestions for the Government

So the sky has fallen and the political landscape is pock-marked with Sinn Féin-shaped craters and smothered in independent shadows. How will the Coalition cope and what can they do to survive the next two years? A few suggestions are worth considering.

* 1. Don’t panic

These were local and European elections which, while important, do not necessarily dictate the outcome of the next general election. The Euros, if held alone, would probably attract a turnout of Slovakian proportions — a whopping 13%. It’s also two years to the next general election and a lot can be done in that time. If they don’t panic, that is, because panic distracts, panic is indulgent, panic is motivated by self-interest, not the public interest. The public already think the Government is not interested enough in them. No need to prove them right.

* 2. No stunts please

Eamon Gilmore has provided the required head on a plate and the cabinet reshuffle has been on the cards for some time, so it’s important to get on with that. But we don’t need a drum roll to a grand new beginning, a revised — or more likely, repackaged — programme for government, a fresh mission statement, a new contract for an even better Ireland, a ‘New Labour’ style rebranding exercise or any other theatrics. There’s quite enough work to be done without staging a political Riverdance. Hop, don’t dance, to it.

* 3. Don’t lie, fudge or be obscure

Here’s what the public knows: a) there are two more rotten budgets ahead before the next general election and any attempt at tax cuts means spending cuts elsewhere; b) the HSE will not operate within its allocated budget no matter how many times Brendan Howlin says it must or how many ways James Reilly maintains he’ll try to make it; c) medical cards are being taken from desperately vulnerable children and their financially struggling families; d) there is no workable plan for universal health insurance; and e) the property tax does not fund services local to the property owner.

The truth is unpalatable but untruths are unforgivable. Be brave. Be honest. Be prepared for a backlash. But for everyone’s sake, clear the facts and clear the air.

* 4. Hold on tight

U-turns are needed and with dizzying speed. Do not charge people for water before meters are installed at their homes. Do not proceed with free GP care for all under sixes. Stop hinting at tax cuts. See above.

* 5. Talk to each other

It was telling when Enda Kenny, up in a count centre in Mayo yesterday, said he knew nothing about Eamon Gilmore’s intentions and that he had tried to phone him but “couldn’t get through”. The coalition partners may be two separate parties with their own unique identities, ambitions and internal party business to attend to, but too often they give the appearance of wishing for the other’s disappearance. Coalition requires communication or else there isn’t a hope of getting a clear message through to the electorate. The result is the electorate sending a very clear message to the coalition.

* 6.Try a little tenderness

Phil Hogan said over the weekend the Government needed to be more sympathetic and it’s true that any time a Michael Noonan says emigration is a “lifestyle choice” or an Eamon Gilmore defends cutting young people’s dole to discourage them from “sitting at home in front of flat screen TVs” the public alienation barometer goes haywire. But the last thing that’s needed is any kind of “we feel your pain” statements. Sympathy is easy — empathy is the real challenge because it requires genuine understanding of what goes on in people’s lives. Rise to the challenge.

* 7. Give youth a chance

This applies to Labour more so than Fine Gael, although both parties could do with an openness to fresh blood. Labour’s front bench in particular lacks the desired mix of youth and experience, giving the impression that its ministers have little to lose if they under-perform. The younger guns took the initiative in challenging Gilmore. It’s time to let them challenge themselves with ministerial portfolios.

* 8. Act decisively

The next time a minister ties him/herself up in knots like Alan Shatter, the string needs to be cut quickly. Enough said.

* 9. Focus on jobs

This one’s a win-win solution. Jobs make for a happy electorate which makes for a secure coalition. Governments don’t create jobs but they can help create the conditions for increased employment. The Coalition knew this going into government and have worked towards it, but progress is slow. Keep at it, relentlessly.

* 10. And finally, stop belittling voters

The constant refrain that a vote for Sinn Féin is only a protest vote, insults and alienates voters and quite possibly galvanises their support for Sinn Féin. Ironically, on this point, it is the Coalition that doth protest too much.