Opposition could be best for party, say Fianna Fáil members

Fianna Fáil members who will ultimately have the final say on any deal to make up a government believe the party would be better in opposition.

As negotiations continue between Fianna Fáil and Independents and other groupings, many grassroots members of the party feel the only route now available is another term in opposition and have completely ruled out a grand coalition with Fine Gael.

It comes as Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley said the parliamentary party has yet to discuss supporting a Fine Gael-led minority government as doing so would be “putting the cart before the horse”.

He added: “At some point either Enda Kenny or Micheál Martin will emerge with the greatest number of votes and at that stage there is no doubt that there will have to be discussions between the two larger parties.”

Grassroots members will have an important role to play as Fianna Fáil rules require they vote on any potential coalition deal. It now appears members at local level would reject outright any notion of a coalition with Fine Gael and would favour going back into opposition to further build the party.

Willy Kavanagh, chairman of Enniscorthy Comhairle Ceantair, said: “The feeling still in this area is that we would be better as a part in opposition and supporting a minority government.”

Eamon Gilligan, chairman of East Galway Comhairle Dáil Ceantair, said many memberswould favour another term in opposition. “The general feeling is that Fianna Fáil should back a minority government rather than go into coalition with Fine Gael. I don’t think it would be the best for the country for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to join up and that’s the view of members.”

Wexford councillor Joe Sullivan said the most likely outcome which members would accept is a Fine Gael minority government.

As pressure mounts on Mr Kenny and Mr Martin to talk to each other, secretary of Cork North West Comhairle Dáil Ceantair, Con Lynch, said there is no appetite among the grassroots for a grand coalition.

“Personally I would have to think of the country and what’s best for the county and I don’t think it would be in the best interest of the country to see parties spread to the left and right,” Mr Lynch said.