Grand coalition is Martin’s chance - Fianna Fáil stepping up to the plate?

MICHEÁL MARTIN’S willingness to consider entering into coalition with Fine Gael indicates his growing confidence as Fianna Fáil party leader and his maturity in recognising that inconclusive election results are becoming the norm here.

More importantly, it suggests Fianna Fáil are prepared finally to accept shared responsibility for running the country, something they have avoided for more than 12 months.

The confidence-and-supply arrangement is an example of the exercise of power without responsibility by Fianna Fáil, and responsibility without power by Fine Gael.