General election - Five years in opposition may suit FF

WHAT promises to be the closest general election contest in years gets under way in earnest today following yesterday’s dissolution of the 29th Dáil by President Mary McAleese.

As Taoiseach Bertie Ahern prepares to go to the country on Thursday, May 24, the campaign has been electrified by dramatic changes in the public mood evidenced in recent poll figures, indicating that a change of government could be on the cards.

With Fine Gael rapidly overtaking Fianna Fáil, the head-to-head confrontation between party leaders Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny will be crucial. Already, the gloves are off, with Labour accusing the Taoiseach of hijacking the Northern Ireland question for party political gain.