Political blood sport is just a brief diversion from the banking crisis

THE past week may prove to be a defining moment for the Greens in Government. Before the dawn comes the darkest hour. They learned however much they wish to avoid a general election, Fianna Fáil are even more eager to evade the electorate.

Dan Boyle’s Twitter of reality taught the Greens they are in a much stronger position than previously assumed, despite Trevor Sargent’s resignation. The 24-hour volte face from confidence motion vote to ministerial resignation shows the minor party can call FF’s bluff. The only Green casualty is the perception of Eamon Ryan as a Fianna Fáil lackey.

Willie O’Dea and his closest colleagues believe he was harshly done down for an “honest mistake”. Limerick voters support O’Dea because they demand local representation at the cabinet table. The problems of the mid-west, post Dell’s departure and the deferred regeneration project, deserve priority treatment. Beyond these localised loyalists and FF colleagues, there is limited sympathy for O’Dea.