Why FF can’t be part a national consensus

NO doubt the recent calls for a national government were well intentioned, as were the calls from many citizens that political leaders should set aside their party politics.

However, the suggestions which are being echoed at present by many Fianna Fáil supporters, or perhaps former Fianna Fáil supporters, ignore a number of fundamental facts.

Firstly, politics should be about competing ideas for the proper governance of our country. It should not be about seeking the consensus of the lowest common denominator – indeed it is that very style of governance, personified by Bertie Ahern, that has us in the state we are.

Secondly, the calls for a national government implied we all share in the responsibility for the mess that our country is in.

Well, I don’t. Some of us opposed the sort of ‘magic box’ economics that said we could have everything without paying for it.

Some of us did question the cosy consensus of social partnership. Some of us did seek real reform of our institutions when we had the money to do so.

So, yes, I would be proud to accept my share of responsibility to help rebuild my country and give it the future I know it can have.

However, to do so alongside those who have wrecked it would be an abdication of real responsibility and we have had enough of that.

Cllr Dermot Lacey

Beech Hill Drive

Donnybrook

Dublin 4