FF budget revolt would not solve the problem

THERE must be a real risk that the Government, faced with the prospect of a backbench revolt, will back down and not implement the necessary measures in the forthcoming budget.

Many Fianna Fáil TDs, facing the almost inevitable prospect of political extinction, are likely to opt to try to postpone a general election for as long as possible in the faint hope that a financial miracle might occur during the next 18 months, thereby saving at least some of their bacon.

This strategy is likely to include a refusal to vote for any measure that would make them even more unpopular and could result in a budget far less draconian than we have been conditioned to expect. The country cannot afford a postponement of fiscal correction and the opposition parties need to be very vigilant in responding to calls on their patriotism: saving the country is essential, saving FF and its footsoldiers would be totally undeserved.