Getting rid of Cowen and his failed government is the easy part

TONY Blair and George Bush maintained one maxim throughout the Iraq war.

The absence of weapons of mass destruction and subsequent civil war strife never deflected them from the singular truism that “regime change” from Saddam Hussein was justified. As we are buffeted from bust to bailout and beyond, one central hope remains — that regime change in Ireland is secured. The general election could be held on Thursday, February 24.

Green withdrawal from government after the budget, early in the new year was a long-awaited defining moment in our crisis. For many Fianna Fáil supporters this has been the most upsetting incident of the past three years, accusing the Greens of treachery. They berate the disastrous timing with the international media present. The country could endure any disaster, but the party deserved better. This honest reaction underlines the tribal commitment of die hard FF supporters and members. The reality that FF is going to be prised from the perks of office hit home. Thirteen years of patronage, pull and power are nearing an end. It’s not a moment too soon.