We’ve hit a bailout iceberg and the Government is finally sinking

THE last vestige of credibility evaporated from the Progressive Democrats from the moment Michael McDowell hoist the petard that the PDs were exiting government — only to subsequently change their minds.

The Greens are now in the crosshairs of public obliteration for their dithering on the date of the Dáil dissolution. Having clearly articulated a late January/early February timetable for the completion of the legislative implementation of the budget, they now are pursuing other legislative agendas. Nothing irritates the public more than utter internal confusion in a governing party. Each day delayed will result in a further decline in party support.

There’s only one show in town. Already, political rhetoric is naked electioneering. Yesterday’s IMF/EU bailout vote was tactical posturing to corner opposition parties. By voting against the package, FG and Labour stand accused of not providing adequate cash to run the state in 2011 and beyond. This vote was deemed unnecessary two weeks ago. It is only now required for election manoeuvres. Brian Cowen’s opposition onslaught, about policy differences between FG and Labour, amounts to the key point of the FF election proposition.