Green Party exit - Confusion reigns after withdrawal

UNCERTAINTY and confusion continue to dog Irish politics following yesterday’s dramatic withdrawal by the Green Party from the tottering coalition Government.

Adding to the confusion, while the Greens are “out” they effectively remain “in” by supporting the minority government from the opposition benches.

By moving to accelerate the passage of the Finance Bill, they clear the way to advance the general election from March 11 to late February.

The outcome of ensuing negotiations will hinge on whether Fine Gael and Labour are willing to hold fire on their respective motions of no confidence in the Taoiseach and the Government beyond Friday’s deadline. Crucially, with Fianna Fáil in turmoil, it remains to seen if they play ball following doubts raised by Taoiseach Brian Cowen about ensuring its passage in a “realistic” timeframe.

It is in the public interest that the political parties now agree to fast-track the bill and bring forward the general election. With 70% of its provisions more or less passed on budget night, there should be no reason to drag out proceedings.

The next few days will hopefully end a ludicrous scenario characterised by a double-jobbing Cabinet and a lame-duck Taoiseach.

Nobody should be surprised that Ireland is described as a “laughing stock” and a “circus” in the global media. Indeed, such epithets are mild compared to the more colourful descriptions to be heard in every bar and on every street in the nation.

Meanwhile, voters have to swallow the insult that Mr Cowen is not good enough to lead Fianna Fáil but good enough to lead the country. The only conclusion is that the Soldiers of Destiny are living in cloud cuckoo land, refusing to acknowledge the poor judgement of his leadership and out of touch with the angry mood of the public.

Besides lacking the skills needed to manage the country’s affairs, the infamous game of golf with Anglo Irish boss Sean FitzPatrick and the belated attempt to pull a stroke in a bungled Cabinet reshuffle were the last straw.

Ever since the heave against Jack Lynch, a litany of political assassinations has ended the careers of FF leaders from Charlie Haughey to Albert Reynolds, Bertie Ahern, and now Brian Cowen.

Another bitter leadership race is now under way between Michael Martin, Brian Lenihan, Mary Hanafin and Éamon Ó Cuív. Despite his reputation for dithering on hard decisions, Foreign Minister Micheal Martin is odds-on favourite with the bookies to win after taking on Cowen and resigning as minister.

Accused of flaying low income earners in the Finance Bill and of betraying FF backbenchers opposed to Cowen, Brian Lenihan’s leadership hopes were dented. However, his performance yesterday was robust and forceful and the improvement in his health will be a plus factor. Neither Mary Hanafin nor Éamon Ó Cuív have a realistic chance.

Ireland must now present the world with a new image. The challenge facing the next administration will be to demonstrate that this country is not a circus but genuinely capable of managing its own affairs.