Balance of power

SINCE the election last February, five coalition TDs have lost their parties’ whips. On average, one TD has crossed the floor of the Dáil every two months.

At this rate, the Government could still manage to function with a working majority until early 2016. Strategic attrition adds interest to the political game. It is not the best way to secure re-election to power. Government on the drip benefits the opposition parties. In the long run, it balances the numbers on both sides of the House more evenly. Too large a majority makes all governments autocratic, arrogant and authoritarian.

Michael Mernagh