A clarification of sorts on date - When to go to the country?

IT must be welcomed that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has brought clarity — though something just short of finality — over when the general election might be held. Speaking to RTÉ yesterday, the Taoiseach said: “My intention is to hold the election in the spring of 2016.” That sounds absolute but it leaves just enough wriggle room to keep the debate alive — and for Mr Kenny to change his mind should events intrude.

Mr Kenny’s statement was, however, a recognition that Fine Gael and Labour will work together or hang together after the poll. Assertions by Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin seem to preclude many arrangements. However, it would be foolish to believe those commitments are any more valuable than a spoilt vote if either party sniffs power by changing tack. Anticipate a statement beginning with the old saw: “The electorate has give us a heavy responsibility and it is our duty ...”

In reality the election has been deferred by just a few months and the window of opportunity to implement the reforms promised but as yet undelivered is tight. All political parties, and independents too, will use the intervening months to try to convince voters about their unique skill set, commitment to justice and integrity. Maybe we should use those months to consider what we might really like: an extra few bob in our pockets or hospital patients on trolleys. Maybe we should use the opportunity to work out what is possible and what is delusional. That would indeed be reform.