Electorate wants change but what is the alternative

If narcissism is a result of being unloved, it explains the quandary of Fine Gael and Labour, writes Gerard Howlin

The compensating self-regard from some of its most prominent members, for most of its term, was palpable. In the case of Labour, unquestionably the worst damage was done not in government but in opposition. The cynical stoking of anger and a commensurate raising of expectation remains toxic. For Fine Gael, its base is too narrow to carry an election without both a good day for itself and a good day for Labour. The froth on top of the wave is gone, the wave is crashed and the tide is out. The fact that 63% want a change of government is ominous.

It is not, however, necessarily an accurate guide to what will happen on polling day. It only tells you what people are against, not necessarily what they will do.