Deal would pose huge psychological issues

AS another week comes to an end without the formation of a government it is hard not to think that a great opportunity has been lost for the crassest of reasons.

A grand coalition between the two major parties of the centre is still, no matter how you winnow the wheat from the chaff, the most logical, promising construct.

Such a partnership, one that so offends Fianna Fáil’s idea of itself and its ultimate ambitions, would have the capacity and, most importantly, the clout to take on the pressing challenges building up each and every day for the next government. A lost opportunity indeed — but hardly, hopefully forever.