Michelle McGlynn: Not all sunshine and rainbows at Fianna Fáil think-in
Tánaiste and party leader Micheál Martin was one of the few Fianna Fáil members who stopped for unscheduled chats with members of the media at the party's think-in. Picture: Alan Rowlette/RollingNews
The clear blue Killiney sky was marred by smoke from a nearby gorse fire on Monday, setting the vibe as Fianna Fáil gathered for their think-in.
It wasn't that the mood was dull or one of pessimism but at the same time, it was not all sunshine and rainbows either.
In contrast to last week's Fine Gael meeting where the energy was vibrating like a teenager after one too many cans of Monster, things in south Dublin felt much more subdued.
On the rare occasion when you might bump into a TD or senator outside of the arranged media moments, they would greet you with a smile and pleasant chat about the nice weather.
You would think that candidates would be vying for a bit of media attention ahead of the general election but if anything they appeared to be shying away from the spotlight.
Scroll for results in your area
On the surface, everyone seemed content with how the day's talks were going — no bust-ups or bickering to see here — but there was an undercurrent of anxiety.
The Tánaiste can say that the public is not all that interested in what date the general election will be held but it is clear that his colleagues care quite a lot.
With posters all but hung on poles, the candidates are ready, set, and just itching to hear the word "go".
The clear preference is for a November election.
The last two elections being held in February did not do the party any favours, one person noted, clearly not keen to find out whether the third time is indeed the charm.
For some, active campaigning has already begun. If the election is called next month, they will have a head start. And if it doesn't happen until 2025? Well, time spent with voters is time well spent, right?
Press and party were kept at a distance with the respective home bases in different wings of the hotel. Despite the unexpected sunshine, there were no TDs taking in a breath of fresh air between meetings.
In fact, one of the only people to engage in unscheduled chats was Micheál Martin himself.
With the flat atmosphere of the day, it was the Cork man who lent the occasion a bit of levity, chatting away about wildlife and smoking bans.
If being asked on the daily about when the country would go to the polls was beginning to grate, he hid it well with a joke and a laugh.
While there were plenty of opportunities to pose questions to senior ministers, outside of these, there was very little face time with party members who seemed to be carefully managed throughout.
With each ministerial interrogation, there was a concerted effort to create some distance between Fianna Fáil and their coalition partners.
Eager to be considered for a solo run in the next government, Mr Martin began the day with criticism of his current partners.
Fine Gael's childcare policy is "half-baked" and risks pushing providers to flee the sector, the Tánaiste said, while he accused the Green Party of looking to "create an identity" for themselves.
Not exactly devastating remarks but some would say that them's fightin' words.
You have to ask, is this really how Fianna Fáil would be talking if they believe they will be in this partnership in another five months?
When it comes to the possibility of a November election, it is safe to say there is no smoke without gorse fire.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
