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FF's Michael McGrath said the document agreed "meets the challenge of our time". RollingNews.ie

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil TDs to discuss forming coalition after leaders sign off on 'foundation document'

Fianna Fáil’s Michael McGrath said today there’s “undoubtedly” different opinions in his party on going into coalition with Fine Gael.

FIANNA FÁIL’S FINANCE spokesperson Michael McGrath has said the “foundation document” of priorities agreed between his party and Fine Gael will form the basis of a negotiation with smaller parties on a programme for government.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland, McGrath said there were “undoubtedly” different opinions in his party on whether it should go into coalition with Fine Gael and that a “full and frank” discussion will be held at all levels of Fianna Fáil on the matter.

Yesterday, Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin signed off on an agreed policy framework document.

“Full and equal partnership” between the two parties is at the centre of the agreement. 

The pre-coronavirus general election held on 8 February threw up an uncertain result, with Fianna Fáil emerging with 38 seats, Fine Gael with 35 and Sinn Féin with 37. Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have ruled out a coalition with Sinn Féin, leaving Mary Lou McDonald’s party short on numbers to form a government. 

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s combined total also sees them fall short of the 80 required for a majority, meaning they need the support of at least one smaller party and potentially a number of independents to form a government.

Both sides have been talking for several weeks against the backdrop of the current Covid-19 crisis, with the so-called framework document setting out their priorities as they aim to persuade smaller parties to join them in government.

According to McGrath today, the document “sets out a new direction of policy” and reflects the issues Fianna Fáil went to the public with in February such as housing, health and education.

TDs in both parties will be sent the document this afternoon, before a meeting of parliamentary party members this evening. 

McGrath claimed that the document “meets the challenge of our time”, and said it will form the basis of inviting the Green Party, the Labour Party and the Social Democrats to more detailed discussions on a programme for government. 

Asked if the agreement with Fine Gael would see Micheál Martin installed as Taoiseach, McGrath said that “we’re a long way off the formation of a government yet”. 

He added that parties should be in politics with a view of going into government and Fianna Fáil was prepared to work with others to achieve that. 

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    Mute JimmyMc
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:04 AM

    This will never be a legitimate government. Snake Micheal Martin said before the election that FF would not be going into government with FG, and thousands of people cast their vote based on his lies

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    Mute Conall
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:13 AM

    @JimmyMc: And you believed a promise a politician made so they could get elected? No big party planned to share government, until reality intervened.

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    Mute Rochelle
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:15 AM

    @JimmyMc: He’ll try to use the pandemic as an excuse but unfortunately for Micheál he expressed a willingness to work with FG even before the outbreak.

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    Mute The Risen
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:58 AM

    @JimmyMc: The only legitimate government this side of an election must include the party who got the most votes. Given the current crisis a national unity government would be the mature choice, rather than ‘how can we keep our cosy cartel at the trough’.

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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:16 AM

    @The Risen: The only legitimate government is the one formed by a Taoiseach elected by a majority of TDs in the Dáil.

    Anything else would be illegal, and suggesting anything else is a total affront to our hard fought democracy.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:45 AM

    @Conall: Martin certainly never expected that he would have to go cap in hand to Vareadkar to form a government. Vareadkar stated his party would go into opposition. Martin refused even to talk to Sinn Fein which narrowed his options . Amazing it took a pandemic for Vareadkar to change his mind to re enter government. The legacy of F.G.remains Housing crisis, Homelessness, Crumbling health service, scandal after scandal. This is the FFG government we will be stuck with . They will need the greens to make it happen.. A three ring circus is on the cards.

    41
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    Mute Conan Campbell
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:48 AM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: At a minimum it’s morally bankrupt to leave the party most people voted for out of government formation talks. The outcome didn’t need to be a success, but to not even sit around a table is unacceptable.

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    Mute David Corrigan
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:52 AM

    @Conan Campbell: Absolutely 100% spot on Conan.

    43
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    Mute Unconvertible Rebel
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:56 AM

    @Conan Campbell: The optics is very bad as well. The most popular party excluded from government formation talks at a time of national crisis, while its leader is recovering from the coronavirus. Smacks of the dirtiest kind of opportunism by varadkar and martin.

    51
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    Mute Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh
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    Apr 15th 2020, 2:43 PM

    @Conan Campbell:

    There is no onus moral or otherwise on any party to sit down with any other party. Most people know that Sinn Féin is not a fully democratic party. They are very tightly controlled, by what was, and perhaps still is referred to as the Army Council.

    The fact that a elected Sinn Féin finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoirr had to ask permission from the unelected official, Ted Howell, before signing off on legislation is proof positive that this is the case.

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    Mute MickN
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    Apr 15th 2020, 2:52 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Deluded…

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    Mute Conan Campbell
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    Apr 15th 2020, 2:58 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Nonsense, and very Trumpian of you. SF are a fully democratic party having been handed a mandate from more of the Irish voting public than any other party. That mandate would guarantee you a seat at talks in any other democracy except the hopelessly corrupt Irish one.

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    Mute Joe
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    Apr 15th 2020, 3:38 PM

    @Conan Campbell: wow and you’re supposedly intelligent based on the business you run.
    You must simply be blind not to see that PRSTV is the most democratic electoral system. It stops parties getting into powers when they don’t have a true majority! The fact that SF can’t form a government proves it works. They might be the ‘most popular’ party however they are also the most toxic party and more people don’t want them in government than do. This is pure democracy, just because you don’t like it doesn’t make it true!

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Apr 15th 2020, 3:59 PM

    @Feardorcha Ó Maolomhnaigh: Think Democracy only works with the perceived blessing of FFG.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Apr 15th 2020, 4:02 PM

    @Joe: Think the covid pandemic is matched by the virus of FFG.

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    Mute Eugene Walsh
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:08 AM

    It took a pandemic to bring these two viruses together . Let’s hope that vaccine comes in ahead of time .

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:16 AM

    @Eugene Walsh: Pandemic or no Pandemic this was always on the Cards
    We now have 2 parties FGFF and SF
    dumb dumb and dee

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    Mute Newnob
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:04 AM

    Work away boys, it will be your last one.

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    Mute ObsidianShine
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:24 AM

    @Newnob: With any luck.

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    Mute Justice Mickey
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:16 AM

    I give it a year before the ffg snake devours itself.
    They will be like rabbits in the headlights once this crises is over.
    You have two (So called) leaders that needed multiple recounts to get elected and two power hungry parties.

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    Mute Belter
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:51 AM

    @Justice Mickey: Its mad 2 leaders barely elected getting the reigns…

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:07 AM

    Who was it that said we lost the election
    Which corrupt Party broke this country
    Meehole a self made Hero

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    Mute OnlyHereForTheComments
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:05 AM

    Great to hear. Strong leadership needed at this time. The party that apparently ‘won’ the election have been strangely absent over the past few weeks when there hasn’t been any hurling from the ditch to be done.

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    Mute David Corrigan
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:07 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: Do you ever join meetings that you were not invited to?

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    Mute William Bryan
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:09 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: the establishment ie Tubs in out tested rested recovered in jig time versus Mary Lou, your view on why Mary Lou was treated different, no media coverage, and then you have FF FG

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    Mute herp
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:11 AM

    @William Bryan: I’m here for fg troll bots

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    Mute OnlyHereForTheComments
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:13 AM

    @David Corrigan: Explaining a lack of visibility with an excuse about not being invited to speak? Says it all. Paper never refused print, after all.

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    Mute David Corrigan
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:14 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: It was a genuine question. Do you go to meetings even if you were not invited to them? It is either Yes or No.

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    Mute Mary Morrisey
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:17 AM

    @William Bryan: The irony of folks believing FF and FG are no different than there history, but SF suddenly is now.

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    Mute Daithi De Roiste
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:19 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: 100% agree. SF went to ground and haven’t been heard from since. There is no money left now for their empty promises anyway. Their voters will believe they’d still deliver anyway i suppose

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    Mute M Bowe
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:20 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: take a look past that nose bag which establishment media have been feeding you BS. SF have been saying plenty, check their web site. See the depth that RTE and others have sank to along FFG in attempt to disenfranchise the majority of Electorate who gave SF their number 1!!!!

    85
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    Mute VWSHITBOX
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:24 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: You are a fool. I cannot emphasis that enough.
    Both of those parties have done nothing to damage the county. They lied, cheated, robbed and brought the country to its knees. Yet you still support them.
    Blinkered completely blinkered. Let’s see how much of SF manifesto is used by them.

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    Mute VWSHITBOX
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:30 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: The poll here yesterday asked who wants to see a FG/FF government. 60% said they don’t want to see that happen.

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    Mute OnlyHereForTheComments
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:35 AM

    @M Bowe: “Check their website”?! Jesus wept. Some leadership alright. Does the party wi this great mandate for change need a soapbox provided for them before they will speak to the public during a crisis?

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    Mute OnlyHereForTheComments
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:38 AM

    @VWSHITBOX: Those 60% should have gone out and voted to ensure that didn’t happen then. Maybe the poll isn’t a reflection of reality.

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    Mute
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:54 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments:

    When Sinn Fein speak up: “POLITICISING THE CRISIS SHOULD BE ASHAMED THEY BLAME FINE GAEL FOR EVERYTHING”

    When Sinn Fein let them work ahead: “HAH STRANGELY QUIET WHERE ARE THEY NOW EH?”

    And what do you mean quiet? You mean not in the journal? That’s due to the journal’s editorial decisions, Sinn Fein can’t decide when they get news coverage, that’s why they were holding public meetings (which they very responsibly canceled).

    They’ve constantly been bringing up issues like protections for licensees, abuse of TD expenses systems, and were calling for schools to close, pubs to close, etc before FG did so.

    What do you want, Mary Lou to drive a bus around with a siren shouting “down with Leo”?

    They’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t, and meanwhile the media decides what to show you.

    52
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    Mute paul gurney
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    Apr 15th 2020, 11:09 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: strong leadership is not going to be provided by Michael Martin who has never made a practical decision in his life…even his own party want him removed at this point so so much for leadership and as for the beloved Leo who took 6 counts to get elected….some leader alright..

    27
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    Mute Nuala Mc Namara
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    Apr 15th 2020, 11:24 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: Fake news,poor attempt at spin!
    Mary Lou,her health spokesperson,all the political party leaders and their health spokespersons, Government and their medical expert advisors and other experts have been meeting regularly every week.When Mary Lou became ill with coronavirus,Pearse Doherty took her place.SF had put forward several proposals re increasing the emergency Convid19 payment to €350,, writing to Paschal Donohue outlining package of proposals for businesses, written to Central Bank and Paschal Donohue over insurance companies refusal to pay out claims by businesses,etc and some of their proposals in manifesto have been implemented eg temporary rent freeze,etcSF had a Bill defeated in Dail re living wage but now in FF/FG agreement as well as others.
    They have a new podcast:In Conversation which features a different expert guest every week to answer people’s questions eg the 40 minute conversation between Pearse Doherty and David Mc Williams:’ The Economic Response to Convid19′Plus there’s all kinds of information on their website including all the expert advice from medical experts and HSE
    So SF hasn’t been absent,they attended those weekly meetings and their was cross party support for coronavirus pandemic response and their proposals that were implemented useful measures.Also SF hasn’t been absent from the public with all their information and In Conversation podcasts on website allowing ordinary people to ask experts questions.
    SF has also been helpful eg re emergency Convid19 unemployment payments, businesses contacting them over insurance companies not paying out,Irish citizens stuck abroad (Simon Coveney thanked SF for their help!)etc,etc.
    Those are the facts,I hope they’re “great to hear”!

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Apr 15th 2020, 11:59 AM

    @OnlyHereForTheComments: Sinn Fein have been very vocal on mainstream media, on social media since the election. Perhaps you might ask yourself the question why S.F. spokes person’s are Not invited to take part on political programmes on R.T.E. or the likes of Vergin. Recently on R.T.E. Olivia O’Leary gave a FFG political broadcast on Drive Time when she stated ..It Was The Duty Of Smaller Parties to Enter Government with FFG. Not once did she mention Sinn Fein. Censorship is alive and well.

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    Mute Derek Lyster
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    Apr 15th 2020, 2:29 PM

    @Nuala Mc Namara: yes but those facts need to be suppressed or else a lot of people won’t have a stick to beat SF with.

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    Mute jr
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:27 AM

    Any young fella studying politics,watch this government this will be corruption at its best. Why do we never learn from our mistakes.

    75
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    Mute Ale Ceaser
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:02 AM

    You’d almost be forgiven for thinking this was something new…

    62
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    Mute Mary Morrisey
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:09 AM

    @Ale Ceaser: Haha!

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    Mute Whoswho
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:28 AM

    @Mary Morrisey: We’re coming into one of the most difficult times in our country and these two shams still ignore the public. We voted for change and this is NOT what we voted for or want. FFG will destroy our country and punish the working people (unless your a corrupt businessman)

    54
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    Mute Brian McDonnell
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:11 AM

    Despite all their posturing and posing the moment the final results of the election were in this was inevitable, Anyone who thought otherwise was just fooling themselves. FF and FG will eventually become one party.

    66
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    Mute Conall
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:10 AM

    People always said there was no real difference between FF and FG, so I suppose it makes sense (I’m not saying I support it)

    47
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    Mute Davis Payne
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:59 AM

    Watch as each party betrays the people that voted for them so the other party wouldn’t get into power. Then they can betray each other.
    If Sinn Fein really want to get into power and the field enough candidates to form a government this could bode well for them.

    43
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    Mute David Corrigan
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:59 AM

    @Davis Payne: That fear of SF might actually get FG and FF to perform while in government. Very hard to see based on their histories of mismanaging the countries resources but it could happen. They have cornered themselves into a checkmate position now. Two scenarios here.

    1.) They perform like they always have and hope that if/when SF get into government that they will not be able to deliver and that will put SF away for years in opposition.

    2.) They do the right thing and manage the country correctly and keep SF out of government by actually performing in their roles.

    The next 2 – 4 years will be very interesting.

    18
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    Mute Nuala Mc Namara
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    Apr 15th 2020, 11:38 AM

    @David Corrigan:
    3)They implement SF’s proposals eg: freezing rents, security of tenure, a living wage, establishing a single tier health service, providing childcare as a public service, helping SMEs,etcThat might get smaller parties to join but I’d rather see SF to implement their own policies plus other policies re genuine affordable public housing,using the €4Bn from NAMA,etc
    I like certain politicans in all political parties even though I don’t agree with their usual policies,I prefer SF’s policies and I’d prefer SF to implement their own policies they have deveoped and tried to get Bills passed for alot of them in the Dail!

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    Mute Denis McClean
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    Apr 15th 2020, 12:43 PM

    @David Corrigan: I doubt they will enough oppotunists to give them the numbers because it will be a death sentence next time around.

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    Mute David Glynn
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    Apr 15th 2020, 2:51 PM

    @Nuala Mc Namara: What a pit electorate dont agree with you!

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    Mute Nuala Mc Namara
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    Apr 15th 2020, 3:00 PM

    @David Glynn: SF won the most votes in the GE and that is a fact!
    It is also a fact that FF &FG ran SEPARATE campaigns criticizing each other’s time in Government and their policies and both got a lower percentage of the votes than SF!
    Its funny the way you criticized SF’s policies/proposals before the GE but are happy to see FG/FF implement them!!!

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    Mute Mark Gough
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:32 AM

    Self serving ing parasites.

    69
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    Mute jr
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:15 AM

    Any thing will be said or done to gain power by FF, i wonder how long will take FG to find out they went down the wrong path 2 years tops this government will last.

    40
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    Mute Stephen Walsh
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:21 AM

    So Leo orders a commemoration for the R I C and the black and tans and Martin has no problem with that.
    Isn’t that’s all you need to know about both men really.
    The whiff of power is too much for them to resist.
    I’d be surprised if the member will go along with it.

    45
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    Mute pat seery
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:13 AM

    What has Mary Lu done about forming a Government nothing

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    Mute Rochelle
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:19 AM

    @pat seery: She offered to go into talks with every party and kept every option on the table, there was nothing more to do once FF and FG ruled out discussions.

    I’ve been critical in the past with SF in refusing coalition talks with other parties but I think they handled this one correctly by exploring every available option, as all parties should.

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    Mute Martin Horan
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:24 AM

    @pat seery: Neither FF nor FG would discuss formation of gov. with Mary Lou and the alternative, which she did discuss with others, was not feasible. I thought this was widely reported on at the time but perhaps the news was confined to national and local media.

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    Mute john doe
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:33 AM

    @pat seery: have you had your head in the sand since the election. SF were first out of the traps to try to form a gov. Back when Leo was saying he was happy to go into opposition because he wants a little rest.

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    Mute VWSHITBOX
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:37 AM

    @pat seery: Shut up you Ahole. It’s a little hard to form a government when the numbers are not there and FG/FF are too childish to enter into talks.
    You are very misguided or blind to think that leopards change their spots.

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    Mute
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:56 AM

    @pat seery:

    She called for a national unity government and was quickly shot down by FG and FF who prioritise power over the national interest.

    41
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    Mute MickN
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:46 AM

    @pat seery: Are you having a laugh the hypocrisy of FFG having a go at others for not being their sacrificial third leg lamb while at the same time telling 1/4 of the electorate they are to be ignored…
    Only FFG zombies could find this ok.. The cost will be big in the next election too..This is it the last hurray for the crooks if they make it happen..

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    Mute Stan Linehan
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    Apr 15th 2020, 12:06 PM

    @pat seery: she has while trying to recover from pleurisy if the right lung tried to talk to fg and ff but they ignore her mandate . Mathematics means she needs either ff or fg to form a government

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    Mute leartius
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:38 AM

    Its mind blowing, government formation now depends on less then 37,000 FFG party members. 4.7 million lives and futures depends if these elite’s want to bury civil war politics or contuine their phoney war. Divide and rule has created political dynasty’s, ongoing tribunals after 30 years still costing millions yearly. Almost every retired judge whitewashing scandals in health, NAMA, charities and millions of taxpayer funds squandered on pet projects and getting reelected. FFG have being in power for a hundred years, nothing has changed.

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    Mute Mary Morrisey
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:19 AM

    The irony of folks believing FF and FG are no different than their history, but SF suddenly is now.

    31
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    Mute MickN
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:43 AM

    @Mary Morrisey: I think people are looking at more recent history ie. cervical scandal, billions blown stupidly on NCH, broadband,Waterford morgue, ex FG leader working for vultures,ex FG TD working with the big banks, FF crashing economy, RIC commemorations, swing gate, nurses being blocked well earned pay rises,the housing fiasco, the banks etc etc the list goes on and on and on…
    This is the result of constant failure..People want change and are willing to give someone else outside of the crooked cabal a chance…
    Look at that list above how anyone can say they are worth having in power is beyond me..

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    Mute Cormac Laffan
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    Apr 15th 2020, 12:25 PM

    @MickN: That’s some list, there’s Mahon and Moriarty too. Never has so few cost so much to so many.

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    Mute Paul Power
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    Apr 15th 2020, 11:04 AM

    There’s two things people need to know about FF and FG and they are Mahon and Moriarty. Says it all really.

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    Mute Thomas O Connor
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:45 AM

    Civil disobedience is on the way as soon as the pandemic is over and the people will take to the streets once again and this time it will bring the government down..

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    Mute Gary O CONNOR
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:56 AM

    Who’s gonna have the cajoleys to prop em up…
    Suicidal…

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    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
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    Apr 15th 2020, 11:12 AM

    It is now what we have all thought for years – FFG. Just merge and be done with it and stop pretending not to be a cosy duopoly.

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    Mute John kavanagh
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:20 AM

    2 cheeks of the same arse

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    Mute Mark Kelly
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:35 AM

    But I thought ye folks were loving the lockdown that FG and FF have given us?

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    Mute Dannys Dentures
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:39 AM

    It will be very interesting to see who gets what and who gets cut

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    Mute Mary Morrisey
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:12 AM

    I’ll be voting anyone but the top three this election.

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    Mute Justice Mickey
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    Apr 15th 2020, 9:28 AM

    @Mary Morrisey:
    And that is your democratic right.

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    Mute MickN
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:37 AM

    Aye right, try get it past the members lol

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    Mute Tom o brien
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    Apr 15th 2020, 12:06 PM

    Highest mortage rates in europe will be continuing for their bank federation buddies headed by fine gaels snotty brian hayes and bank will keep loading interest on the frozen mortages just when you taught things couldt get any worse

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    Mute Tom o brien
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    Apr 15th 2020, 12:01 PM

    FFG loving and taking full advantage of pandemic contempt for the electorate varadkr elected on fifth count and martin in sixth

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    Mute Tony Kennedy
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    Apr 15th 2020, 11:36 AM

    But Eamonn Ryan wants to be Tánaiste???? All very unstable

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    Mute Nigel o'Neill
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    Apr 15th 2020, 12:32 PM

    Only took them circa 100 years to make the monopoly officially One

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    Mute Trevor
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    Apr 15th 2020, 10:17 AM

    An aspirational document. Total shite

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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Apr 16th 2020, 12:15 PM

    Read the comments before you read the article, try it.
    You will be amazed at how far off a lot of the comments are or how obviously biased some of the posters are. The bots, the fakes and the delusional.
    It also helps in not getting angry at posts.
    The hardest part is figuring out what the article is about from the posts before you read it.
    Its a different way to kill the time in lock down

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