Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sasko Lazarov

Jostling between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is all about party identity and dismantling '#FFG'

Party positioning leads to budgetary tensions between coalition partners.

AHEAD OF BUDGET 2024, don’t be surprised if you see a lot more jostling for position between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. 

The two parties were staunch rivals in the past but ever since the confidence and supply agreement, where Fianna Fáil propped up the Fine Gael-led government after the 2016 election, they have had to contend with the #FFG hashtag being bandied about. 

Throw in Sinn Féin’s rising poll numbers and the two parties have a job on their hands in terms of identity and differentiating themselves while they are in coalition together. 

This week there have been reports of “tensions” and a “war of words” between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

It all stemmed from an opinion piece penned by Fine Gael junior ministers Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Martin Heydon and Peter Burke in the Irish Independent calling for the Budget to contain tax breaks of up to €1,000. 

It’s safe to say such a public move didn’t go down too well within Fianna Fáil – with Finance Minister Michael McGrath calling it an “unusual move”. 

Fianna Fáil backbench TDs and senators followed Senator Lisa Chambers in calling it “populist” and playing to the Fine Gael base. 

Budget kite-flying 

Not to state the obvious, but that is exactly what kite-flying like this is – playing to the party base and seeing how a proposal lands. 

Roll on to the parliamentary party meetings held last night – a place where TDs and senators are never shy of sticking the boot in on their coalition colleagues – where Fine Gael TDs said they would not take lectures from their current coalition partners who “crashed the economy”. 

At the Fianna Fáil party meeting, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said junior ministers from Fine Gael had undermined the budgetary process with their opinion piece in the newspaper. 

Fine Gael sources said today that Fianna Fáíl are “being a bit righteous” in that regard, stating that when McGrath was on RTÉ’s Prime Time during the week, he too was revealing what was behind the curtain, listing out proposals of debt reduction, increased capital expenditure and an investment future fund. 

Interesting to note, however, that the two parties are actually on the same page when it comes to tax cuts. 

One senior Fianna Fáil source said both parties are committed to tax reductions – “it’s in the Programme for Government – it’s who we will be targeting and how is the question to be answered”.

They pointed out, however, that op-eds were not part of budget kite-flying in the past but seemingly are now. 

With Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil dwindling in their own poll numbers, there is a need for each to point to what slice of the Budget pie they can claim as their own. Particularly as we head towards the latter end of this government’s term. 

Publicly making budget calls is one way to carve out party identity – putting on the record what they stand for and what they are fighting for in Budget 2024. 

It’s not rare, and it has happened before. Cast your mind back to last year, when Leo Varadkar floated the idea of a new €30,000 tax band.

There was similar outcry that such an idea would be put out in a public forum, especially when it was not contained in the PFG. 

Similarly, there were also indications that tax breaks for landlords would be included in last year’s budget. Neither idea came to fruition. 

This year alone, we have had quite a few budget pledges already.

Varadkar has confirmed there will be a pension rise, as has Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, who also indicated further social welfare rises in areas such as carers and disability allowances. 

On the Fianna Fáil side, in announcing the lifting of the eviction ban, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has strongly indicated that tax breaks for landlords will be included in October’s budget. 

O’Brien as well as Tánaiste Micheál Martin have also said that there are plans to expand the renters’ tax credit out to €1,000 per year.

Lovers tiff

So, is this “bitter coalition row”, as it has been dubbed, all that unusual? 

“It’s all par for the course,” said another Fianna Fáil source, with another stating that it is amazing what a mountain can be made of a molehill as silly season approaches. 

A senior Fine Gael source said: “It’s just positioning. Identity assertion”.

Fine Gael have already indicated that they want the tax bands indexed out so that the higher rate of tax does not have to be paid until someone hits the €50,000 mark

While it is not expected that that will be achieved in this year’s budget, Fine Gael hopes there will be “another big step in that direction” in October. 

The FG junior ministers’ op-ed was all about reminding their voter base that they are still the party that pushes for less income tax being paid by middle-income and above average income earners. 

The Fine Gael source said that ultimately the basis for its participation in this government is to look out for ‘middle Ireland’ – with the party calling card being all about reducing income tax for middle income earners, affordable childcare, lower college fees and home ownership. 

Income tax reduction is the party’s priority – so don’t be surprised – whether you’re in Fianna Fáil or not, if you see more of Fine Gael hammering that home over the coming months.

More op-eds to come perhaps? Maybe from Fianna Fáil next time around as budget kite flying has officially begun. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
55 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 11:53 AM

    The only people these tricks will fool are the FFGers. These guys don’t realise that the old game of politics is done, gone.. they busted it by being more arrogant than any that went before, and that says a lot. People are more concerned now with having some kind of a functioning society rather than the few extra quid in their own pocket. Says it all about FG in particular, they offer tax cuts because they think everybody is as self-centred as they are and only out for themselves.

    654
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Laois Weather
    Favourite Laois Weather
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:45 PM

    @SolidSid: “they offer tax cuts because they think everybody is as self-centred as they are and only out for themselves”
    We are quite a heavily taxed nation when you look beyond basic employment taxes and include indirect taxation such as massive excise duties, VRT, VAT, etc…
    Alot of people see huge waste in how our taxes are spent and are rightfully reluctant to pay even more tax to see it go squandered too.
    Passing this off as “self-centred” is a petty call. There is more than enough taxes collected (surpluses in fact) to solve the issues out there, there just isn’t the political will or competency to do so.

    124
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Smithweiser
    Favourite Smithweiser
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:50 PM

    @Laois Weather: Nail on the head there. We could be a great country and should be! Only held back by the gross incompetence of fffg

    318
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran
    Favourite Ciaran
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:54 PM

    @SolidSid: ye we need a party that can shake things.. and when needs be .. blow stuff up..!

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Corrigan
    Favourite David Corrigan
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:23 PM

    @Ciaran: We have that already. FF blew up the ecomony in 2008. FG got on board and did more damage by implementing FF/IMF agreed austerity
    policies.

    225
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:38 PM

    @Ciaran: Did you hear about the new movie coming out, it’s called ‘Jaws’.. about a big shark apparently. Can’t wait to see it.

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Cauldhame
    Favourite Frank Cauldhame
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:41 PM

    @Ciaran: Scraping the bottom of the barrel there….

    When a small crack appears on a pane of glass it eventually shatters.

    FFG are in dire straits and up to there usual tricks here again. We all know MM is a spoofer and Leo doesn’t quite cut the mustard and that their parties have morphed into a single entity, its going to take several years before they regain their own separate identities again if at all.

    203
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fifty Shades of Sé
    Favourite Fifty Shades of Sé
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 3:21 PM

    @SolidSid: It’s hard to believe that as recently as 2007 almost 90% of the population voted FFG…there were few differences between them then either. I would say FF supporters are a bit more conservative socially and FG supporters are a bit more conservative economically but in practice they don’t govern that differently. They both clearly favour the needs of international finance above the needs of ordinary Irish people.
    When Micheàl Martin was asked on last Friday’s Late Late what set FF apart, he basically just said “We want good things to happen”.
    The strange thing is that under his leadership, FF have become softer than FG on the North and on Brexit which seems to render the old Civil War Divide more archaic than ever.

    141
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Poutch
    Favourite Derek Poutch
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:08 PM

    FFG now know the game is nearly up and are trying their best to fool the public once again. I don’t think the public will fall for it next time as to much corruption and scandal has happened.

    476
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hurrly 90
    Favourite Hurrly 90
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 7:39 PM

    @Derek Poutch: Oh Jaysus dont tell me we will be hearning about the ‘plans’ for the budget for FIVE MONTHS.
    Why dont they just go and actually solve problems instead of talking about it all the time. Apparently the money will be there to actually pay off civil servants and trim down the fat in various departments such as the HSE the Transport authority etc etc and set up longer term goals in regards to them. Maybe even make them work for the people instaed of so often feeling they are working against everyone.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spartacus Ireland
    Favourite Spartacus Ireland
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:12 PM

    And let’s not forget the Greens…they have multiple ministries and as much power as FFG it seems…all this because they are so desperate to keep themselves in power

    314
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin O Connell
    Favourite Martin O Connell
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:00 PM

    @Spartacus Ireland: you do realise the G in FFG stands for the greens!?!?!?!?

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:23 PM

    @Martin O Connell: except it doesn’t. It’s the G in Fine Gael. Own it.

    238
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin O Connell
    Favourite Martin O Connell
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 3:10 PM

    @SolidSid: f= Fianna Fáil, f= Fianna Gael g= Greens!!!!!! The first letter of the 3 gov party members!!! OWN IT!!!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 3:19 PM

    @Martin O Connell: FFG was a term used before this government a Mhairtin.. ie. no Greens in it. But you carry on son.

    94
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin O Connell
    Favourite Martin O Connell
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:18 PM

    @SolidSid: there was no alliance between FF or FG before this government!!!! SON.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:29 PM

    @Martin O Connell: Lol.. that’s cute.

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rafa Condron
    Favourite Rafa Condron
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:49 PM

    Just stop putting either on ballots. Simple enough. Vote anyone else not related to these parties. Leave the rest blank.

    292
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Groden
    Favourite James Groden
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:32 PM

    There seems to be a very sudden attempt to disentangle the parties, which would suggest that an election is imminent. I’d go so far as to say that there will be an election in the autumn. Mícheál achieved his life dream of being a Taoiseach, ruining his party in the process. He now wants to remove ff from this show and be seen as good for the party. He’s happy to do this now tory boy is in power. Hopefully people see through this.

    247
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ray Buckley
    Favourite Ray Buckley
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:40 PM

    Stress fractures starting to show in the coalition , the end is nigh , can smell an election coming .

    240
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Madden
    Favourite Brian Madden
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:51 PM

    It’s impossible to tell the difference. They have copied up to each other so much that they have morphed into one.

    250
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute George Vladisavljevic
    Favourite George Vladisavljevic
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 11:45 AM

    …..party identity and dismantling ‘#FFG’

    One can put lipstick on a pig, but at the end of the day, it is still a pig.

    522
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Cauldhame
    Favourite Frank Cauldhame
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:51 PM

    @George Vladisavljevic: Great analogy !

    89
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris O'Brien
    Favourite Chris O'Brien
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:25 PM

    You’d have to be a real headbanger to believe there’s any difference between FFFG. Except the specific odious personalities on display they’re the same party. And they’ve controlled Ireland for over 100 years.

    No one to blame but themselves for the complete collapse of so many things that functioning societies typically have. Eg: meaningful public teansport, working healthcare, and education, domestic industry, schools not run by churches, meaningful access to abortion, safe streets, etc.

    Nothing works, and only one party has had power since the formation of the state. A party known for nothing but corruption and endless ‘lessons will be learned” nonsense.

    217
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john mac
    Favourite john mac
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:07 PM

    When will people wake upthere is never tax cuts they just pretend while inventing new stealth taxes that are double

    144
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shaun Gallagher
    Favourite Shaun Gallagher
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:06 PM

    That’s a whopper of a joke to start a Thursday

    141
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Gray
    Favourite Gavin Gray
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:43 PM

    trouble in paradise? lol

    120
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute QuietMan
    Favourite QuietMan
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:10 PM

    It’s all a sham to pretend that there are real differences between the 2 parties.

    136
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brendan C5
    Favourite brendan C5
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:45 PM

    FF FG two cheeks of the same a r s e.

    175
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AnthonyK
    Favourite AnthonyK
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:34 PM

    Fine Fail Green (FFG) hopefully will get a drubbing at the next election.

    89
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr Low Key
    Favourite Mr Low Key
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:54 PM

    Irish Freedom Party

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute honey badger
    Favourite honey badger
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:31 PM

    Well it’s inevitable, isn’t it?
    FG will not enter coalition with SF.
    FF now have to decide what they stand for and if it will survive coalition contact with the endless promises of SF.
    Let’s face it, SF these days are merely a policy tribute act to FF in the good old days.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute marklars81
    Favourite marklars81
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 2:26 PM

    @honey badger: Do you really believe FG wouldn’t enter a coalition with SF? Either party would to save their own skin, they are nothing but slimy reptiles, every single one of them.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 11:52 AM

    Let’s see how SF/IRA react now that FG beat them to the punch on a populist easy-to-remember policy change that would help the “squeezed middle “

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 11:55 AM

    @Eamon From The County End: You won’t see a response from an entity that doesn’t exist.

    291
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Desmond
    Favourite Donal Desmond
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 12:10 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: Well FFG certainly didn’t react to the squeezed middle until the election gets closer. The toxic mix of FFG certainly will leave a legacy of Crumbling Health services, Homelessness,Housing crisis, Rental crisis scandal after scandal , A refugee crisis that FFG deal with by a make it up as you go along policy, and you blame the opposition. Straight from the handbook of Varadkar and Martin.

    343
    See 16 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 3:28 PM

    @SolidSid: Because SF/IRA doesnt exist? Are you having some sort of crisis?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 3:32 PM

    @Donal Desmond: hurlers on the ditch are the best hurlers in the park though – right? Until you look at someone’s record while they are in government like in a jurisdiction we are familiar with – right? then you can see that a certain all-Ireland party are as conservative as Fianna Fail or Fine Gael.

    But people are sick of taxes and taxs are wodoiusly high in this counrty.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 3:51 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: You seem to be having a crisis of truth. SF/IRA is not an entity. If it is, then prove it with some simple evidence/material from that entity. You’re also clearly one of the intellectually challenged who can’t tell the difference between devolved governance in the north and being in government in the south. Stop reading the bible according to Leo.. like him, it contains very little truth.

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 3:58 PM

    @SolidSid: not at all. SF/IRE are one and the same, political and military wings of the same organisation. If you think anyone has forgotten that trick you are definately having a crisis. I don’t need to prove anything to you.

    I know what policies are being pursued by SF/IRA in the northern part of this island. They are not as socialist as are being pushed south of the border.

    You clearly have no idea that people see through the rubbish being spouted by you and the other hush puppies on here and on every public platform.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:11 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: Ah, so you’re just babbling on about what’s going on in your imagination. Ok so.. I’m more interested in the reality of what’s going on in my jurisdiction.

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:23 PM

    @SolidSid: not to worry Sid – to quote the late Larry Gogan ”the questions didn’t suit you today”.

    And the question is ”Did Fine Gael steal a march on SF/IRA by getting out a populist tax reduction for a vast swathe of voters?” The answer IMHO is ”yes”.

    So own it like you recommend somone else to do.

    It’s SF/IRA – you can own that too.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:33 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: You didn’t have a question Eamon. ‘Questions’ about imaginary entities are not questions, they are ramblings. And don’t try to come across as smart now, too late for that.

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Desmond
    Favourite Donal Desmond
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:38 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: One thing is certain concerning FFG their record since the foundation of this state has been boom and bust…mostly bust…They preach about the corporate tax..yet fail to mention the 200 billion this country owes…Our grandchildren,s children will still be paying for it

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:40 PM

    @SolidSid: too challenging to your world view Sid?

    I posed the question, which I believe is a legitimate one and you come in here with cheap pro SF/IRA comments. I think you need to accept that today SF/IRA have been out-manouvered by Fine Gael. No doubt SF/IRA will have some other freebies to offer to win voters over.

    But not today.

    Take your beating like a good chap and quit now while you’re ahead.

    I won’t engage with your other silly questions that have no answers. Like SF/IRA I’ll choose to answer only the question I decide to answer.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:47 PM

    @Donal Desmond: oh right – so high levels of income compared to most of the richest countries in the world count now as bust?

    I get the point about owing a huge sum of money and I think this should be paid down. But scourging working people with high taxes is not the way to do it.

    Raise the Corporation Tax rate to 15% – that would raise a few extra billion – why not do that?

    These massive companies wouldn’t miss it.

    While your at it, raise the minimum wage and also raise Employers PRSI which is paid by employers on workers wages. Its at 11% in Ireland. Germany gets approx 19%from employers.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 4:54 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: I told you not to try to be smart, you don’t have it in you..

    You didn’t pose any question, it was a statement.

    I didn’t post a single pro SF comment – quote me.

    Nobody has been outmanoeuvred by FFG, everyone sees this for what it is but you carry on your FFG delusion if you wish.

    How can I take a beating and still be ahead?

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 5:12 PM

    @SolidSid: on the contrary my friend, you and your party has been outsmarted – today.

    Pro SF/IRA comments: ”You won’t see a response from an entity that doesn’t exist.” Look away now folks nothing to see here.

    ”SF/IRA is not an entity” – exhibit 1 – Martin McGuinness, IRA member, SF member – simple really. Look away again Sid.

    Question ”And the question is ”Did Fine Gael steal a march on SF/IRA by getting out a populist tax reduction for a vast swathe of voters?” The answer IMHO is ”yes”.”

    Thats all today folks.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Desmond
    Favourite Donal Desmond
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 5:15 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: Perhaps it the FFG / Green government of the day should be dealing with these issues..No blame the opposition for decisions this government refuse to deal with. Yes we are one of the richest countries in Europe, but when you factor in The housing crisis? Crumbling Health service, Homelessness, Rental crisis among some of the shambolic policies of this government..FFG/ Greens created this policy, it’s up to them to fix it …Not blame the opposition for the failed policy of FFG/ Greens.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 5:24 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: Your obvious lack of understanding of basic language and logic go a long way to explaining your beliefs that are not grounded in reality. Good luck.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon From The County End
    Favourite Eamon From The County End
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 5:34 PM

    @SolidSid: again with the lecturing tone Sid.

    Can you accept that views other than your own exist in the world?

    The gubberment is not responsible for everything under the sun?

    You’re on here battling with everyone today. Do you not have job to go to? Or is this your job?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SolidSid
    Favourite SolidSid
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 6:09 PM

    @Eamon From The County End: Wipe your chin, Eamon.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán Ó Riain
    Favourite Seán Ó Riain
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 1:28 PM

    SFF

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tim Brennan
    Favourite Tim Brennan
    Report
    May 25th 2023, 9:10 PM

    All shadow Boxing and the new kids on the block Sinn Fein will soon realize being in power will bring upon them the same party division when the real power brokers in Government the Civil service and anti people brigrade employed all over the HSE( apart from Nurses) prevent people from getting treatment+ HSE employees all their jobs should be privatised jobs like people working in stores pharmacies clinics etc

    5
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds