As a nation we are at a crossroads. We have been at many crossroads before. But I believe never so significant a crossroads as this.
For 80% or thereabouts of our nation's short history, we have had Fianna Fail in power. And the end result is national economic catastrophe. Of course it has been spun so many other ways. Turning a corner we have been told. Green shoots we were informed. Signs of growth was the message.
But of course Fianna Fail are grasping at straws. We are in for years of economic pain. And the longer Fianna Fail remain in office the longer the pain.
Voting in FF again at the next election would be the worst possible choice of the electorate. There must be a zero tolerance of any Fianna Fail candidate, because the leadership of FF cannot implement their policies without the help of individual TD's. All are guilty, not just the leadership.
There will of course be a massive protest vote against FF at the next election as there was a massive protest vote at the locals and European elections. This is inevitable and inescapable. Even FF at this stage seemed to have resigned themselves to massive defeat, and their unwillingness to call the bye-elections betrays a well-founded fear of the electorate.
What is not in doubt is that Labour and FG will make massive gains at the next General Election. Just how the cookie crumbles in terms of seats is unclear. For me, FG will make gains outside Dublin, while Labour will make gains within Dublin. What is important is both make gains at FF's expense.
Another FF government post the next election is unconscionable for anyone who wants to see this country move in the right direction. A very long time in opposition for FF is the only result which is of benefit to this country.
