By Fiachra Ó Cionnaith, Political Reporter
A front-bench Fianna Fáil TD has refused to rule out his party supporting a minority Fine Gael-Labour government after the imminent election, saying on three separate occasions that “we will discuss all options” after the vote.
Jobs spokesperson Dara Calleary took the position despite categorically stating the opposition party will not enter government under any circumstances with Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s party.
Speaking at the launch of Fianna Fáil’s jobs strategy this morning just hours after the latest Red C poll placed Fine Gael on 26% (-2), Labour 9% (+1), Fianna Fáil 19% (+1), Sinn Féin 17% (-3) and Independents/others on 29%, the Mayo TD said a grand coalition of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is not on the cards.
“There is absolutely no way that I will support, as a member of Fianna Fáil, us going into government with Fine Gael” he said.
“As long as Fine Gael pursue a Tory party model, we will not support going into government with them.
“Fairness has to be at the centre of this election, and as long as Fine Gael are in government fairness is irrelevant.”
However, when asked on three separate occasions if he would also rule out Fianna Fáil supporting a Fine Gael-Labour minority government from the opposition benches – a situation similar to the Tallaght Strategy in the 1980s – Mr Calleary failed to categorically reject the potential move.
“Nobody’s voted, nobody’s actually gone into a polling station and they won’t do so for a few days,” he said.
“Nobody’s put a mark on a ballot paper, and until 10pm [Friday] next week we’re out there to get as many votes as we can. Then we’ll discuss all the options.
“We’ve made it clear we do not believe in going into government with Fine Gael, we do not share their ethos.
“We do not believe Sinn Féin are ready for government.
“On Saturday week when we know the numbers we’ll happily discuss any options, but between now and Friday week we’re going after every vote possible.”
Asked later in the press conference if there is any possibility of Fianna Fáil supporting the coalition on a “case by case” Dáil vote basis – in effect the same situation – Mr Calleary, who is considered to have a detailed understanding of political numbers, again failed to rule out the option.
“We have nine days to go, nobody has voted, nobody’s put a ballot paper in a box, we are out there and looking for as many people in seats in the Dail, afterwards we’ll have loads of time to discuss options then.”
Asked why going into government with Fine Gael can be so categorically ruled out but supporting a minority government cannot, he said: “What I’m saying to you, I’m like a little Duracell bunny here, we are out in the middle of an election campaign to get votes to make our party as big as possible, and we will discuss all options afterwards.”
With a hung Dáil a distinct possibility due to the collapse of Fine Gael poll support, which is down 5% since the campaign began, and Labour on 9%, there are currently only a small number of options for the make up of the next government based on the poll figures.
They include a Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil coalition which both parties have ruled out and according to the latest poll may only just have enough voter support, and a continuation of the current coalition if it is backed by Fianna Fáil from the opposition benches.
The latter option would suit the current government as it would allow it to continue in power, while also making Fianna Fáil relevant, position itself as the responsible opposition and – potentially – be able to decide the terms and time of the next election.
