1 week Ago
There’s an old joke that when politicians go to confession, they begin by saying: “Bless me, Father, for sins have been committed.” Deflection and distance from responsibility are deemed to be so deeply rooted in the DNA that facing up to failings must be avoided at all costs. The calling of an election opens the way to judgment day, when all are accountable before the ballot box.
Whatever one’s preferences, the ending of the 33rd Dáil closes the book on an extraordinary time. It first met on February 20, 2020, and within nine days the first Covid case was diagnosed. The pandemic locked down the country.
Thousands died, despite the sacrifices of so many, but it was also a testament to all politicians – in and out of government – that our country kept going in those dark days. Cross-party support was found when it was needed. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had earlier set aside historical differences to put the country first.
Throughout the Covid-19 nightmare, there was general acceptance that politics had to work. We must now hope Taoiseach Simon Harris’s appeal to “value your vote and use your voice” will be heeded. His aspiration that this election will be a “safe” one will also be echoed across the country.
The proud tradition of respect for all those running for office must be honoured. Government parties will tout stability, sticking to the tried and the tested and unprecedented prosperity. The opposition will vociferously beg to differ.
The bigger parties ought to know they have no automatic right to return to office The general election will be fought in 43 constituencies, but it is widely agreed that the defining issues will, once again, be housing and health. Fianna Fáil has insisted that retaining the Help to Buy scheme would be a red line issue in government formation talks after the election. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald is in no doubt housing will dominate the campaign.
She believes the Coalition had its chance and has failed miserably to deliver the numbers of homes needed. Labour would see a winding down of housing subsidies, opting for an SSIA-style state-assisted save-to-buy scheme. A “change” agenda will understandably be driven by opposition parties, which is inevitable given the length of time Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have spent in power.
Across Europe, there is unquestionably a strong anti-incumbency swing. Government parties will claim the system is working, and may have a point. But opposition parties can credibly counter that it is not working for everyone, with too many left behind.
The bigger parties ought to know they have no automatic right to return to office. As any general would attest, big armies don’t necessarily win battles, only the good ones do. As to those who may feel “It doesn’t matter who’s in office, it’s always the same” in politics – as in all other areas – you have to make things happen.
Your vote, however you use it, is a stake in your country’s future..
