Harney warns against one-party government

Tánaiste Ms Mary Harney today warned the electorate against giving Fianna Fáil an overall majority saying coalition governments were more effective.

Recent opinion polls have suggested that Fianna Fáil may be close to gaining an overall majority in the Dáil for the first time in twenty years.

Speaking on RTÉ radio, Ms Harney conceded that if the Election were held tomorrow "there probably would be an overall Fianna Fáil majority".

She said: "I don't believe that is what the people of Ireland want to see. In fact a majority of Fianna Fáil supporters don't want it. Partnership government works very well."

Yesterday, PD candidate for Dublin South East and Attorney General, Mr Michael McDowell, put up posters in his Dublin constituency declaring "One Party Government? - No Thanks."

Ms Harney shrugged aside opinion poll evidence that the Progressive Democrats could be decimated in this month's General Election.

She maintained that new survey methods being used for the first time in the current campaign were not adequately reflecting the measure of support for smaller parties in the contest.

Ms Harney said: "We are optimistic about the constituencies we have targeted and it is not unrealistic that we could double our present number of four seats.

"The election is just one week old - it is all there to play for."

The two opinion polls so far published since Taoiseach Mr Ahern called the May 17th election have indicated backing of just 2 per cent and 3 per cent for Ms Harney's party - as well as the prospect of an overall majority in the Dáil for Fianna Fáil.