THEY do things differently in Britain. The new prime minister, Tony Blair, entered Downing Street the very day the result was declared; while John and Norma Major walked out the front door, their furniture was leaving by the back.
Although we go to the polls on June 6th it could, and probably will. be several weeks before we know who our leaders will be new or old. Even in the unlikely event of a clear majority for one of the major parties, the present Government stays in power until the Dail elects a Taoiseach.
If the result is less than clear cut, as expected, it could be weeks before there is a change of power, if indeed that is the outcome of the election.
The first task of the 28th Dail, when it meets on June 26th, is to elect a Ceann Comhairle; the balance of parties in the Dail will decide who gets elected. Then the Dail elects a Taoiseach. If a new coalition is the outcome, it is unlikely an agreement for government will be arrived at within the 20 days. So the Dail will probably adjourn and set a later date to return.
Our system means that while the new British foreign secretary, Robin Cook, was negotiating in Europe almost within hours of the change of administration, we will be represented, come what may, by the same team at the two up-coming summits, next Friday in Noorwijk and on June 16th in Amsterdam.