Sir, – Jennifer Bray reports that “FF wants Martin to be Taoiseach first and for longer” (News, December 6th).
A relatively simple solution to the “longer” issue is for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to commit, in effect, to a fixed-term government of four and a half years.
Micheál Martin would serve two and half years as taoiseach and Simon Harris two years, thereby enabling a summer election in June 2029.
Doing so would have several advantages, not least avoiding a winter election, which would likely improve turnout (something that should be a priority for any democratic government) and it would also spare us the endless speculation on the date of the next election. – Yours, etc,
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S MOLLOY,
Dublin 6.
A chara, – A certain amount of posturing between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael around government formation seems to be playing out in the media at the moment, particularly on the issue of parity of esteem. In the recent election, the electorate made clear their desire for the continuity of the present government.
Should Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael fail to provide that for whatever reason, the electorate may not be so amenable the next time around. – Is mise,
JOHN KELLY,
Bennekerry,
Co Carlow.
A chara, – One way for Fianna Fàil to seek the upper hand in the next government might be to offer Fine Gael a rotating taoiseach position for the second half of the expected lifetime of the administration, longer than they deserve. While Mr Harris is taoiseach, the capital city switches from Dublin to Cork. Putting Cork first. – Is mise,
DERMOT O’ROURKE,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.
A chara, – I think I heard at least three references to “clear pathways” on RTÉ news. As Storm Darragh and more snow arrives, the only clear pathway I need in the coming days is from my door to the front gate. – Is mise,
EOGHAN Mac CORMAIC,
Cill Chríost,
Gaillimh.
Sir, – We are told that government formation is about policy but rotating the top job smacks of both ego and domestic party politics. If rotation of the post of taoiseach takes root, then why not extend to the Independents who will support the Government?
Maybe the Independents should draw lots among themselves to nominate one of their own to become taoiseach for a few months out of the 60-month term of the next Government!
How would that look internationally? – Yours, etc,
JOSEPH M DODDY,
Dublin 14.