RELATIONS BETWEEN Fianna Fáil and the Green Party are likely to be severely tested in the coming days as the junior Coalition partner seeks to renegotiate the terms of the programme for government and reassure members that its policies are being taken seriously. The outcome of those discussions may determine the survival of the Coalition Government when a special Green Party conference is held on October 10th.
At the top of John Gormley’s negotiating list are requests that funding for primary education, excluding pay cuts, should remain at 2008 levels and that university fees should not be introduced. The lengthy document reflects aspects of the McCarthy report in that it calls for a property site tax and for the replacement of existing departments with ones that would concentrate on equality issues and on administration and reform within the public service. The protection of social welfare payments and the establishment of universal health insurance figure prominently while the establishment of an independent electoral commission, a ban on corporate funding and changes to the electoral system are proposed. In addition, priority is sought for the development of public transport over a roads programme. Animal welfare legislation is favoured.
Two years ago, Green Party members grudgingly adopted the original programme as a “work in progress”. Now, in a radically weakened position, the party leadership re-enters negotiations with Fianna Fáil to revise that document and to convince members that a more assertive Green Party agenda can be implemented. It is not clear what Fianna Fáil’s response will be.
Given its straitened economic circumstances, there is no prospect this Government can regain favour with the electorate through the traditional methods of patronage and largesse. Instead, its reputation and authority are likely to depend on the implementation of long-needed structural and administrative reforms and support for an innovative and knowledge-based economy. An early general election could severely damage both parties. Because of that, Fianna Fáil has little to lose by embracing radical change. A ban on hare coursing may, however, represent a step too far for some rural TDs.
While not specifically mentioned, Nama legislation is likely to attract considerable opposition at the special party conference. If Mr Gormley and his ministerial colleagues are to remain in Government, further protections for the general public may be required.