Ireland: Old Rivals Join Greens To Form Historic Coalition Government

[appalachiablue]

Source: DW

Ireland's rival centrist parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have entered into a historic alliance with the Green Party, ending a political stalemate that had gripped the country during the coronavirus pandemic. A political alliance struck on Friday will bring together incumbent Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael, and its old rival, Fianna Fail. The two center-right parties have dominated Irish politics since independence a century ago.

Micheal Martin (pictured at top), leader of Fianna Fail, is set to become the prime minister, or taoiseach in a special parliamentary sitting on Saturday, as part of a reported deal involving a rotating premiership. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, both from Finn Gael, are expected to keep their jobs as Martin announces his new cabinet. Varadkar, who will return to the prime minister's office in December 2022, said on Twitter he was "clearing out the office" of taoiseach.

The Green Party, which won 12 seats in February's parliamentary election, emerged as the kingmaker. It secured significant concessions, including a commitment to a 7% average annual cut in greenhouse gas emission as opposed to the current 2%. As part of the bargain, the new government will also stop issuing new licenses for the exploration and extraction of gas and focus on public transport infrastructure. "There's work to be done, and we're the ones to try and help make it happen," said Greens leader Eamon Ryan.

The coalition deal was first approved by Varadkar's Fine Gael after it won the support of 80% of its members. "Fine Gael is going to enter a third term in government and this new coalition is united and strong, and up to the challenge," Varadkar told reporters. Fianna Fail, which won the most seats in the 160-seat parliament, approved the deal with 74% approval. "We have chosen this route, it has many challenges," said Martin. "But on the other hand, it's also a moment of opportunity and a moment of hope for our people."...

Read more: https://www.dw.com/en/ireland-old-rivals-join-greens-to-form-historic-coalition-government/a-53961685

[JudyM]

1. I fantasize that the US Greens will join Dems this time around.

[appalachiablue]

2. Everything helps; glad to see these factions cooperating in Ireland

and hope they can accomplish important plans.

[The Magistrate]

3. Anything To Balk Sinn Fein, Sir

[Normanart]

4. Balk what exactly

The current political goal of Sinn Fein is the reunification of Ireland. Past association with the IRA seems to be an albatross. Association with the Provisional IRA is denied. Still the largest party in Ireland, and identified as democratic socialist.

[The Magistrate]

5. My Apologies For Lack Of Clarity, Sir

I would have preferred Sinn Fein to be in the government, as I support those goals, and approve of the social democrat tendencies the party displays. Both the 'center' parties grew out of violent factions, just further back in time.

[Normanart]

6. thank you

your posts are generally clear and concise. it seems like the "centrist" parties joined with the Green party for the specific purpose of reducing the influence of Sinn Fein. i hope the greens can have a positive impact on the agenda.

[The Magistrate]

8. Exactly, Sir

I was in a bit of a hurry when I tossed that off.

Sinn Fein ought to be part of any governing coalition, its electoral performance warrants that.

[Yeehah]

7. But if you're balking somebody, you're helping them out

That's the only way I can cypher it when using balk with a direct object.

Yes, I miss baseball.