Ahern rules out SF coalition.

Typedef

An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern today stated that after the parlimentary elections the Fianna Fail Party would not sit in government with Sinn Fein because of the fact that the Irish Republican Army has not decomissioned all of it's weapons. So I have to ask, why is it that Sinn Fein are good enough for the government of Northern Ireland but, not the Republic of Ireland? Why did this Republic devote so much time and support to the Northern Peace process and why does it support the government of Northern Ireland as well as the participation of Sinn Fein (a party Fianna Fail is derived from) in that government whilst ruling out Sinn Fein from a government with Fianna Fail?

It is interesting that politicians in the Republic of Ireland can scream blue murder when the Unionists in Northern Ireland seek to bar Sinn Fein from government on the same remit, but somehow do not find dicotomy in barring Sinn Fein from coalition in the Republc of Ireland for the same reasons. If Sinn Fein hold the balance of power why should it not participate in a coalition government? If it has a sufficient level of endorsement from the electorate then should that endorcement not be reflected? What kind of hypocracy allows the Fianna Fail party to expect the Unionists in Northern Ireland to preform political acts that the Fianna Fail party is not prepaired to preform itself?

A mandate from the people is a mandate, pure and simple, but barring Sinn Fein whatever IRA affiliations it may or may not have seems to be a kind of elitist and morally hypocritical political tactic.

Biffa Bacon

So I have to ask, why is it that Sinn Fein are good enough for the government of Northern Ireland but, not the Republic of Ireland?

Because the rules for forming a government are different in the North. A party with a certain number of seats is automatically entitled to participate in the government no matter what other parties may think of them. In the Republic there is no such obligation. Therefore Bertie Ahern is quite right to rule out coalition with a party of traitors.

Manach

I dunno, could be interesting having SF in coalition, why they could be useful in persauding independents to toe the line, baseball bats and all.

Sand

I for one am glad. Sinn Fein are nothing but the scum who make exscuses for the IRAs atrocities. I have no time for those who makes exscuses for terrorists.

Just because you can form a government with a party does not mean you have to. Especially if the parties policies are not compatible. Child prodigies shouldnt have to be told this.

Samson

Originally posted by Biffa Bacon

Therefore Bertie Ahern is quite right to rule out coalition with a party of traitors.

Traitors ?

What do you mean ?

Please expand on this part of your statement.

Biffa Bacon

Sinn Féin support the IRA. The IRA is an illegal paramilitary organisation that does not recognise the legitimacy of the Republic. Therefore the IRA are traitors. Sinn Féin are traitors. Anyone who votes for Sinn Féin is a traitor. Anyone who provides funds to Sinn Féin is a traitor. Anyone who would share power with Sinn Féin is a traitor.