FF polling third place behind Lab. A time to reflect?

[Dare to Dream]

Yes it is a real poll. Irish Times, I believe, not out until 2moro but accurate nonetheless.

 

[Eurocitizen]

The poll is correct and the result is not good for the party .
The Government parties throughout Europe are suffering the same effect of this global economic crisis and there is little we can do to change that .

People are frightened and the most natural think to do is blame the Government and that is the correct thing to do . After all we are in power and people expect us to have solutions . The situation is going to get a lot worse but I only hope that people will see that we are not totally to blame for the situation .

It is now up to the opposition to show they have solutions if they don't the voters will realise that no matter who is in Government we will just have to knuckle down and ride throught this global economic crisis .

FF will come out fighting and posters will have to admit that our machine when it is in full flow is a formidable fighting machine .

I only hope we do not loose heart and knock on the doors to face the anger and fear of the voters .I believe we can turn this around, but we are going to suffer in the local and European elections .

 

[hiding behind a poster]

I only hope we do not loose heart and knock on the doors to face the anger and fear of the voters .I believe we can turn this around, but we are going to suffer in the local and European elections .

What happened to those "very positive canvass reports" you were telling us about last Friday night? What happened to your claim that the people were getting tired of the Opposition being unpatriotic by attacking Cowen and FF? What happened to your "soon to be published" polls that had FF ahead of FG?

 

[The Red Rose of Cork]

no hope of a seat in euros for eoin ryan on these figures

 

[Eurocitizen]

What happened to those "very positive canvass reports" you were telling us about last Friday night? What happened to your claim that the people were getting tired of the Opposition being unpatriotic by attacking Cowen and FF? What happened to your "soon to be published" polls that had FF ahead of FG?

Well all gone up the river now , oh what happened Enda Down 3 points?

 

[goosebump]

I'm more of an opponent of the Barstool Wisdom that pervades this Forum than a supporter of FF.

This is a very serious situation for the party.

A dip in the polls 2 years into a term is to be expected, but the entire public sector, including the generational FF supporters, seems to have turned on them, and we've only had 10% of the pain we are going to have to undergo over the next few years.

This number could go a lot lower, and even with a pre-election boost from the party machine, FF could still come into the next Dail with less than 50 seats.

The idea that FF are the only party who can 'run the country' would therefore be shattered, and that might not be reversible.

 

[yehbut_nobut]

valid points - but can we leave this thread for FF'ers to discuss among themselves, rather than feel they have to defend themselves to outsiders?

 

[JohnCallaghanWill]

Time for a leadership heave in Fianna Fáil

Willie O'Dea
Beverley Flynn
Mary Wallace
Mary Coughlan
Mary Hanifin
Noel O Flynn
Ned O'Keefe

 

[jc_ie]

Willie O'Dea
Beverley Flynn
Mary Wallace
Mary Coughlan
Mary Hanifin
Noel O Flynn
Ned O'Keefe

Those are the people to have taken out back and shot before any leadership contest right?

 

[Almanac]

is that a joke?

 

[Eurocitizen]

Willie O'Dea
Beverley Flynn
Mary Wallace
Mary Coughlan
Mary Hanifin
Noel O Flynn
Ned O'Keefe

Really ! when is this happening ? gosh you are really on the ball .

Maybe there could be a double heave .

Richard Bruton
Richard Bruton
Richard Bruton
Richard Bruton
Richard Bruton
Richard Bruton
Richard Bruton
Richard Bruton

 

[Almanac]

Dermot Ahern is the only viable alternative

 

[Almanac]

Although Bev has the makings of a good leader cometh the time. Most of the criticism of her was hypocritical.

 

[Greener]

The poll is correct and the result is not good for the party .
The Government parties throughout Europe are suffering the same effect of this global economic crisis and there is little we can do to change that .

People are frightened and the most natural think to do is blame the Government and that is the correct thing to do . After all we are in power and people expect us to have solutions . The situation is going to get a lot worse but I only hope that people will see that we are not totally to blame for the situation .

It is now up to the opposition to show they have solutions if they don't the voters will realise that no matter who is in Government we will just have to knuckle down and ride throught this global economic crisis .

FF will come out fighting and posters will have to admit that our machine when it is in full flow is a formidable fighting machine .

I only hope we do not loose heart and knock on the doors to face the anger and fear of the voters .I believe we can turn this around, but we are going to suffer in the local and European elections .

Unfortunatly, it is beyond a globel crisis, and the nationalisation of Anglo Irish bank, the recapitalisation programme, and the disapearence of Dell and Waterford Crystal articulate this. Problem is, FF have been reticent to suggest any solution beyond those which a just about keeping us aflot. An example of this is the 2 Billion. It is not nearly enough. Money needs to come from somewhere, and we are suffering from the decision to maintain ownership of some of the "family silver". Cowen needs to accept advice, and the "My Way" attitude cannot be tolerated.

I may have to happen that Fianna Fail bankrupt their support base by taking drastic action that nobody in any sector of Irish life would agree with. Remember, when people are taking to the streets, its to protest their own interests. It is not in the overall national interest for the public service to demand the return of the 1.4 million. However, that will not stop them. Ditto teacher, nurses, bus drivers. Equally, look at private sector workers. Waterford Crystal is a prime example.

However, for short term unpopularity, Fianna Fail could gain a lot. If they continue to engage in the slapdash attitude towards economic crisis, then the party is in deep trouble. The local election will be tricky by any standard. However, it could be a slaughter house scenario. If this trickles into the EU elections, then FF could be going to Europe with 3 seats rather than four. Furthermore, if the attitude is seen as a catylist for a slump into a full depression, then Bertie will never see the Aras, and 2012 could see Fianna Fail gain its lowest number of seats ever.

 

[jc_ie]

Although Bev has the makings of a good leader cometh the time. Most of the criticism of her was hypocritical.

Ok now we know you are just kidding.

Bev "I'm entitled to it" Flynn?

Actually. Let her become leader. Please.It should remove the remaining 22% of support.

FF would really need to think outside of the box and quit it with the family dynatys

 

[JCSkinner]

Shooting's a bit harsh. I'd settle for jail.

 

[democrat]

This current crisis represents the biggest challenge, by far, that any government has faced since the foundation of this state. I am NOT a member of FF, and must admit that I have rarely voted FF. However, I respect whatever government is in power, and particularly at this time, I have enormous sympathy for Cowan and Lenihan (both extremely bright and capable individuals) who, in my view, are being unfairly hounded by both the media and opposition. They are fully aware of what a poisoned chailce they were handed by Bertie - the real villain of the piece. For their sake, I hope Cowan brings in new talent ASAP. FF have not been well-served by Mary Coughlan in her role as Tanaiste - she must be replaced immediately by Mary Hanafin, who has recovered some of her old poise, and has the essential ability to think on her feet and is never less than articulate. I also suspect that others within FF, such as Martin and Ahern are playing a poilitical game, hoping to gain from Cowan's predicament. It may well be the time to bring them into the tent.
I would be equally supportive of a FG/LAB government in the same situation; however, they are unlikely to regain power under Enda Kenny. As soon as FG get real and remove Kenny, that is the time when the clock may start ticking as far as this Government is concerned.
Lastly, it may now be impossible for Cowan to turn things around in time for the next election in 2001 or 2012. In his position, I would try to do the honourable thing and make tough, courageous decisions in the "National Interest" which will ensure that history looks far more kindly on his tenure in office - just look at how McSharry has been deified. Cowan is still a young man in political terms, he will have another opportunity to return triumphantly to office.

 

[JCSkinner]

I agree with much of what you're saying, but Cowen is toast. Once he's out he'll never be back.

 

[toxic avenger]

I posted this in the MRBI thread, but perhaps it is more suited here:

I wonder now will Fianna Fail members in the lower ranks start copping on and try to reclaim the Party from the spivs? There's an opportunity presenting itself for the more ambitious young members to carve a niche now. FF are going to take a hammering and are going to be looking eventually for faces out front that represent a break with the Ahern era. A bit of Kruschev-style denunciation by a cadre of members now of those who have run the show in the last decade might be short-term unpopular but might present a long-term opportunity as the Party scrambles around to put on a new face. Not a million miles from what Blair did with Labour, but distancing themselves from gombeenism rather than from socialism. There is certainly going to be upheaval in FF over the next decade, and opportunities abound for those willing to distance themselves now...

Thoughts?

 

[JCSkinner]

Two words.
Royston Brady.
I rest my case.