Hayes: Cross-party coalition 'makes sense'
Prominent Fine Gael TD Brian Hayes today claimed a national Government made sense – but only after a General Election.
The party’s public spending spokesman said the crisis was so stark that the three major parties could form a coalition.
But the former frontbencher, who was demoted after the failed coup against party leader Enda Kenny, insisted consensus on a four-year austerity plan could not happen until the public go to the polls.
“I think because the difficulties are so severe for the country at the moment... it may well make sense that a national government would be made up of the three principal parties in Dáil Éireann after a general election and after the public have voted and given a mandate to the particular parties,” he said.
Last week, Fine Gael’s front bench ruled out a cross-party coalition, insisting it will not support Fianna Fáil retaining power.
In a statement, they said the current crisis was in a different context to the 1980s when the party propped up Charlie Haughey’s minority Government to get through a crippling downturn.
Mr Kenny has also shot down any prospect of a return to non-opposing Opposition.
Mr Hayes, Fine Gael’s Junior Finance Spokesman with special responsibility for public expenditure, said there is currently no mandate for any party to sign up to savage cutbacks needed to slash the spiralling national deficit.
“The only potential for a national government would be after a general election, when there is agreement on that package,” he told BBC Northern Ireland’s 'Politics Show'.
“At the end of the day, the only way the Irish people can support that four-year package is by way of a General Election.
“I would see the potential of an election, and after that, possibly, a national government at that stage.
“I think it would be impossible to have a national government in advance of a general election.”
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has also poured cold water on calls from the junior coalition partner Green Party leader John Gormley for a cross-party pact, to implement €4bbn budget savings for next year.
Mr Cowen said he would welcome ideas from the Opposition but added: “As regards this question of a national Government, I don’t see it relevant to our present situation.”
The Labour Party has dismissed calls for a national alliance as a desperate attempt to keep Fianna Fáil in power.
