Sir – Once deemed an inconceivable alliance, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have successfully put their Civil War disagreements behind, forming a remarkable coalition. They’ve effectively shared high-ranking positions like the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, and currently on the brink of passing their fifth budget in the Dáil. Distinction between the policies of these two parties appears to be fading. Their joint claim of the coalition, bolstered by the Greens, being a robust government is noteworthy. In times of dissent and no-confidence motions in the Dáil, their mutual support stood strong.
Having served as an elected member and chairman for both Carlow Town and County Councils, I’ve had the privilege of being part of coalitions with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael at different instances. Over the past three decades, vigorous political debates between these two parties were a common sight. Recently, county councils across the nation have experienced Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael coalitions following the 2019 and 2024 local elections.
It might be late considering the impending general election, but one can’t help but question if it’s time to bid farewell to Civil War politics. Is it conceivable for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to merge into an all-embracing singular party? Looking forward to your thoughts. Yours faithfully,
WALTER LACEY,
Carlow.