TDs to meet in Mullingar for pre-Dáil return think-in are likely to focus on housing, cost of living and budget issues
Taoiseach Micheál Martin: Sessions to discuss the housing crisis, healthcare, farming, gambling and the budget are scheduled at the think-in but there will also be many private conversations on the margins among TDs and Senators about the state of the party, its uncertain prospects and the leadership.
The mood is certainly different to last year, when the think-in was billed as a showdown between Martin and his internal critics. But the anticipated rebellion failed to materialise and the showdown turned out to be a bit of damp squib, which had the effect of strengthening the leader’s position. That disposition of forces hasn’t really changed in the last year. Martin will end his term in the taoiseach’s office in December as party leader. What will be interesting to see in Mullingar is whether there is any consensus emerging about what happens then.There has been some grumbling among backbenchers about the lack of time in the Mullingar programme for precisely these sort of discussions.
After a poor run in opinion polls, TDs will be braced by two different polls on Sunday which both showed the party gaining three points. But that won’t allay a deep unease about the party’s fortunes and prospects, and a sense of fatalism among some TDs that it faces a savaging from voters at the next election.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Two polls suggest Sinn Féin remains most popular partyTwo new opinion polls suggest that Sinn Féin remains the most popular party, however the surveys also indicate that Fianna Fáil has made gains.
Read more »
Coveney says government is 'ruling nothing out' in response to cost-of-living crisisThe Foreign Affairs Minister warned “this isn’t a crisis that is going to go away quickly”.
Read more »
Late heartbreak costs Ireland place in Sevens World Cup finalA second half comeback was not enough as a McGarvey-Black hat-trick cost Ireland a historic place in the Sevens World Cup final. via IrishTimesSport
Read more »
Okay, so we might have just gotten a MAJOR update on that High School Musical reunion | StellarI mean, it's High School Musical...who says we have to let it go?
Read more »
Prince Andrew to take on queen's beloved corgisA key question around Britain's royal succession was resolved today when it emerged scandal-hit Prince Andrew and his ex-wife will look after Queen Elizabeth's corgi dogs after her death.
Read more »