The Green Party has done the sensible thing and disappeared beneath the political radar as it considers the demands it may put on the table in any possible negotiations with Fianna Fáil and the less-viable Fine Gael/Labour Party alliance about the formation of a new government.
There is a great deal at stake for the party in terms of its political credibility and future development. Any mistakes made at this stage could provide its critics, who regard the party as unreliable, irresponsible and flaky, with damaging ammunition.
The ritual political dance to provide a stable and functioning government has yet to get underway. The politicians need these few days to get over their physical and mental exhaustion. There is no certainty - nor necessity - of a conclusion when the 30th Dáil meets on June 14th. The Taoiseach has indicated his intention to consult initially with the Progressive Democrats and with Independent TDs. But, given the emphasis that has been placed on the need for a five-year stable government, the narrow voting majority offered by such an arrangement and the political price involved may be unattractive.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has no such reservations when it comes to the formation of a coalition with a knife-edged majority. Contact has already been made with the Labour Party, the Green Party, the PDs and five Independent TDs seeking support. Mr Kenny's actions may be primarily designed to focus public attention on Fine Gael's successful election campaign and its role in a future government.
Life is being made as difficult as possible for Fianna Fáil. The alternative alliance hammers home the fact that the party has a leader under pressure. Fine Gael has now warned Mr Ahern's potential allies of the risks they could run by supporting Fianna Fáil in government, having ignored the controversy surrounding his personal finances during the campaign.
Mr Ahern wanted the issues to be left to the Mahon tribunal and that has now moved centre stage. The Taoiseach's decision to attack the tribunal's integrity was an extraordinary development given that, in other political circumstances, Mr Ahern claimed the credit for establishing it.
It should be remembered, however, that the people are sovereign and they put Fianna Fáil into pole position even though many of them did not believe the story about the financing of Mr Ahern's house. That is democracy, warts and all. Mr Ahern got the primary mandate.
The Labour leader Pat Rabbitte will support Mr Kenny's nomination for the position of taoiseach on June 14th. Mr Rabbitte has affirmed continuing support for the Mullingar accord and denied Fianna Fáil an early opportunity to engage in negotiations with a favoured coalition partner. In the light of tribunal developments, any criticism of his leadership and strategy at today's parliamentary party meeting may be muted.
Mr Ahern's popularity has entralled all.