Forming a government capable of meeting the economic and social challenges facing the State will not be simple and could become an extended process. Political leaders will eventually have to put party concerns aside and cooperate in the public interest. If that means the creation of a grand coalition composed of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, or a time-limited minority government supported by either party, the sooner it happens the better.
A tentative exchange of political options got underway in recent days as the parties performed much like grebes at mating time when they presented possible nesting materials to one another. Because this media-based exercise involved party sources, it was eminently deniable. But it represented the start of an important public education programme, designed to identify the difficulties inherent in various options and to prepare the ground for future compromises.
The Dail will meet this week to consider the housing crisis and EU issues. The more important matter of electing a taoiseach and forming a government has been deferred to April 6th when political stalemate is expected to continue. Only then, after the political pecking order has been confirmed, will Fianna Fail and Fine Gael engage in serious discussions.
As of now, Micheal Martin is holding to his pre-election stance of not joining Fine Gael in government. Enda Kenny returns the compliment and both leaders engage in the charade of wooing Independent TDs and smaller groups. Fianna Fail sources insist, contrary to opinion poll indications, that coalition would be rejected by a special party conference - with disastrous consequences for Mr Martin - and they offer conditional support for a Fine Gael-led minority government. Fine Gael seeks guaranteed Fianna Fail support for three years, along with prior agreements on budgets and Dail reform. A grand coalition offers the best chance of resolving these issues and establishing an effective, stable government. Before that happens, however, expect visits to other political cul de sacs. Public patience is already wearing thin.