Integrated planning is at the heart of Fine Gael's proposals for an alternative form of government. In publishing its "Plan for the Nation", which outlines the party's vision of Ireland in 2010, Fine Gael offers more efficient and effective administration, along with a caring social conscience. As a pre-election document, it is certain to add to the public debate about where we are as a society; what aspects we wish to develop and how those economic and social objectives might be achieved. Its starting point is uncontentious. Irish quality of life has been eroded by a series of bottlenecks caused by unexpectedly rapid economic growth which have impacted on transport, housing, health services and childcare. The positive aspects of rising incomes and falling unemployment rates have been undercut by soaring house prices, long commuting times, traffic jams, hospital waiting lists and expensive or non-existent childcare facilities. Fine Gael offers a range of responses to these problems and blames the Coalition Government for failing to take decisive action. It is fairly predictable stuff. And many of the solutions offered have been in the public domain for some time. But a compelling thread of common sense informs key elements.
The party urges a planning approach that would incorporate high density housing with rapid rail and public transport networks in specially zoned areas. Such zones would form part of integrated villages and towns and would have upgraded healthcare and childcare provisions. Housing output would have to be increased by one-third overall. But construction of public authority housing would treble at an additional cost of £630 million. The total cost of the plan over a three to four year period would amount to £2,845 million.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, explained that policy ideas had been published at this time so that when a general election is called, the campaign will not become a personality contest, trivialised or dumbed down to popular entertainment levels. He expects an election within seven months. And he hopes to go straight into the implementation phase of the plan the morning after ministers receive their seals of office.
Such an ambition ignores the fact that Fine Gael will not be in a position to form a government on its own. It will certainly need the Labour Party - and possibly other groups - if it is to displace the present Coalition. That will require intensive negotiations and trade-offs in areas of policy. By publishing its priorities at this stage, Fine Gael has attempted to set the agenda not just for the election campaign but for possible post-election negotiations.