The Labour Party had better look to its public image if it wants to maximise the number of its Dáil seats in the coming general election. As a worried delegate remarked to the party's special conference in Cork: Fine Gael and Enda Kenny have been getting all the media attention and are likely to benefit most from their pre-election pact.
Pat Rabbitte is struggling in the role of team player as he attempts to convince voters of the benefits of an alternative government. In the months ahead, he will have to concentrate on strengthening Labour's appeal as an independent party.
The new Progressive Democrats' leader, Michael McDowell, is in the throes of a go-it-alone exercise, promising unspecified action on stamp duty and advocating major infrastructure projects. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice irked his Fianna Fáil colleagues by offering such change at this time. But his intervention was all about securing media attention; appearing relevant to voters and repositioning his party in advance of the election. Doing it from within Government was just an added hazard.
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen was not impressed, having been advised by his officials not to modify stamp duties last December because of the inflationary impact. And he wondered what other taxes would have to be increased to make up the shortfall. The incident may refresh unhappy memories within Fianna Fáil concerning Mr McDowell's independent behaviour. But coalition governments are flexible arrangements. And tensions are inevitable. As of now, however, both Mr McDowell and the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, are committed to a continuation of what Mr Cowen once described as a temporary little arrangement.
Special conferences are normally used as a curtain-raiser for the new Dáil year, which opens next week. On this occasion, however, they have been used to launch what may become the longest general election campaign in Irish history. Party leaders have rallied their supporters and promised new beginnings and fresh alternatives. The electorate should take careful note of past performances before coming to any decisions.
Fine Gael and the Labour Party are still struggling to present themselves as a reliable, alternative government. Agreed policy formation is at a preliminary stage. Their current efforts were designed to maximise vote transfers and rule out alliances with either Fianna Fáil or the Progressive Democrats. Once they have established the centrality and viability of that purpose, they will be in a position to identify agreed objectives and reflect their separate identities. A long game is being played.
The PDs, meanwhile, won the battle for public attention this week, with Mr McDowell displaying his ability to conjure up eye-catching issues. He is a leader under pressure, attempting to revive and strengthen his party. Friction with Fianna Fáil is likely to grow as the election approaches. But then, friction is the bedrock of politics.