The rub of The Greens

And so it has come to pass - a little later and under different circumstances than originally anticipated but a series of bills focusing on animal welfare passing through the house ahead of the summer reccess is causing the man on the street, when the microphone of the public broadcaster is stuck under their nose, appear inclined to mention ad nauseum that the 'little' sister is dictating to the 'bigger' bruiser and that they should "get back in their box". Comments echoed by Fianna Fáil TD, Mattie McGrath who, kind of, voted against the party on the stag hunt ban (He voted against in the electronic vote and then abstained in the face vote) that the baby coalition partner is bullying its senior.  Also, in a society where money talks and is talked about at length, the appetite for wider government policy does not digest well with the taste of economic woes still firmly on the palate. It is the Greens that are seen to be distracting the work of an already 'faultering' government. Once again the curse of the smaller partner in a Fianna Fáil led term is imploding.

John Gormley's own actions, orinactions are to blame. His percieved floundering on the Poolbeg incinerator is coming at a financial (€250million) and economic cost (600 jobs) as well as the interim disposal of Dublin's increasing rubbish pile. The procrastonation smacks of NIMBYism. SImilarly his removing of The Ward unions hunting licence was legally challenged resulting in court costs and now the legislation

But why introduce these bills now? Surely if the public mindset is not with such change and, indeed is largely opposed, why cause a tremble? Tittle-tattle round Leinster House has it that a Cowen heave is imminent and Green chairman Dan Boyle has now set his gaze beyond the term of this government and is putting the party, and its troops on an election footing. So perhaps pushing through these Green pointers on the policy for government now before it topples, collapses or is concluded by the 'bamino' themselves could be taken back to those disposed to giving them 'the vote'.Ironically, it could be this run that could end the party (but the tea- and the political) It has cost Fianna Fáil their fifth TD to the whip and also broken the loyalty of two independents who, now the seal has been broken makes further opposition both easier and consequently, more inevitable; especially in the budget-led agenda that will no doubt shape the final quarter of the year.