After a spate of political changes in several of the Celtic countries Secretary General of the Celtic League, Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, considers possible developments as the people of Ireland go to the polls to elect a new Dublin government;

"With elections in Éire looming it is still unclear as to who will form the next Dáil Éireann (Parliament). It is predicted that the Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrats coalition of the last Government could still pull in more seats than anyone else. However a transfer pact exists between Fine Gael and Labour and although the Greens are non aligned at present it is fairly possible that they are open to forming a new 'rainbow' Fine Gael/Labour/Green Party coalition Government after May 24 th.

Sinn Féin, who is already part of the Stormont Government in the north, say that this is an indication that they are also ready for Government in the Republic. If they increase their representation in the Dáil after May 24 th it is likely that they could hold the balance of power.

If Sinn Féin gets into Government in the Republic, they have promised to draw up plans for a united Ireland with a referendum on unity to be held simultaneously in the north and south.

A Sinn Féin coalition with Fine Gael however, could prove tricky especially with regard to Irish language policy. The Celtic League wrote to Fine Gael Irish Language Spokesperson, Fergus O'Dowd TD, last August to complain about a Fine Gael motion that was passed at their Ard-Fheis, at City West in Dublin calling for an end to compulsory Irish for Leaving-Cert students. In response to our letter Fine Gael Party Leader, Enda Kenny, commented:

'I believe a new agenda for the Irish language is long overdue, and that much of our approach to Irish to-date has not, served our language well.'

The Irish elections will not be the last elections for the Celtic countries this year. Brittany will also have the opportunity to vote in the French legislative elections in June.

There could possibly be a General election called in the UK later this year after Tony Blair steps down as Prime Minister. However, this is unlikely as the dour Scot (who seems to have a 'identity crisis' over his own nationality), Gordon Brown, who is set to succeed Blair lacks sufficient popular support to take an early risk at the polls."

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

19/05/07

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