Watching the politicians tonight after Fianna Fail and the Greens have taken a hammering in the local and European elections.  All but FF and Greens promoting the need for an immediate general election.  FF and Greens arguing that government should continue to govern.

Joan Burton (Labour) and Mary Lou MacDonald (SF) surely should be on one side (left) – with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on the other (right).  This whole show is a waste of time and energy.  We are looking at two centre right parties – FF and FG – who should merge.  They may have different ideas on what to do with public expenditure, banks, etc – but effectively represent same interests.

At some stage surely Labour and SF can work out how to come together – perhaps now that Labour feel more confident (at least in Dublin) they can look to work with SF.

Please quite the squabbling.  Michael Martin and Richard Bruton should be in one party.  Mary Lou MacDonald and Joan Burton should be in one party.  Then we might finally have a real choice between right and left.

As usual John Bowman’s  mastery of his subject matter and genuine fairness is outstanding.