Promises Promises Eveywhere but...

by Michael Regan

With the general election looming we are all asking ourselves the same questions; “who should we vote into government?” and “if our preferred party gains control of our country, what tasks will they perform to ensure that we don’t regret our decision?”. ‘Silly season’ is well and truly upon us. Each party has been accused, by their opponents, of ‘‘auction politics’ and one must contemplate if we can put our faith in the parties and their outlandish and irrational proposals. Leader of Fíanna Fáil, Bertie Ahern, has backed partner in crime Michael McDowell, Tánaiste and leader of the Progressive Democrats, in his quest to tackle the problems with regard to law reform. Has Michael bitten off more than he can chew? Is Mr. Ahern really the trustworthy man which he would like us to believe he is? His well documented ‘financial problems’ unquestionably indicate that he is not. The question must be asked: are we, the Irish public, willing to put our trust in a man who is prepared to shed tears on live television to evade his predicaments?

On the other side of the fence we have the possible coalition of Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, and Labour leader, Pat Rabbitte, whose principle intention, if they were to be elected, is to eradicate the problems of the national health system - if there ever was a mountain to climb! However, it would seem that Mr. Rabbitte is indecisive about whether to jump into bed , as it were, with Enda or Bertie. Surely we shouldn’t elect a party that is uncertain about their own allegiance.

Finally, another contestant, but perhaps not a front runner, is none other than Mr. Trevor Sargent and his Green Party. Among Trevor’s promises there is the proposition of legalising gay marriage. This is undoubtedly a controversial affair and one which has been the topic of much debate in the Dáil and in the Seanad. Perhaps the most notable and most important promise of all is the intention to tackle global warming. This imminent crisis is indisputably a perturbing affair and must be confronted head on and immediately. However, it is quite vivid to see that the majority of the world are oblivious to the damage they are inflicting on our planet as they continue to emit carbon dioxide and monoxide into our atmosphere. Is it plausible that The Greens, a significantly smaller party than the two more prominent parties, shall deal with a global emergency of this magnitude? Surely not.

Is it plausible, even possible, that any of these parties will be the answer to our prayers, if you will? It’s no secret that these factions have their flaws. So when the smoke has cleared and the dust has settled post election, will it be Fíanna Fáil and the P.D’s or perhaps Fíanna Fáil and Labour? Maybe the coalition of Fine Gael and Labour will be the victors, or maybe the underdog will rise above the rest and solve all our problems! The wise words of Carl Sagan come instantly to mind: “One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we‘ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. The bamboozle has captured us. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back”.