The tentative establishment of a new political party by former Fine Gael minister of state, Lucinda Creighton is an interesting development. With an election approaching and a multiparty coalition government becoming a likely outcome, the need to create an attractive platform for Reform Alliance members became an imperative. The initiative involved an appeal to the public, as well as to Independent county councillors and Oireachtas members, to sign up for membership in advance of a formal party launch.
The timid nature of the initiative is understandable. Exactly a year ago, Ms Creighton and her supporters announced details of a rally in Dublin and invited prominent Independent Oireachtas members to attend. They declined and the launch of a new party was quietly shelved. Since then, much has changed. Both Fine Gael and the Labour Party were soundly trounced in local and byelections and opinion polls have charted a continuing decline in their support. Not only that, Independents and other parties are now attracting record approval ratings of 30 per cent and more while individuals like Shane Ross have proposed the establishment of Independent policy-based groups. Any further delay could have left the nascent party at the starting blocks.
In effect, Ms Creighton and her supporters have allowed themselves eight weeks in which to gauge their likely level of public support before final decisions are taken. And while 100 volunteers may have been engaged in planning and policy formation since last July, a much more intensive effort will be required if they are to mount an effective challenge to mainstream parties. The lack of a name for the intended party is a sign of weakness.
Building an economy “for entrepreneurs and small businesses” represented a key element in Ms Creighton’s presentation. On a superficial level, it harked back to the foundation platform of the Progressive Democrats, but lacked that party’s liberal agenda. Back in 1986, the Progressive Democrats promised to rein in excessive public spending while, today, the general complaint is about continuing austerity. Rebooting the economy suggests that a return to traditional values would be a good thing. Following the crash, not everyone shares that view. Concerning political reform, elected members will have a free vote on matters of conscience. That issue will arise later this year when a referendum on same-sex marriage is held. Voting patterns at that time may have a chilling effect on the party’s ambition.
A promise to be “hugely ambitious, bold and brave” sounds impressive. But the policies that underpin such a programme remain to be articulated. A commitment to put candidates forward in every constituency is equally nebulous. Until decisions are made and formally agreed by party members, this is make-believe politics.