My thoughts on this evening’s developments for what they’re worth:
1. #CoronavirusIreland is not a mandate for long-term Government. (1/11)
1. #CoronavirusIreland is not a mandate for long-term Government. (1/11)
2. The current crisis must be dealt with radically and effectively. It does not allow for considered policy development across a wide range of areas (eg health, housing,climate change) over an extended horizon. (2/11)
3. Instead, #CoronavirusIreland demands immediate laser-like focus over the next few months on protecting our communities and the public health service, and managing the economic and budgetary impact. (3/11)
4. A national government set up for a short but defined period would be more effective during this post-election phase in terms of taking the potentially drastic measures that will be required in the short-term by building consensus and de-politicising the crisis. (4/11)
5. Remember, the threat posed by #Coronavirusireland, and the actions that may be required to combat it, are unprecedented in modern times and need buy-in from the main parties and the public at large. (5/11)
6. That national government should work closely with the NI Executive to adopt an all-island approach to containment and delay of transmission. (6/11)
7. Within @fiannafailparty, members must be given an opportunity to approve or reject any proposed coalition. If an Ard Fheis cannot be held, alternative arrangements to facilitate that process should be made. (7/11)
8. From my meetings with FF members, there are many within the party who are opposed to any coalition with FG having campaigned for a change in policy and direction after 9 years. They do not believe that this arrangement would represent change. (8/11)
9. Finally, back on #Coronavirusireland, emergency legislation is to be introduced to amend the rules on sick pay to encourage maximum compliance with self-isolation guidelines. (9/11)
Yet some of our banks want to keep foreclosure on the table where people can’t, over the short-term, pay their bills as a result of having to close their business and because of the economic disruption more generally. (10/11)
This needs to be urgently addressed to achieve a fair and compassionate outcome that protects people’s homes and livelihoods as well as ensuring better public health results. (11/11)
