The term save your bacon was first recorded in 1654. What the origin of the phrase is unclear. Maybe bacon was expensive back then and to save it, was to save something precious. To a politician nothing is more precious then their seat. It is their job, their symbol their power it makes them what they are. Of late we have seen a few politicians grabbing life jackets from the S.S Fianna Fail Green promising to jump ship if the over 70s thing went true the likes of Matty McGrath. While some minor figures The young Healy Rae,  Thomas Welby (PD Galway Councillor) have jumped ship and a big figure in Finian McGrath.

Now they say that this is because they were principled about the issue. But in reality they think that the ship is going down. So far the Greens have been very stable. Rowing in behind the FF tiller. (I know i started with a bacon metaphor I should have bacon puns. Suggestions welcome.)  Considering the humming and hawing the PD’s did over Bertie Gate their response has been remarkably loyal. However how much can they let this go? With these measures Labour must be eating into their ABC demographic. While the other independents are still supportive their is only so far pork barrel politics can get you. This budget is turning into poison chalice and will go down in the annals beside VAT on childern shoes.

The desire to stay loyal to the party is strong but the desire to save your own bacon is greater. How long this government can stay afloat is questionable. If we have an election in 6 months I would not be surprised. Certainly with the Bacon saving I think I am not the only one.

The question is where do these people go? The civil war ties are possibly too great to allow a mass jump of FF to FG. Can anyone think of someone looking to form a party??????