Back before the election.Much of the criticism of the green party was that they they would jump ship the first sign of trouble. ( I think some Fianna Failers actually laid this taunt at the feet of the Greens before the election but can’t find the quote.) Well the first sign of trouble was back before Lisbon and they are hanging in for all they are worth. Now looking at their education 50 steps site and the recent budget cutbacks it seems that they should told us the direction of them steps. So many people are wondering why they are still in government, why have they not pulled the plug and ushered in a new election.

Well it is politics. When the Greens went into power many people swore they would never vote Green for the simple crime of going into power with Fianna Fail added to the fact all these budget cuts and it is clear to see why they would not go. All the parties have abandoned talk about the environment the whole nation has It is a case of it is the “Economy Stupid” and climate whats it. The green agenda has been killed. When people are worried about their pockets the climate matters little to them. Environmentalism is a concern of happier times for most people. Tackling climate change is seen as a luxury not a necessity for most.And these cuts are just not that popular.

So say the greens brought down the government, would they be rewarded for doing so? No I think not many would not have forgiven them for proping Fianna Fail up in the first place even if they bring them down. The sheer Idea they could prop them up has dirtied them in many people’s eyes. Bringing Fianna Fail down would mean that any transfers from that side would also be none. With the enviroment on the far back burner to the economy they lose that vote as well.

All in all Greens pulling the plug on the government would be election suicide. Hence Fianna Fail can do what they like and the Greens will have to take it and hope, by 2012 either we come rich again and people say Fianna Fail did good and have enough money so that caring about the environment enough to vote for it. Or we get hit by a hurricane and climate change comes the number one issue. Otherwise the Greens come the new PD’s.