Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Neither Deputy Martin nor Deputy Kenny have been elected as Taoiseach because they do not enjoy the confidence of this Dáil. We should not be under any illusion that anybody outside in the real world is convinced for a second that either of those men or either of their parties - Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael - will make things better, more equal or more fair. That is the stuff of fiction. We know that because the evidence of the past is there in plain sight. Fianna Fáil challenges Fine Gael on its failures in the health system. Deputy Chambers said Fine Gael perpetuated a two-tier system, and he is right, but so did Fianna Fáil. In fact, in many crucial respects, Fianna Fáil was the architect of that very two-tier system.

The rest of us are caught in the bun fight between Tweedledum and Tweedledee, a long drawn out domestic dispute between these two parties which, in truth, have very little to mark or distinguish them and which share a disgraceful track record in respect of equality, fairness and the building of a true republic in this jurisdiction. That is the truth.

The truth is also that we are witnessing manoeuvring on who will come out on top. There is a clear contradiction between making accusations of addiction to power and pleas to move away from control and spin and then perpetuating, or seeking to perpetuate, this very control and spin. Here is the test for both party leaders, but let me address it particularly to Deputy Micheál Martin because he was the one who spoke about control and spin and is the one who is fearful, it seems, that the very concept of partnership might be hollowed out. If he wishes to get away from control and spin, why is he so controlling and gripped with fever to beat his rival, Deputy Enda Kenny, in terms of numbers? Members on his benches have stated it is not about numbers, but, in fact, it is. It is precisely about numbers and control - the two big beasts of Irish politics throwing the rattle out of the pram because they do not have it all their own way any more. In the absence of marginalising the rest of us, they are now turning in on each other. The establishment is turning in on itself and we have the fiasco that we have witnessed. That is not good enough.

Here are the numbers and the mathematics as of today. We had 52 against 43. To me, that is a fairly straightforward verdict. I do not want to see either Deputy Enda Kenny or Deputy Micheál Martin as Taoiseach. I would go so far as to say neither of them is fit to be Taoiseach. I do not want to see either of their parties in government. I can tell them that, like many others, I dread the idea of them finally kissing and making up and being in government together in whatever incarnation. This would not be good for the people I represent. I know this. It would not be good for the people Sinn Féin and so many other progressive and independent Deputies represent. We all know this. However, we also know what the numbers are and fully and finally that the two of them need to make up their minds. Are they doing it or are they not? Do not insult us by prolonging this farce.

The Taoiseach spoke about respect for Members' mandates. He has no respect for their mandates because we are left in a situation where not alone do we not have a Government but we also do not have opposition. We have a "caretaker Government" with absolutely no democratic scrutiny. The Taoiseach has deliberately and in a prolonged way frustrated our right to do and fulfil our democratic duty. How dare he do this? He has no right to do so. As for lecturing the rest of us about our responsibility to ensure a stable Government, our bigger responsibility is to ensure good government. He will not use the figleaf of stability and his apparent road to Damascus conversion to democracy, transparency and partnership as the means to co-opt us into politics and policies that are bad for our communities and Ireland and that will never ever deliver the republic the people deserve.

They should get on with it, make up their minds and stop insulting people's intelligence with the poses and posturing they strike. They are like Tweedledum and Tweedledee with devil the bit between them. Make the deal and do it quickly and, if they cannot do so, they should be very clear that it was they who were not interested in being in government and that it will be they who will force another general election.

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