The future of the UUP may dominate current discussion, however it surprised me that no comments had been made on this thread to date, particularly in regard to Trevor Sargent's dismissal of a pact with FF.

I know it's (only) statistics, but the Green Party came third (behind SF and DUP)in terms of performance from the last council electons and are finally within sight of their first Assembly seat(s). On the same day, council elections returns in GB gave the Green Party their highest ever number of elected representatives.

The Greens appear in a strong position to play the pivotal role in forming the next coalition government in the Republic. Green politics is 'on the rise' throughout these islands, however would participation in a future Government south of the border be likely to further increase the popularity of the Green Party north of the border, and if so, which parties are most likely to lose out to the Greens?

Hagrid

which parties are most likely to lose out to the Greens?

Alliance, Labour groupings, soft UUP and SDLP in that order.

It is interesting that there is an unwillingness among Greens to enter into a pre-election pact with Labour and FG. This is a fairly shrewd position for a small party as the larger parties benefit by association. Why vote Green when you can simply vote FG?

The PD's nearly fell into the pact trap last time round until the now Minister of Justice decided that you needed the PDs in coalition with FF to keep an eye on them.

I have since heard the leader of the Green Party make a statement that he would not enter into a coalition with FF with him as leader. Whilst that does not rule out such a pact with a new leader it does show where their preferences rests. Or does it indicate a difference of opinion within the party?

He was politcally astute in ruling out coalition with Bertie , for the Greens to replace the 3% s as coalition partners would definitly be an improvement for the ordinary man on the street but it would probably be the political death of the Green party afterwards. Fianna Fail under Bertie is regarded as to corrupt to touch by many,many in the general public ,Trevor Seargent has realised it is not a good idea to get on a sinking ship and the alternative of Fine Gael / labour s small dingy with no paddle going nowhere isnt any great improvement,hes better off waiting on the beach

Bloggers will be interested to note that Northern-based advisors in the Green Party have been among the most adamant in advising Trevor Sargent against a pre-election coalition deal.

Just eighteen months ago, Trevor was lining up with Enda and Pat for photo calls and smiles on cue.