Fine Gael supporters deliberate the idea of a rotating Taoiseach.
A proposal that the Fine Gael and Labour parties would form a coalition and rotate the office of Taoiseach between Fine Gael leader John Bruton and Labour leader Dick Spring.
In the five seater constituency of Limerick East, Fine Gael holds one seat held by Michael Noonan. Earlier this year, Michael Noonan failed in his challenge to John Bruton's leadership of the party. Grassroots opinion in Limerick is completely opposed to the idea of a revolving Taoiseach.
Many believe it would lead to Fine Gael's disintegration and government instability.
James Riordan, Fine Gael, believes that the identity of the party is more important than the desire to be in power. He says the idea of a rotating Taoiseach is a non-runner and the party would be better off on the opposition benches. Eddie Butler, Fine Gael, also opposes the idea as Fine Gael has fifty per cent more seats than the Labour Party.
Many political observers believe that the idea of a rotating Taoiseach is taking hold. Given the poor Fine Gael showing in the polls, the idea of a rotating Taoiseach may not be too high a price to pay for power. Jimmy Woulfe, Limerick Leader, says there is a growing perception that a rotating Taoiseach may be the best option to keep Fianna Fáil out of power and Bertie Ahern out of the position of Taoiseach.
A lot of people in Fine Gael now believe that Fianna Fáil have to be kept out of government and if that means forgoing the position as Taoiseach, so be it.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 25 November 1994. The reporter is Cathy Halloran.
