As we go to press on Tuesday, a new Government has been formed, after a week of talks. It did seem to be slowing down on Friday, but not that both Fine Gael and Labour has taken the plunge, the country is already more relieved that we have a new Administration and not have a long drawn out negotiation.
Fair play to them for being practical and getting a deal done, if Labour became difficult, there was always an alternative card of the Independents for Fine Gael. Would their demands have been less than that of the Labour Party, we do not know.
In the meantime there is a strong Government in terms of numbers and cannot be seen like the outgoing one, that was deeply unpopular. Labour are under no illusions that Government decisions may be unpopular. It will be joint responsibility.
