When George “Dubya” Bush’s Republican party came to power in 2000, the departing Democrats, in a final act of sabotage, reportedly removed all the Ws from the keyboards in the White House to irritate the incoming government. Fianna Fail is proving similarly ungracious in defeat. The Soldiers of Destiny have left the keyboards alone in Leinster House but they’re stubbornly refusing to leave their well-appointed, fifth-floor eyrie. The party has worked out of the same sprawling, light-filled room since the 1960s and claims the office has historical associations for the party. The walls are bedecked with portraits of the party’s leaders, including Eamon de Valera. Until now, Fianna Fail’s right to Leinster House’s most sought-after chambers was never in dispute. As the largest party in the Dail throughout the history of the state, they had dibs on the choice accommodation. But times have changed. Fine Gael has been returned with 76 seats to Fianna Fail’s 20, a comprehensive drubbing that entitles Enda Kenny’s party to its pick of Leinster House’s best quarters. To the victor, the spoils.
Final word: Time to move out
The Soldiers of Destiny have left the keyboards alone in Leinster House but they’re stubbornly refusing to leave their well-appointed, fifth-floor eyrie