After months of speculation it was revealed this week that Fianna Fáil has for the first time registered itself as a political party in Northern Ireland.

The move which was well trailed seems to be a precursor for Fianna Fail challenging Sinn Fein in elections in the North. Where this will leave the SDLP is unclear but in recent years there has been a debate in the party (SDLP) on the prospects of amalgamation with Fianna Fáil.However, the 'northern initiative' by Fianna Fáil may yet hasten the demise of the 'Social Democrats'.

Announcing the move, sleaze embroiled Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, said that it marked "a historic step in the road to developing a strategy for organising this party on an All-Ireland basis".

Pointedly (given the comments about the SDLP above) one of the 2000 guests at the inaugural 'fest' was SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell, who was congratulated by Ahern on "his success in getting the Northern Assembly back up and running".

The move does signal how confused the political landscape in Ireland is becoming.

Success by Fianna Fáil in the north. whilst possibly continuing to govern in the south, would probably put greater strains on political realities in Ireland. Some Unionists will undoubtedly see any success by Fianna Fáil as creating a 'Trojan horse' in their midst.

What the move does once again highlight is the irrationality of those who believe that an accommodation can exist indefinitely which retains a part of Ireland politically separate from the main body of the country.

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

08/12/07

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