Take 2?

BACK FOR MORE? Staff pictured taking instructions at the start of the general election count in the Mayo Constituency Count Centre in the TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar on February 9 last. There is now a distinct possibility that there may be another general election once the battle against Covid-19 is won. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

The extension of the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions came as no surprise on Saturday, when An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar revealed that rather then ending on Easter Sunday they would be kept in place until after the May Bank Holiday weekend.
In these toughest of times, when we all yearn for a return to normality, we all knew in our heart of hearts that the battle is still only in its early days, and that the Taoiseach would once again reiterate a call to arms in the fight against Covid-19.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel and with continued compliance by the public, we can hope that come May 5 some restrictions will be lifted, and a definite path will be drawn for a return to normality during the summer months.
We as a country, have shown solidarity in trying to defeat this deadly virus, and people have by and large shown themselves willing to put there shoulders to the wheel. They will no doubt continue to do so, and do their bit to get the country back on its feet.
Even our political parties, fresh from a gruelling general election campaign only two months ago, have parked their differences and worked together for the common good.
The sitting government has stepped up to the plate and performed admirably in the circumstances, with Varadkar and his Minister for Health, Simon Harris, taking centre stage and galvanising an unprecedented response from a nation full of fear and anger.
The Covid-19 crisis came days after Fine Gael publicly stated they had no interest in being part of the next Government due to their poor performance in the February election – but you can be sure their tune has changed now in light of their leading role in fighting the pandemic.

Grand coalition?
There is now a distinct possibility that Fine Gael and Fianna FΡil will create history and form a government together in the near future. But they will still need help from others, and despite safety in numbers, it is hard to see how this could be a stable government with a long-term future, especially with Sinn Féin watching its every move.
These have had to have been a very difficult few weeks for Mary Lou McDonald’s party. Their outstanding performance on February 8 has been cruelly consigned to the history books, and although they still harbour ambitions of being part of the next government, the reality is that the goalposts have now been moved and they may have to take a huge gamble and push for a second election before the end of 2020.
It is impossible to conclude what the mentality of the electorate will be when the battle against Covid-19 is hopefully won in the coming months, but it is safe to say that uncertainty will prevail and Government will have to lead the way and help everyone to try to recover as best they can.
The environment that prevailed when the programmes for government were put in place back in early 2020 is now a distant memory. The positivity around the state of our economy has been destroyed by Covid-19, and we now must face up to fact that we are effectively going to have to plan for recovery, just as we did when the awful recession hit this country in 2008.
The best option for all involved may be to wipe the slate clean and have another general election in the autumn of 2020, when hopefully the coronavirus has left the country and we all have to decide how to continue on with our daily lives.
As it stands, we can be proud of our politicians and the way they have handled an extremely delicate and dangerous situation – but when that battle is won, it is quiet clear that another fierce battle will recommence to win the hearts and minds of the nation.