It was because Fine Gael were deemed unready that an unloved Fianna Fáil came back into government. The corollary is that the relentless test that Fine Gael and Enda Kenny faced, and failed, in 2007, now awaits Fianna Fáil. Peak-Leo may have passed, Fianna Fáil candidates in key constituencies may be better-placed than their national poll numbers indicate, but a fundamental questions remains: is Fianna Fáil an alternative government, in-waiting? Becoming contenders again put Fianna Fáil up for a test most of them have never faced, and seemingly don’t realise is coming. It is true what Fianna Fáil say about the election being closer than national polls indicate.

Source: Irish Examiner April 16, 2019 23:03 UTC