The dust has only just settled on the UK general election.

It now seems it’s time for the Irish politicians to take centre stage.

We can’t have our Big Brother Across The Water hogging the limelight for too long.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin has written to Fine Gael Taoiseach Leo Varadkar seeking clarification on the date for the next general election.

The ball is rolling.

Currently Ireland is governed by a device known as ‘confidence and supply’. In effect this is a programme for government agreed by the two main parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, and also some independent TD’s.

To a large degre it has been a successful arrangement. The economy has improved although the housing crisis is still ongoing.

Fianna Fáil will support the minority administration as long as they are kept onside. Significantly they are not part of the government.

This was a smart move on their part.

Fianna Fáil are in a rebuilding phase after suffering the wrath of the Irish electorate following the banking crisis. Traditionally the junior parties of coalition Irish governments are not looked upon favorably come the following election.

Best to stay outside and bide your time.

Which is exactly what Sinn Fein have been doing for many years now.

My Good Self will never vote for Sinn Fein on account of their dubious history however I do respect their political cleverness.

They have slowly built up a following and now have 22 TD’s in the current Dail (parliament). They know only too well that coalition government as a junior partner would not be good for their long term health.

And so they wait.

The Irish Labour Party are facing a crucial period in their existence.The next election will indicate whether or not they have a realistic future.

The Green Party will most likely improve their lot next time around. Environmental issues are to the fore now more than ever.

Independents have done well in recent times. This was partly due to corruption scandals in the bigger parties. The brown envelopes do not appear to be much in evidence of late so it will be interesting to see if they maintain their numbers.

The current Dail is due to run until April 2021.

It is unlikely to see out its full term.

Come election time My Good Self will be hoping that the election posters are placed on the lampposts at a height of over six feet.

I would like to hold on to what hair I have.