York to Dáil: Pffft!

Vindrus York the man that the whole weight of the right-wing rests upon in our Republic is slowly losing losing the political glitz with which he re-entered the Tománnach political arena. Upon his return to Talamthom, after an unannounced absense of around two months, he appeared refreshed and ready to bring to Talamthom a more professional approach to right-wing politics. It was this stylist change in the presentation of his party which lead to him being able to attract a new member in the form of Edgard Portela, who would have been standing in the Dáil this term if it were not for certain immigration restrictions.

So with the National Freedom Party, the only right-wing entity following the rapid rise and demise of the Patriotic Citizens Party (STT), the flag was passed to Vindrus York to represent the right-wing heartleand of Mainistir and for Portela to push for more power for the right-wing in the Capital. So the question that begs to be asked is why then are the NFP failing so miserably to use this new found initiative and not making there presence felt?

Well the root of the problem can be traced to the NFP's first major piece of policy of the new Dáil term following an election campaign which saw Vindrus York return to legislative branch. This policy came in the form of a direct attack on Article 11 of the Constitution, the very article that gives East Fealsamthom its special administrative region status. In the policy stated:

"The National Freedom Party opposes Article 11 of the constitution; unless it applies equally to all counties of the Republic.The East Fealsamthom should not be entitled to 'special rights' in the constitution, we are one nation not separate entities. If Article 11 is allowed for EF, then other counties (i.e. Mainistir) should be guaranteed special status as well."

The NFP front-man then decided to continue his attack into the Dáil by submmitting a bill. This highlighted a marked change in the approach that the NFP was to take. In the previous administration York had opted in favour of conducting his battles outside of the Dáil by shouting from his corner of the Courtyard, Baile na hAlainn's central plaza. Although his approach was welcomed the content of his approach wasn't. The main reason for the dissapproval shown towards the NFPs Unity of the Republic Act was that, during the Constitutional Convention, it had been agreed upon by all parties concerned that East Fealsamthom's status as semi-autonomous was to be secured. In the eyes of both Labour Parties and the Communist Party there was no reason to start the debate on Fealsamthom again.

At the same time as submitting the Unity of the Republic Act the NFP party leader also submitted the National Military Act which laid out provisions for a military to be established in Talamthom. Although being very poorly presented it was generally well-recieved by the Dáil Ministers, who were at there most active, and was hailed a triumph for the NFP and Vindrus York.

Far from being encouraged by the success that the Military Act was having in the Dáil the NFP leaders' habitual negative attitude came back to haunt the government. Seeing that the Unity of the Republic Act was having a hard time York saw fit to request the withdrawal of both acts. This initially baffled most political observers in Talamthom (see The Tománn Independent Sunday 16th January) who didn't understand why he was cutting off his nose to spite his face.

A point he breifly made in dispatches was to define the new approach of the NFP leader, much to the discontent of his party members. This new approach would be one that was designed to disrupt the legislative process. This was virtual apathy - a euphamistic way of saying that he would choose to abstain from voting on certain acts.

This approach of not actually formulating an opinion of joining in the Dáil debate but still insisting on abstaining from voting. When he chooses to vote against a bill and yet not raise any objections whilst the bill is being debated he is robbing his citizens of their voice. In the mind of the NFP leader he believes that he is on a crusade against the 'oppressive socialist government' and the best way to fight is in the ballot box but how wrong could he be? Why does he choose to be passive when he should be getting involved directly in the debates to get extra protection for the people of Mainistir? Interestingly by being voted into government he isn't technically a representitive of Mainistir anyway, he is a representitive for all Tománnachs.

Vindrus York is in the process of ruining his own reputation. He was to be a candidate for the Tománn Independent's 'Best Political Comeback' award following his arrival back into Tománnach politics but this is now looking unlikely. Vindrus needs to start fighting vocally for Tománnachs in the Dáil and put an end to his fight in the Ionad Vótala.