The current breathless discussion over the longevity of our redundant government is based upon a paradoxical fantasy. All of the quaint denizens of Leinster House are locked in the great lie that the loss of a government majority in a vote would trigger an immediate general election. Not so. It did not occur when Labour walked out on Albert Reynolds in 1994. It did not occur when De Valera, Lemass, Lynch, Haughey and Ahern all resigned or retired before the end of the Dáil term.

The turkeys who are strutting the hills of Sligo-Leitrim and other such exotic locales, the Green linnets disporting themselves in the leafy suburbs, have absolutely no intention of voting for Christmas, which they know full well would be an extremely bloody one. But the government's life is hanging by a thread as strong and as weak as a spider's filament. With the help of a dozen currently 'solid' backbenchers, a 'new' majority of the existing Dáil could demand an immediate recall, accept or enforce Brian Cowen's resignation – and nominate a successor to form an entirely fresh government, all within days, if not hours.

Absolutely no problem constitutionally, but, alas, hugely problematic politically and, above all, psychologically.

Maurice O'Connell,

Fenit Without,

Fenit,

Tralee,

Co Kerry.