The starter’s gun has been fired and the race is on. The favourite was not as quick off the mark as some of the other old hands but they all picked up speed as they reached the first jump. So commenced election 2016 this week.
The first hurdle has the misleading name of “fiscal space”. One or two of the front runners fell at it when they discovered it had been misnamed! The alleged surplus of €10.1 billion (over the next 5 years) has largely been spoken for, committed, if not yet spent.

In recognition of the turbulent international money markets the government has created a rainy day reserve of €2.5 billion and with the type of weather we have been experiencing the name of the fund is well chosen! Of course the existence of this cash provides a mouth-watering incentive for rival parties to multiply promises of utopia ahead (if you vote for me!).
Some questions that might be put to prospective TD’s might help us to avoid being tongue tied when they come to the door or when we meet them on the street.
1. To what extent can you support freedom of conscience? The Asher’s Bakery case has gone to appeal at the request of the Attorney General for Northern Ireland.
2. How do you propose to deal with the spread of substance abuse with special reference to alcohol?
3. What is your attitude to abortion – in particular would you revoke the 8th amendment? (The 8th amendment grants equal right to life of the unborn). Its repeal would pave the way for a relaxed attitude to abortion leading to the danger of it becoming delayed contraception.

For those who feel led there may be an opportunity to ask a more personal question, namely what do they think about Jesus Christ? Experience indicates that you get a brief summary of their religious history but if you return to the question asked there may be an opportunity to testify. If Christians don’t speak for Christ we can hardly expect secular people to do so.
The Bible indicates that governmental authority comes from God and those in power are there by his authority. Their task is to govern well (Romans Chapter 13 verses 1-7). For this they need our prayers and this is exactly what St Paul wishes us to do.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (1 Timothy Chapter 2 verses 1-6).

Salvation is for all. None can say that they belong to an excluded people. The reason Jesus came was to give his life a ransom for many – St Mark chapter 10 verse 45.

This election will soon be over but the Biblical election has eternal implications and there is only one who is the way – Jesus Christ. Put your trust in him.