Published: Wednesday, 16th September, 2009 9:00pm

There may be trouble ahead...

They came to contemplate in the quiet surrounds of Lough Ree, which over the years has provided solace to monks, missionaries and Vikings alike.

They converged to ready themselves for a gruelling 100 days ahead which could seal the fate of the party, the Government and indeed the country. But instead, Fianna Fáil parliamentary party members found themselves embroiled in the Battle of Hodson Bay, as the media quickly dubbed it as Gardai worked overtime to keep angry farmers at arms' length.

The cynics had christened the parliamentary party think-in 'The Wake by the Lake' but the encroaching farmers were determined this Government would not administer the last rites to the agriculture industry.

It must have been tough on Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan, whose arrival, on Monday morning, at the former Lenihan family home, was the catalyst for farmers to break through the barricades.

Later, the gathering was subjected to the chants of third-level students angrily denouncing any plans to re-introduce fees.

Like boxers preparing for a title bout, the Government learned, the hard way, that the best fight practice is in the ring, trading punches.

And on Tuesday afternoon, possibly shaken, but not stirred, the Fianna Fáil party departed Athlone, battle-hardened for the many bouts ahead.