Leading man . . . or an acting Taoiseach?
THE Taoiseach's secret is out . . . he's been taking lessons from the director of the Gaiety School of Acting.
Bertie Ahern is now all set for a star performance on the political stage - Patrick Sutton has been giving him regular personal tutorials on everything from voice projection and elocution to the use of gesture and body language in delivering a message.
Mr Sutton said he did not charge for his fine-tuning services because the Taoiseach was "a mate".
The private sessions with Mr Sutton, appointed by the Government to the board of the Arts Council and the Irish Museum of Modern Art, have been taking place when the Taoiseach's schedule allows, usually once a week.
"I've been working with him for years on and off," Mr Sutton said. "I have given him a few tips and advice on how to speak clearly and concisely and succinctly.
"It is all about the three Cs - confidence, clarity and conviction."
Dail observers have noticed distinctly improved performances from the Taoiseach in recent months, with his political passion never more on display than yesterday in exchanges on the three Aer Lingus resignations.
But Mr Ahern remains adept at generating "creative confusion" over where he stands on particular issues. Mr Sutton suggested yesterday that the Taoiseach, as "a very clever man", knew when he was being opaque . . . Bertie Ahern does exactly what it says on the tin.
Mr Sutton, who has a personal finessing company called Communicate Ltd, is preparing to launch a venture to train top executives in intensive interview technique - aimed mainly at securing that vital promotion, such as the job of Aer Lingus chief executive or artistic director at the Abbey Theatre.
- Senan MolonyPolitical Correspondent
