Taoiseach-in-waiting Cowen gets backing from 78% of electorate
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Sunday April 06 2008
The Taoiseach-in-waiting Brian Cowen already enjoys enormous support among the electorate with a massive 78 per cent convinced he will make a good leader of this country.
A Sunday Independent poll found that among voters, the Tanaiste and Minister for Finance is perceived as intelligent, experienced and capable.
In all, 22 per cent of respondents felt he would not make a good Taoiseach, believing that he suffers from a charm deficit, especially when compared to Mr Ahern.
"He has none of Ahern's charisma, none of Ahern's charm, but also hopefully none of the baggage," was one pithy assessment by a female respondent.
But most believed that the Mr Cowen was a good choice.
"Cowen is solid, he is respected, he seems smart and capable and compared to the alternatives he is someone you can see in the role, but for the top job he just lacks the charm that Bertie had," was another comment.
According to the poll, only a slim majority of 51 per cent were sorry to see Mr Ahern announce his decision to step down, with 49 per cent holding the opposite view.
Many people, who said they regretted his decision to leave office, cited his work in relation to the economy and many said that he had helped change the image of Ireland from a country of relative poverty and emigration to one of prosperity and dynamism.
His success in the North was also seen as very important, but secondary to his achievements in presiding over the era of the Celtic Tiger.
There was some bitterness in relation to his resignation, with a few respondents criticising the actions of the tribunal and the media in forcing him from office.
"They have scourged that man, I feel so sorry for him, and want to go up to him and say: 'Bertie, shall I pull the knifes from your back?'" one female respondent from Dublin commented.
Among the 49 per cent of respondents who said they were glad to see Ahern step down, many thought his position was untenable and that the most recent revelations at the Mahon Tribunal, concerning the evidence given by Grainne Carruth, was the straw which had broken the camel's back.
Many respondents believed that the continuing scandals relating to Ahern's finances had eroded his authority.
"Ireland is not the same as it was 15 or 20 years ago, we need to shake off this inferiority complex and have a real Taoiseach, not some cute hoor in an anorak," said a respondent, who is clearly not a fan of Mr Ahern.
But among his supporters there was evidence of some bitterness at Mr Ahern's exit.
"Corruption is too harsh a word, I do not believe Bertie Ahern made himself rich at the expense of the Irish people," said a male voter.
But Mr Ahern's political legacy is strong. A large majority of 73 per cent believe his achievements outweigh his failings.
Again, people credited Ahern's management of the economy as his greatest success. Respondents also pointed to the historic significance of Ahern's work in the North and were sure this would form a very significant part of his legacy as an Irish political leader.
The poll also found that 56 per cent believe that the Mahon Tribunal will find Mr Ahern guilty of corruption.
People felt that there were too many anomalies in the testimony given by Ahern, and that the evidence given by Grainne Carruth seriously undermined the credibility of his explanations.
- JEROME REILLY
