Silence is not always golden
Related Articles
WHEN Chancellor Helmut Schmidt came under fire for advocating the deployment of short-range missiles on German soil, thus making Germany a prime target for a Soviet nuclear attack, he was told: "But if you do this, you are certain to lose the next election." He replied, "What makes you think I care?"
The politician who dares to say or do the unexpected deserves the respect of the people.
It may be that Brian Cowen is deliberately behaving in a way that we would not normally expect from a Taoiseach in troubled times.
It may be that he believes that no words or actions of his could change things for the better and might even make things worse.
Perhaps a break from confrontation is just what he needs right now and he will return, restored and refreshed by the Connemara breezes, to confound his detractors.
From what we know of the Taoiseach, he is not one to coolly turn the other cheek, yet yesterday's scathing criticisms of his performance in his first 100 days were met with silence.
It was left to the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, to defend Mr Cowen's record.
He had taken measured and sensible action to tackle the economic challenges, the minister said. He would implement the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan.
Sources close to the Taoiseach have intimated that he plans to deliver a State of the Nation address some time next month, in which he will unveil his roadmap for the future and disclose his latest thinking on the economic slowdown.
Why wait until September?
While the Taoiseach plays it cool, the economy is slowing further, more and more jobs are being lost, public service unions' expectations have been inappropriately raised by Government silence and inaction after the national pay talks breakdown, and consumer confidence is at an all-time low.
Confidence is the key element.
Sooner rather than later, the Taoiseach must demonstrate that he is confident and in control, willing to take tough decisions now, rather than dispense vague, long-term aspirations.
As it stands, Mr Cowen intends to clear the air next month.
For his own sake, and for the sake of the country, it better be a good speech, something unexpected.
