Cowen will give FF a sporting chance
Thursday February 28 2008
While you may have found Brian Cowen's performance in the Dail on Tuesday 'low key' (Irish Independent, February 27), I think the ordinary decent FF member will have been buoyed by what they saw.
In the Tanaiste they will again have seen and heard a strong leader; a leader willing to be unambiguous, definitive and spirited.
A man who can fight on solid ethical ground that will not give way under him.
In sporting parlance -- he is willing to pick up the ball and run; his goal is clearly in sight.
The Taoiseach seems more interested in arguing with the referee, and avoiding a defeat.
Perhaps as a keen Gael, the Tanaiste might be reminded of another charismatic Dub when he looks at Mr Ahern's recent performances.
Bertie is increasingly like Charlie Redmond, refusing to accept that a red card means you leave the pitch.
The Dubs haven't won an All Ireland since, and unless Cowen takes charge Fianna Fail may face a similar fate.
TONY O'DONNELL
KILDARE TOWN
I think it is despicable that the dead parents of the Taoiseach are now an issue at the Mahon Tribunal.
Originally I was disturbed at this "tactic" being used by the Taoiseach as a defence.
But having read the full transcript it should be noted that, despite what certain commentators have said, the Taoiseach did not introduce these matters in evidence -- the tribunal raised them first.
The Taoiseach said it was a family matter but Mr O'Neill proceeded to question him about it for some time until Mr Ahern said to the chairman: "Judge, do I have to explain how my mother and father dealt with their affairs?"
This line of questioning by Mr O'Neill was too much for the chairman, who ruled that the Taoiseach did not have to go into the matter.
The judge saw sense in this and is to be commended for it.
The line of questioning, however, is unreasonable.
CATHERINE MCALLISTER
BALLYBRACK, CO DUBLIN
Former minister and president Patrick Hillery once stated if there was a whimper of suspicion of any wrongdoing by a minister they should step aside.
Surely there is more than a whimper of suspicion about Bertie Ahern's personal finances.
NOEL PEERS
TORREMOLINOS, SPAIN
