Kenny should go gracefully
Wednesday April 09 2008
The latest opinion poll confirms what most people believe -- that Brian Cowen will make a good or great Taoiseach and that Enda Kenny wouldn't.
I have never met Kenny but I am sure that he is an honest, honourable man.
I understand that he commands a lot of respect in Fine Gael.
I am voicing my concern (if paltry) because I believe that the Fine Gael parliamentary party -- and indeed Fine Gael generally-- will put loyalty to Kenny before pragmatism and that he will still be the leader after the next local and European elections.
Kenny must know in his heart of hearts that he is not an effective media performer most of the time.
He is good on the radio in my view but his essence does not come across most of the time on television.
He comes across as at best wooden and at worst embarrassing and weak.
Kenny should come out and say that he will stand down as leader if Fine Gael do not replace Fianna Fail as the largest party at council level next year.
There are more able people in Fine Gael who would be attractive as future Taoiseach, in particular Dr James Reilly and Richard Bruton.
Kenny has done a great job so far with Fine Gael. If he stands down in the short-term, he will leave behind a good legacy. If he hangs on longer, he won't.
DARREN MAC AN PHRÍORA
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 15
