ANALYSIS: Exasperation with the Taoiseach's media performances has turned to despair for some FF TDs, writes MARY MINIHAN
FIANNA FÁIL backbenchers have privately expressed unease and concern about Brian Cowen continuing as Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, while stressing they expected no developments in the immediate term.
Those who continued to voice support for Cowen frequently did so in a qualified fashion, while traditionally loyal TDs revealed their exasperation with the standard of the Taoiseach’s media performances had turned to despair. Dublin South Central TD Michael Mulcahy said Cowen retained the confidence of his party, despite having failed to substantially improve his communication skills, and predicted this support would continue – if the correct political path was pursued.
Asked if he personally supported Cowen’s continued leadership, Mulcahy said: “I do and I still think he’s the best person at the moment to lead the country.”
Mulcahy said Cowen needed to improve the way he communicated, “but I’d still say he’s the best person for the job”. He added: “I believe he still maintains the confidence of the Fianna Fáil party and I believe as long as he keeps getting the policies right, he will maintain that support.”
Galway East TD Michael P Kitt, first elected to the Dáil in 1975, also said he supported Cowen and, in common with many backbenchers, pointed out that no challenger had emerged.
“I’m supporting the current leader of course in the sense that our present leader was unanimously chosen by the parliamentary party and I’m part of that. There’s nobody else who’s said they want to lead the party,” Kitt said.
“He’s actually shown good leadership and management of economic issues. He’s taken difficult decisions and even opponents of Brian Cowen would accept that.” Dublin North TD Darragh O’Brien said he was “500 per cent” behind Cowen. “I still think he’s the best man for the job. No question,” O’Brien said. Limerick West deputy Niall Collins said: “I’ve no issue with his leadership and I fully support him.” However, others were less enthusiastic, and expressed embarrassment about the fallout from events at the party think-in in Galway and the radio performance for which Cowen apologised. They were reluctant to go on the record. Several TDs, including both Cowen loyalists and critics, did not return calls yesterday.
“His cohort of loyalists will be coming out to back him. I’m certainly not prepared to do that at this juncture,” one backbencher said.
Cowen’s lifestyle since he became Taoiseach was questioned by this TD in a damning fashion:
“My own ethical standards tell me you take the glory and suffer the pains and pangs of not being able to do things you want to do.”
While traditionally strong supporters of Cowen complained bitterly about media coverage of the Taoiseach in recent days, others said it was wrong to blame the media and that his lacklustre performances in broadcast interviews were part of the problem.
“People who would be absolutely loyal to Cowen, loyal to the party, loyal to the party leadership, they are having to really fight with their consciences at the moment, having given him every possible chance, having hoped that things would change, that he’d eventually get the hang of it. Rather than improving, it’s got worse,” another TD, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.
“Cowen’s the most decent, honourable, transparent guy. There isn’t a corrupt bone in his body. But he isn’t embracing the whole notion of utilising and being part of the media. It’s a pity because the substance is there in spades.”
Most backbenchers indicated there was no appetite for an immediate change in the leadership, although one insisted the situation was evolving rapidly.
“It’s moving towards the point of no return for Brian Cowen. The hope is that he will see that himself and depart with dignity and not be having a vote of confidence,” the TD said.
“Knowing him he will probably fight this to the bitter end but there’s no one better to read it than Brian. He’s just putting off that day.”
However, opinion differed over whether Cowen would leave if asked to do so by colleagues. Another backbencher, who did not want to be named, said: “There’s a feeling out there that what needs to be done is a bloodless coup or a bloodless changeover.”