The leader who failed to lead. His refusal to engage in meaningful debate on the issue was damaging, not just because the final count was so close and he may have convinced a couple of thousand more people to vote yes, but because it played into accusations that he has a dictatorial style and that the man who promised a “democratic revolution” shies away from accountability. This notion had taken hold during his handling of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act, when he sacked TDs and senators who voted against the Government and told them they would not run for the party again. On top of this came the controversy when an RTÉ journalist was prevented from recording a public meeting that the Taoiseach attended on the Seanad, and where he responded to protesters by shouting “Up the Dubs”. His failure to appear on TV debates on the issue compounded the mistrust and suspicion about a Government campaign based on a simplistic and cynical argument of saving €20m and having “fewer politicians”. He also failed to offer a convincing explanation as to why he would not take part in such a debate. When asked why by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, Mr Kenny responded “because I don’t want to embarrass you”
Posted on: Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:54:43 +0000
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