Yesterday’s man? Enda Kenny with Deputy John Deasy on the Euro and local elections campaign trail in Waterford last summer.
ill Waterford benefit from a change of leadership in Fine Gael? That’s the question on the minds of local political observers following another outbreak of war within what remains the main opposition party, seats-wise at least.
This week’s embarrassing infighting, which saw a challenge to Enda Kenny mounted just as he tabled a Dáil vote of no confidence in Brian Cowen, has given rise to intriguing speculation as to what outcome would suit this constituency best – the status quo or the rise of Richard Bruton.
Even in the unlikely event of Fine Gael seizing power in the morning, Waterford’s chances of a senior ministry – zero under Fianna Fáil now that Martin Cullen is gone – would seem slim in the extreme as long as Mr Kenny is at the helm.
Michael Noonan’s successor made then Dáil newcomer John Deasy his frontbench justice spokesperson eight years ago. However, the Dungarvan TD was sacked after lighting up in the Dáil bar within hours of the smoking ban coming into effect in the spring of 2004.
In January 2007 Mr Deasy declared he would challenge Mr Kenny’s leadership if Fine Gael failed to form the next Government – a threat that wasn’t followed through after that summer’s general election.
Their relationship is said to have improved somewhat in recent times, but, it’s thought, not to the extent that the Mayo man would make him a member of cabinet. Mr Deasy has been notably silent this week.
See The Munster Express newspaper for full story.
