Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach is mentioned in the European press, which Fine Gael and Labour MEPs clearly do not or are unable to read, as a possible candidate for President of the European Council. He has been invited to address the US Congress. The attempt to bring him down does no service whatsoever to this country and reflects poorly on the leadership substance of Deputies Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore, whose parties were afraid of saying during the general election what they are saying now. I am not surprised that the Labour Party's opinion poll rating is down to 10%. The Fine Gael Party, still suffering from post-electoral stress disorder, having failed to win an election for the sixth time in succession, is the spare wheel of Irish democracy, trying desperately to convince the Dáil that Fianna Fáil has an ethical puncture.

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