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19/05/2008
Cowen Accused Of Stalinist Approach By Own Party
Members of Fianna Fail have reportedly leaked complaints about the leadership style of Brian Cowen to the press, comparing him the Russian communist boss, Stalin.
An Irish Sunday newspaper quoted sources within the party who said Mr Cowen's approach, emphasis on nationalism, and "rigid authoritarianism" stoked "fear" within the party not witnessed since the leadership of Charles Haughey.
One TD is reported to have said of the new Taoiseach: "He's very blunt and dogmatic ... I think we have just elected a Stalinist, almost."
There were reports of a "bad atmosphere" at meetings, with one TD reportedly saying: "His style is more suited to the 1950s, when people were not as enlightened ... I like to consider myself an educated man. I don't need to be lectured like this."
Although Mr Cowen still enjoys support from the majority of Fianna Fail, the comments from a small minority of his party could undermine Mr Cowen's 'honeymoon period' and impact on his public perception.
According to the reports, while some of his colleagues welcomed as "refreshing" the manner in which Mr Cowen has set about his task, others, initially "surprised", now say they are "becoming annoyed".
Last week, an opinion poll showed an 8% jump in support for Fianna Fail to 48% since Mr Cowen was elected leader, returning the party to its rating at the general election. The new Taoiseach's personal popularity is also a healthy 52%.
(DW)
An Irish Sunday newspaper quoted sources within the party who said Mr Cowen's approach, emphasis on nationalism, and "rigid authoritarianism" stoked "fear" within the party not witnessed since the leadership of Charles Haughey.
One TD is reported to have said of the new Taoiseach: "He's very blunt and dogmatic ... I think we have just elected a Stalinist, almost."
There were reports of a "bad atmosphere" at meetings, with one TD reportedly saying: "His style is more suited to the 1950s, when people were not as enlightened ... I like to consider myself an educated man. I don't need to be lectured like this."
Although Mr Cowen still enjoys support from the majority of Fianna Fail, the comments from a small minority of his party could undermine Mr Cowen's 'honeymoon period' and impact on his public perception.
According to the reports, while some of his colleagues welcomed as "refreshing" the manner in which Mr Cowen has set about his task, others, initially "surprised", now say they are "becoming annoyed".
Last week, an opinion poll showed an 8% jump in support for Fianna Fail to 48% since Mr Cowen was elected leader, returning the party to its rating at the general election. The new Taoiseach's personal popularity is also a healthy 52%.
(DW)
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04 June 2010
Second Senator To 'Clarify' Expenses
A second Irish Senatoor is being asked to "clarify" the expenses he has claimed after the supplementary payments to members of both houses were published last week. Last night Taoiseach Brian Cowen set in motion the process to exclude Senator Ivor Callely from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party over his €81,000 in travel allowance claims.
Second Senator To 'Clarify' Expenses
A second Irish Senatoor is being asked to "clarify" the expenses he has claimed after the supplementary payments to members of both houses were published last week. Last night Taoiseach Brian Cowen set in motion the process to exclude Senator Ivor Callely from the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party over his €81,000 in travel allowance claims.
16 June 2010
Lobbying Battle Over 'No Confidence' In Kenny
The Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has launched a campaign of intensive lobbying after nine members of the Fine Gael frontbench said they no longer have confidence in his leadership. Tomorrow, Mr Kenny faces his own vote of no confidence after the Taoiseach Brian Cowen scraped through a Daíl wide vote of confidence by five votes yesterday.
Lobbying Battle Over 'No Confidence' In Kenny
The Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has launched a campaign of intensive lobbying after nine members of the Fine Gael frontbench said they no longer have confidence in his leadership. Tomorrow, Mr Kenny faces his own vote of no confidence after the Taoiseach Brian Cowen scraped through a Daíl wide vote of confidence by five votes yesterday.
01 February 2011
Dáil Will Be Dissolved This Afternoon
The Irish Premier, Brian Cowen will travel to the official residence of the State's President this afternoon to ask Mary McAleese to dissolve the Dáil. Minister for Local Government Éamon Ó Cuív is then expected to formally announce the election date soon after, although that date is already strongly expected to be February 25.
Dáil Will Be Dissolved This Afternoon
The Irish Premier, Brian Cowen will travel to the official residence of the State's President this afternoon to ask Mary McAleese to dissolve the Dáil. Minister for Local Government Éamon Ó Cuív is then expected to formally announce the election date soon after, although that date is already strongly expected to be February 25.
19 January 2011
Cowen To Discuss Election After Vote Win
Irish Premier Brian Cowen has won last night's vote of confidence in his leadership, but is not yet out of trouble as he meets to discuss a date for the upcoming election. Some 71 Fianna Fail TDs in the Fianna Fail parliamentary party voted by secret ballot at a meeting last night.
Cowen To Discuss Election After Vote Win
Irish Premier Brian Cowen has won last night's vote of confidence in his leadership, but is not yet out of trouble as he meets to discuss a date for the upcoming election. Some 71 Fianna Fail TDs in the Fianna Fail parliamentary party voted by secret ballot at a meeting last night.
03 April 2008
Dempsey Admits Ambitions For Leadership
Transport minister Noel Dempsey has refused to rule himself out of the race to become the next leader of Fianna Fáil following Bertie's shock resignation. Mr Dempsey, 55, has declined to make clear his intentions before a meeting between the senior figures in the party to discuss the process of choosing the next Fianna Fail leader.
Dempsey Admits Ambitions For Leadership
Transport minister Noel Dempsey has refused to rule himself out of the race to become the next leader of Fianna Fáil following Bertie's shock resignation. Mr Dempsey, 55, has declined to make clear his intentions before a meeting between the senior figures in the party to discuss the process of choosing the next Fianna Fail leader.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
