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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.
24 January 2011
Election Date Shifts As Green Party Quit
In dramatic events over the weekend, the Green Party has left the coalition Government forcing the March election date to be brought forward. The election date is now expected to take place on February 25, but a concrete date will not be set unless the crucial Finance Bill is passed over the next week to 10 days.
Election Date Shifts As Green Party Quit
In dramatic events over the weekend, the Green Party has left the coalition Government forcing the March election date to be brought forward. The election date is now expected to take place on February 25, but a concrete date will not be set unless the crucial Finance Bill is passed over the next week to 10 days.
21 January 2011
Cabinet Chaos Causes Confidence Collapse
Thursday's Cabinet reshuffle debacle has prompted Fianna Fail members to call for the vote of confidence in the Taoiseach to be revisited.
Cabinet Chaos Causes Confidence Collapse
Thursday's Cabinet reshuffle debacle has prompted Fianna Fail members to call for the vote of confidence in the Taoiseach to be revisited.
04 April 2008
Bets Off As Taoiseach Race Is All Non Runners
As the field all pull out of the race, Brian Cowen is now to become the new leader of Fianna Fail, and Ireland's 12th Taoiseach. On Thursday, senior party figures rallied behind the minister and withdrew themselves from the contest. Mr Cowen's only remaining obstacle to the leadership was the Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey.
Bets Off As Taoiseach Race Is All Non Runners
As the field all pull out of the race, Brian Cowen is now to become the new leader of Fianna Fail, and Ireland's 12th Taoiseach. On Thursday, senior party figures rallied behind the minister and withdrew themselves from the contest. Mr Cowen's only remaining obstacle to the leadership was the Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey.
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