The Sunday Independent has in recent weeks begun to warm in its attitude towards the Labour Party. Recently it has published an article on the economy by Rory Quinn. Columnist John Drennan over the last two weeks has been fulsome in his praise of party leader Eamon Gilmore. Last Sunday he wrote an article headed- 'Napoleon' Gilmore may yet seize the day. It was basically a litany of ifs-if this, if that, Gilmore can become Taoiseach. The chances of winning the lotto are far better. Beneath the same article was a column by Jody Corcoran sniping at Enda Kenny titled-" Kenny's two steps forward,three back". Today Drennan pens an article titled "Can Eamon Obama do it? Damn sure he can ".
Meanwhile the paper, which had been critical of Brian Cowen, has softened its stance towards the Taoiseach in today's issue. A gradual softening has been under way over recent weeks. The main heading on the front page is -"Cowen to stake all on public pay deal" with a sub heading titled: "Taoiseach prepares to face down the unions amid growing criticism".
Other articles are titled:
The Green Party grassroots have become increasingly unhappy with the party's performance in government. Party councillors Bronwen Maher and Chris O'Leary resigned this week whilst former MEP Patricia McKenna hammered the leadership. Should the Greens pull out of government the Sunday Independent will argue for an FF/Labour coalition without a general election. A general election would probably see an FG/Labour coalition government returned with or without independent support.
The Sunday Independent as a staunchly pro Fianna Fail paper has incessantly and unfairly savaged the FG party-notwithstanding the fact that FG finance spokesman Richard Bruton has been a star performer during the current financial crisis. FG also produced a credible alternative budget last October and has for the past three years hammered excessive government expenditure. The paper appears determined to keep FG out of government at all costs. Marc Coleman regularly criticizes FG-even though that the party has not been in power since 1997. In an article today he omits key FG proposals on public expenditure. There is no criticism of FF in the article. Marc proceeds to snipe at John Bruton with the reference: Just as his brother abandoned Fine Gael's traditional Republicanism.... ". Marc Coleman has a simplistic grasp of Irish history. John Bruton emphasized the necessity of reaching an understanding with Northern Irish Protestants -if the Northern Ireland crisis were to be resolved. He has been proven correct in his assessment. Bertie Ahern pursued the same policy. Is Marc Coleman criticizing Ahern's approach? Did Bertie Ahern abandon FFs traditional Republicanism when he negotiated with Ulster Unionists ?
Is the Sunday Independent attempting to talk up the Labour Party in an effort to drive a wedge between FG and Labour? Certainly the economic stance of the Independent is at variance with the ideals of the Labour Party. Essentially the Sunday Independent wishes to keep FF in power using the Labour Party as a prop if necessary. Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore have been around too long to take the bait.
Meanwhile the paper, which had been critical of Brian Cowen, has softened its stance towards the Taoiseach in today's issue. A gradual softening has been under way over recent weeks. The main heading on the front page is -"Cowen to stake all on public pay deal" with a sub heading titled: "Taoiseach prepares to face down the unions amid growing criticism".
In the face of strong criticism from many economists, and some commentators, Mr Cowen has shown impressive confidence in his own judgement of how best to save the country.
However, Mr Cowen, who has maintained a deliberate, low-key approach to the crisis, to the frustration of many sectoral interests, may yet turn catastrophe into triumph in what could turn out to be the defining moment of his leadership...
Other articles are titled:
- Obama has the charisma, but Cowen has character (Eoghan Harris)
- Lets get behind Cowen for a fresh start and a dose of reality
The Green Party grassroots have become increasingly unhappy with the party's performance in government. Party councillors Bronwen Maher and Chris O'Leary resigned this week whilst former MEP Patricia McKenna hammered the leadership. Should the Greens pull out of government the Sunday Independent will argue for an FF/Labour coalition without a general election. A general election would probably see an FG/Labour coalition government returned with or without independent support.
The Sunday Independent as a staunchly pro Fianna Fail paper has incessantly and unfairly savaged the FG party-notwithstanding the fact that FG finance spokesman Richard Bruton has been a star performer during the current financial crisis. FG also produced a credible alternative budget last October and has for the past three years hammered excessive government expenditure. The paper appears determined to keep FG out of government at all costs. Marc Coleman regularly criticizes FG-even though that the party has not been in power since 1997. In an article today he omits key FG proposals on public expenditure. There is no criticism of FF in the article. Marc proceeds to snipe at John Bruton with the reference: Just as his brother abandoned Fine Gael's traditional Republicanism.... ". Marc Coleman has a simplistic grasp of Irish history. John Bruton emphasized the necessity of reaching an understanding with Northern Irish Protestants -if the Northern Ireland crisis were to be resolved. He has been proven correct in his assessment. Bertie Ahern pursued the same policy. Is Marc Coleman criticizing Ahern's approach? Did Bertie Ahern abandon FFs traditional Republicanism when he negotiated with Ulster Unionists ?
Is the Sunday Independent attempting to talk up the Labour Party in an effort to drive a wedge between FG and Labour? Certainly the economic stance of the Independent is at variance with the ideals of the Labour Party. Essentially the Sunday Independent wishes to keep FF in power using the Labour Party as a prop if necessary. Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore have been around too long to take the bait.
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