Heartening to see that Noel Whelan has taken over Martin Mansergh’s slot on Saturday’s Irish Times Op Ed page. His, by far, was the sharpest commentary on the Irish Times poll findings in the wake of the ‘Bertiegate’ crisis. Saturday week ago, he noted the problem facing the opposition (subs needed):
The depressing reality for rainbow strategists is that, notwithstanding the Government’s recent difficulties, the Opposition has made no further ground.
Yesterday’s figures give some statistical support for the contention that the public saw the Opposition’s performance on the recent crisis as inadequate. There was a sense that the Opposition couldn’t score goals against a weakened Government, even when shooting from the penalty spot.
Both Kenny and Rabbitte must be worried that, when faced (notionally at least) with the prospect of not having Mr Ahern as their Taoiseach, most of the electorate appear to have balked at the idea.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty