Brian Cowen
Brian Cowen’s dominance of the Fianna Fail election campaign continues apace, following yet another strong performance in the Treasury Buildings this morning where he attacked Fine Gael and Labour’s spending plans.
Admittedly, Cowen has a point that the two individually have made commitments far beyond the €2.9 billion they have allocated for extra spending, in addition to the €2 billion they have agreed to spend on hospitals, cheaper housing, et cetera.
Alas, though, the same argument could be made about Fianna Fail’s figures since at the end of the day they will have to agree a post-election programme for government with someone if they are to stay in Government Buildings.
Yet again, the Taoiseach was not visible this morning. The man who is on all the party’s posters is rarely to be seen at the major events of the campaign, yet Fianna Fail chiefs will argue that he is their best asset. Best assets are not usually kept so well hidden.
A number of attempts to question Cowen about the Taoiseach’s tax affairs produced little fruit, with the Minister batting away inquiries by saying that he had no doubt but that Mr Ahern had acted in good faith.
Still, observers can once again wonder about Mr Ahern’s handling of the affair. He did not have to bring up the tax issue on Sunday. Having done so, he appears to have been surprised that it dominated questions from the media when he turned up at Blanchardstown.
Why he should be surprised is anybody’s guess…..
5:25 pm
Who does he think he is? Gordon Brown?
Comment by Diamuid