A likeable personality is the most underrated attribute of a politician. Enda Kenny has it, and must make the most of it, writes Denis Coghlan, Chief Political Correspondent
In the crush outside Leinster House, the assembled journalists called "Enda, Enda" as they sought his attention. It was the Bertie Ahern factor writ small.
But they were on first-name terms and familiarity of access was likely to translate into a honeymoon period for the new Fine Gael leader.
The 51-year-old Mr Kenny will certainly need it. After losing 23 Dáil seats, party members are still deeply traumatised.
They will require careful handling if they are to be motivated and energised. The worst thing that could happen would be the re-emergence of old divisions.
The new Fine Gael leader won't go down that road. The first thing he promised was to create a strong Opposition in the 29th Dáil by using all the talents, assets and strengths of the party.
But while promising universal largesse, he already owed a few people. And Michael Ring was first and foremost. The ambitious, poll-topping TD, who outshone Mr Kenny in his home constituency of Mayo, had proposed him for the job and canvassed on his behalf.
After the victory, Mr Ring was quick to call for an end to "moaning and groaning" within the party. And he was pleased Fine Gael would have "a nice fresh face for its posters."
It was a comment repeated by Kenny supporters, who spoke passionately of the need for the electorate to LIKE whoever led the party. The message seemed to be that while previous incumbents, like John Bruton and Michael Noonan, had been smart and even streetwise, they had failed to connect with the electorate at a visceral level. In that regard, they felt Mr Kenny would get off to a flying start.
The fact that he had secured the support of young Olwyn Enright as his seconder wouldn't hurt. And if he gives Richard Bruton a plum job next week, he could be expected to attract his mentors, Simon Coveney and Fergus O'Dowd.
Sixteen months ago Mr Kenny challenged Michael Noonan for the leadership and was blown away. On that occasion he offered to "electrify the party" if he became leader, but was reluctant to identify his methods. A similar lack of specifics was evident yesterday during a brief meeting with the press. But that can be remedied. If there is one thing Fine Gael is not short of at the moment it is thinking time.
In terms of leadership, Mr Kenny lacks ministerial experience in a big-spending Department. His two-year stint at Cabinet, from 1995 to 1997, was spent at Trade and Tourism. Before that, he was a junior minister with responsibility for youth affairs from 1986 to 1987. But while popular within the party, he never hit the political big time.
Mr Kenny has to market himself as a competent, caring leader. And the soundbites are already beginning to flow. Another Mr Nice Guy has hit town. Smile, Enda, smile.
