MIRIAM LORD'S WEEK:Enda has a new VBF. None other than Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, the Fianna Fáil-appointed European commissioner for research, innovation and science.
She was at a reception in the EU offices in Dublin yesterday to announce funding opportunities for research.
Journalists canvassed her view on the possibility of Ireland getting a rate reduction on the bailout loan. MGQ was positively gushing in her support of the Taoiseach and his Ministers.
“This Taoiseach, and the previous taoiseach, together with the Ministers, have done this tour of the European capitals and they have put that case very, very strongly. I know from President Barosso that Taoiseach Kenny has put it incredibly strongly at the European summit meetings. I have no doubt it is going to happen.”
Today FM’s Justin McCarthy remarked that there has been criticism here of the Taoiseach taking a “hands-off” approach to the situation.
MGQ jumped to Enda’s defence: “I wouldn’t accept any allegation that the Taoiseach has taken his foot off the pedal, as it were. In fact, he has been incredibly strong, both at the European Council itself, where all the heads of state of government are present, and also in the tours of the capitals that both he and his Ministers have undertaken. They have clearly underlined in a very firm and strong way that we need this reduction.”
And furthermore, she said, Ollie Rehn, José Manuel Barosso and Herman Van Rompuy hold the same view.
Fine Gael spin doctors were delighted with her endorsement. “The world is gone mad,” declared one.
MGQ knows what side her baguette is buttered on.