Madam, - There must a sociologist who can explain why Fine Gael leaders are blamed for everything that goes wrong in Ireland (Alan Hynes, October 7th). Also, why Irish people, especially those who voted for Fianna Fáil Co in 2002, and again in 2007, are incapable of facing up to their role in bringing about the banking mess. Because the bottom line is that it can all be traced back to bad governance and the failure to regulate the financial sector.
The skills and personality traits to be a successful Taoiseach and/or party leader are utterly different to those required to be a successful Minister for Finance. I'm not aware Enda Kenny has ever claimed he is an intellectual politician and I don't think anyone is under the delusion Richard Bruton is any more interested in the nitty-gritty of party organisation than his brother ever was.
The rebuilding of Fine Gael, which still has a way to go, did not happen by accident. It happened because the new leadership team in 2002 realised they had to play to their strengths.
Enda Kenny is a positive and motivating person. Like any successful team leader, he is confident enough of his own ability and position to give the people with the skills the party requires the freedom to use those skills without feeling their successes undermines him. He has most certainly earned the right to lead Fine Gael back into government after the next election, regardless of when that is.
Richard Bruton has used his sharp financial intellect to be a very successful finance spokesperson and no one seriously doubts that when he returns to cabinet he will be a very successful Minister for Finance.
People should direct all their anger over the latest crisis directly at Fianna Fáil and its allies. The only parties which can honestly say they are innocent of any blame for this mess are Fine Gael and Labour.
They are the only parties that have offered any real and meaningful solutions. - Yours, etc,
DESMOND FITZGERALD,
Canary Wharf,
London E14.