Step down gracefully Mr Kenny

Since the demise of the Fine Gael-Labour coalition, in 1987, Fine Gael has struggled to assert itself as a party of government. From Alan Dukes to John Bruton to Michael Noonan and now Enda Kenny, they all have found it difficult to establish themselves. Notwithstanding the short-lived ‘Rainbow’ government (1994-97), with John Bruton as Taoiseach, the party is inexperienced in power. Fianna Fáil has all but monopolised government in this country. At the moment Fine Gael is in rude health, but their leader’s value is fast depreciating. Is it the right time for Mr Kenny to vacate his position as leader?

One day, during last year’s referendum campaign on the Lisbon Treaty, I was in the centre of Dublin. I saw the Kenny entourage strolling through Grafton Street pressing flesh. It was almost tearful to witness. Whilst meeting people, on that wealthy part of town, the Fine Gael leader looked stiff and uncomfortable. No doubt that painful scenario will be repeated as we move closer to the second Lisbon Treaty referendum. Put bluntly Mr Kenny is incapable of communicating effectively to the public. This is a handicap his party can do without.

Enda Kenny is 58, he’s been a TD since 1975 and leader of Fine Gael from 2002. Although a true gentleman, and a first rate public representative (he has always achieved high popularity in his Mayo constituency), he must realise that he cannot go on as leader forever. Fine Gael’s best chance at the next general election would be with a new leader, preferably George Lee.

I mention Mr Lee not only because of his economic expertise. When the difficult question of charisma comes up, George can point to his undeniable profile due, of course, to his work on RTE. The TD for Dublin South has much to offer nationally. His shrewd, lucid manner is the mark of a potentially gifted leader. This would contrast sharply with the current leader’s rather wooden style. Certainly Lee’s star is on the rise and those in his party mustn’t ignore the skills he brings to politics.

But right now FG is saddled with Enda Kenny. Overcoming a shocking disintegration at the 2002 general election (they lost around 20 seats) Kenny has worked hard and brought a cheer back to his party. However, despite a resurgence of TDs at the 2007 general election, he hasn’t led Fine Gael back into office.

Looking to the future it is clear that a new person is needed to take the baton of leadership from Mr Kenny. A timetable of change to a new leader needs to be agreed by those in the Fine Gael party. This should be a swift transition. Once the forthcoming referendum is over a new leader should be chosen and this would be the best way of unseating the current government. However any change at the top must be bloodless and a re-run of the coup that cost John Bruton his leadership would not be an edifying prospect.

At the next general election, providing the Dáil goes full term, Enda Kenny will be in his 60s and less in touch with voters than ever before. Mr Kenny holds the keys to the future of Fine Gael and it is important that he knows when to relinquish his grip.