I suspect Vincent was speaking metaphorically rather than literally – in this context he got it spot on. Enda does not connect with the urban floating vote that should be sympathetic to FG. While he is apparently a great people person when he gets one to one that simply does not cut it in the modern political age where media is the catalyst to power. Enda is clearly in control of a majority of his own party and that’s fine as long as their only ambition is to retain their core vote. National leadership however requires reaching out beyond the core vote and persuading the undecided middle.

Yes Darragh. Bertie did that and look where that got us!!

True, true, he should have suggested he go clone himself, so he can go…well…you know….with himself

I missed this closing comment from VB, having turned off to discuss the earlier panel’s excellent contributions. The summary of the next day’s newspapers, reflecting much of the print media reportage today, had devolved into a fascination with the latest personality poll, masquerading as valid political comment. What is this self-delusion among so-called intelligent journalists with the leader of the next government? Who cares about a change of Taoiseach? The crux of the matter is to have a change of government. That’s where my democratic power lies, in my single ballot to elect my local representative. And I wish to use it as soon as possible. I don’t want to wait for the FG parliamentary party to choose a replacement for Enda Kenny. I want the Irish electorate to choose an immediate democratic replacement for Brian Cowen and John Gormley, at the ballot box, now. Apologise, Vinnie, and bring us an interview with Enda that mobilises that desire!