TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen attempted to put the controversy over his leadership behind him yesterday, saying he was committed to leading his Government for the full term.
He said the unity of purpose within the Government was confirmed again at a Cabinet meeting yesterday.
Speaking at the site of a new DIT campus at Grangegorman, Dublin, Mr Cowen pointed to the Coalition’s majority in the Dáil, and said the numbers were there to continue with its policies until May 2012.
The Taoiseach launched a broadside against Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who predicted yesterday that there would be an election within six months.
“I think Enda has made that prediction about four times since he became leader of the party. He seems to have nothing else to speak about. We don’t have that luxury,” said Mr Cowen.
He added that Mr Kenny kept talking about an election because he didn’t seem to have anything to say on policy or have a credible position on the major issues of the day.
Minister for Health Mary Harney expressed her support for Mr Cowen, and said she had no concerns about his lifestyle.
“He’s a fantastic chairman of the Cabinet, totally engaged across all Government departments. I think the events of last week are behind him. We have to move forward, and return this country to economic growth. That’s what he’s focused on, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin also reiterated his support for Mr Cowen, but said lessons should be learned from last week’s events.
“It’s important when an event like that happens that one takes stock and reflects on it. How can we organise things better, but also whatever we can do to match the mood of the people, where people are now. We are in a different situation today than when these party annual gatherings started 10 years ago.”
Speaking to reporters in New York, he said Fianna Fáil TDs could discuss the matter next week.
“There will be a parliamentary party in the normal course of events next week. That presents an opportunity for people to articulate their views and air any issues they have.”
Speaking to reporters at the National and European Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co Kildare, Mr Kenny said the Taoiseach needed to show more regard for his office and the electorate.
“When the Taoiseach speaks of respect for the office, in a way it’s time for him to respect that office himself,” he said.
“It’s not just about an individual, this is about the international and national perception of our Government and our country and us as a people.”
Mr Kenny said he hoped the Taoiseach recovered and did not get locked into a similar situation again.
Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore also predicted an early general election, saying the Government was now serving out its notice and the Taoiseach was aware of that.