Why BC performed best behind closed doors

international | miscellaneous | opinion/analysis Tuesday February 10, 2009 19:07 by Paul O' Sullivan paulosullivan01 at gmail dot com 086 3031787

Takes four seasons to find one's voice

Fitting that BC’s (Brian Cowen; Before Catastrophe) we shall fight them on the beaches speech was delivered to a predominantly business audience at a function that cost €160 per head (?). Well, perhaps not so much Churchill as Obama, according to one leading political observer. Then again, this was not a state-of-the-nation address, so maybe it is neither, just a beleaguered man who felt he had something to say.

Like Gerry Murphy of Mount Merrion Avenue who, in a letter to the paper, accused The Irish Times of losing an opportunity to ‘flip the country’s morale’. Well Gerry ole’ boy, how about BC performs his oratorical wonders for the entire country – not just those with wad loads - and leave the newspapers to impartial, fair and balanced journalism.

What I’d like to know is why. Why a swanky hotel instead of the Dáil, why the impromptu nature, why such a low platform when one far higher is readily available, a platform he is paid to speak from.

The speech was unscripted. Apparently, a return to old form according to those who know. The twenty-six minutes of genuineness provoked thunderous applause and Ministerial colleagues to lose the run of themselves. So perhaps the problem’s kernel lie with those proficient in the art of spin, political poets in suits who weave the fabrics of PR and politics for princely sums. Maybe the man can wing it.

On the Late Late Show (Friday 06th February) Eoghan Harris stated BC was uncomfortable speaking in the Dáil, that, like himself, he much preferred smaller audiences.

However likely there is truth in this, the fact of the matter is the Taoiseach isn’t paid what he is to deliver goods at The Four Seasons. What would happen if a spokesperson for Manchester United told the public Wayne Rooney wasn’t playing well at home because he prefers away stadiums? The terraces – pretend Hillsborough never happened - would want his goolies on a platter. And he’s a guy that actually performs well.

For what it’s worth, here’s my tuppence in the well. The people BC was speaking to are the only people FF really care for. As far as the party eye can see, those present at the Four Seasons are Ireland’s backbone - vertebrae, discs, spinal cord and nerve, the lot.

These are the people who can really count when an election fund coffers feel light, the reason Capital Gains Tax remained the same in Budget ’09. BC isn’t interested in releasing his full oratory capabilities for all to see, most wouldn’t understand the significance anyway, according to FF.

Well, I have firm faith in what goes round comes around. So B, discriminate and expected to be discriminated against, which is what I hope you’ll be regarded as come the next election.