Re: Whats in the Sunday Papers

Originally Posted by
C. Flower
Front page of the Daily Mail - "Kenny's right hand man was Lowry's top aide".
This is about someone called Mark Kennelly, who was Special Adviser (does that mean paid by the public purse, by FG or by Lowry) from 1995-6. He gave evidence in the McCracken Tribunal - something to do with representations Lowry made on behalf of Dunne in a Court case.
Mark Kennelly is now Enda Kenny's chef de cabinet. The Mail claims this is "hugely embarrassing for Fine Gael". Undeniably, there are questions to ask of that whole FG/Lab Cabinet and all associated with the licence process, but given that FF effectively took Lowry in, I don't think they can be asked by FF.
Kennelly according to the Mail advises Kenny on policy and on public appearances and was involved with the negotiations with Labour.
There are a number of anonymous FG sources quoted. Is this genuine concern or prep for an eventual heave?
"..a widespread internal disquiet at Mr. Kennelly's close relationship with Mr. Lowry and Mr. Kenny." Surprise and shock was expressed by this source about Kennelly's appointment.
"Another concerned Fine Gael TD said "Kennelly is one of a troika - Kenny, Kennelly and Phil Hogan, that has controlled the party since last summer's heave." Kennelly appears to have worked professionally as a researcher and policy adviser to Fine Gael from before 1995 to the present.
Kennelly went to Brussels and Helsinki with Kenny and some might be inclined to assume that he pulls the strings that open and shut Enda Kenny's mouth.
The story was written by John Lee.
I suppose Kennelly is now working on how Enda Kenny will handle this controversy, and his apparent unpopularity in some parts of FG.
These "special advisor" jobs need to go. There are enough civil servants to advise the government (regardless of who is in power). Those elected to govern should be able to govern without the use and cost of special aides pulling their strings
I wonder who makes up Kenny's kitchen cabinet. Kenny, our latest Taoiseach who inherited his seat and has been a TD for far too long. I think a 2 term limit on TD's would be healthy for democracy
If Cowen lost some weight and developed a Mayo accent would you really be able to tell the difference?
Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other. ~Oscar Ameringer
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