03.21.06
More McDowell grovelling
I don’t believe it. After swearing on Morning Ireland that he wouldn’t be apologising for the “your type of people smashing up the PD offices” remarks to John Gormley he has done so after all. From ireland.com
“Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has withdrawn remarks he made in Dáil linking the Green Party to the recent Dublin riots. Mr McDowell claimed earlier this month that Green Party TD John Gormley’s “type of people” had vandalised the PD offices during unrest at the planned “Love Ulster” march down in Dublin on February 25th. But this evening Mr McDowell told the Dáil he would like to withdraw the remark.”
What’s gotten into the man? I’m starting to feel sorry for him. He appears genuinely contrite and not just playing the game cos he knows he’s f*cked up. I feel like writing to him. I wonder what’s going on. Trouble at home? A mid-life crisis? If he was a woman obviously we’d just assume a bad case of PMT. (Had it myself last week. My god. Weeping at the kitchen table from sheer inability to cope with ANYTHING. CONVINCED I had finally gone over the edge. Then I got my period. And it’s “aaaaah” or more properly “Doh!”. And 24 hours later totally chilled out. )
Anyway I digress, and of course, share too much. All these men getting emotional and not sleeping at night. Must check the moon…the location of saturn…I wonder what star signs are at play here?
Great entertainment though. Politics hasn’t been such a laugh since…..hmmm …Dick voted against FF in 1994? I was in the Dail that day. Most exciting.
Paddy said,
March 21, 2006 at 9:06 pm
Perhaps the vernal equinox (today) is having an unusual impact on McDowell. For 2 days every year on the equinoxes he becomes a normal human with the capacity for self doubt and remorse. Once the sun has passed the equator normality returns.
As for Bruton, that was unforgiveable.
Johnny K said,
March 22, 2006 at 11:29 am
How do you do it? You managed to get periods and McDowell into the same post, genius!
I was talking to Declan about McDowell last night, and he asked me who do I think deserves to be removed from their position, McDowell or Cullen. For what he’s done to this country it has be to Cullen, but McDowell’s inadvised comments of late have made him the scapegoat for an ineffective government.
Sarah said,
March 22, 2006 at 11:40 am
Well Cullen is inept on an almost criminal scale, but that’s just the culture of the whole government. Personally I thought leaking the stuff about Connolly was a straightforward resignation issue…hmm I wonder should I write to Moriarty instead claiming I was being loyal to the state….
Declan said,
March 22, 2006 at 12:17 pm
There are days, not many but some, when I feel sorry for McDowell. I honestly think he’s trying to do a good job but he just screws up from time to time. Granted as Minister for Justice when he “screws up” it can be pretty serious, but I have to say of all the current Ministers he’s probably the only one I’d pick for a cabinet. At least I know he’d do some work. Granted I may not put him in Justice, maybe Health? *Shudder*
Why cant the opposition get their act together and get Cullen fired? Please! If we wait til the next election (which I now believe FF need to loose) he’ll bankrupt the nation.
ang said,
March 22, 2006 at 3:46 pm
McDowell is a most unusual creature in Irish politics.. divides like the Civil War never did…. I find the strangest people support him at the weirdest times… I’m talking mad socialists.. u know left- wing- bookshop- in -Temple -Bar types.. next I’m chatting to the biggest capitalist I know (not very big you understand but more loaded than me) who thinks McD great and they both use the same language about his smarts and can spot shite from provos at 10 feet etc. Very weird….
Sarah said,
March 22, 2006 at 8:03 pm
It is possible to be politically divisive but not be a shit at the same time. For example, I completely disagree with Charlie McCreevy’s economic policies. But he’s great crack and a decent enough guy.
Everyone recognises McD’s intellect….problem is..so does he! Arrogance is his Achilles Heel. As the week goes on it’s not clear if he understands that himself. Self-awareness is one of the most important assets of any leader, business or political. He’d want to cop himself on a bit.