Take Enda With You

(Image taken from Ice Cream Ireland's Caught With Ice Cream Series)

I don't often join Facebook groups, nor do I spread the invitations to "join because my friend says she'll eat a live mouse" type. I don't see the point really. I'll add my name to a high profile campaign because I believe every vote counts, but unless it's specifically relevant to me or my interests, I tend not to subscribe.

When I got an invite from Damien Mulley to join the Take Enda With You Facebook group, I hesitated a couple of days before clicking on the link. I needed to think about this - it would have been dead easy just to say "Ah sure grand, have another signature, it doesn't matter" but as those who know me well will tell you, I never do things the easy way.

I've never met Enda Kenny. I've seen him on TV a few times, read stuff about him in the papers but overall I really don't have an opinion on the man. He hasn't struck me as being worth noting, not really.

And that's the problem.

When Pat Rabitte was campaigning or involved in politics, the man seemed to be everywhere. From Newstalk to the Last Word to Metro to the Ploughing Championships, he was there. Much as I think that Labour is now a largely ineffective party that has little grasp on the fundamental problems with today's society, a far cry from its origins, I did appreciate the man's personality and voice in the political arena.

Bertie, similarly had a great presence. I don't know if he was corrupt. I don't know if the Mahon Tribunal has cost the country more than the taxpayer's money and the career of this man, but I do know he was at as many events as possible, always willing to shake hands, kiss babies and most importantly be seen. And sometimes being seen is a great thing.

People may have scoffed at his thanking people for mass cards in his goodbye speech, yet anyone 'down the country' who had done that no doubt appreciated the sentiment - it gave them something to say to the neighbours - "did you hear Bertie said thanks - well I sent him in one and he must have got it", etc. All these little things have an impact.

(Photo from Maxwells)

In stark contrast to Enda, but from the same party is Senator John Paul Phelan (beside Enda, above). I went to secondary school with John Paul - we were in the same class for 6 years, and he was always a likable, gentle guy. Powerful on the sporting field from what I remember, but affable, genuine and decent. Hearing he'd gone into politics held no surprise for me.

The difference between the two for me is stark - John Paul uses Bebo, the local press and the web to get his message across - does Enda? Not that I know of.

In fact Phelan's Bebo page is a great example of how it should be done - here are my details, this is what I do, this is how you get in touch etc. I'm sure politicians are busy but even giving supporters/followers or interested young people a way of contacting a representative that they're comfortable with is important.

Ireland needs a change.

I'm not politically educated or aware enough to be honest. I know the country needs a change in the way it's doing things, in how things are done and in how people are treated.

Grannymar pointed me towards this event this morning as highlighted on Steph's blog - I hope to go along.

The Health Service is one political topic that's very close to my heart, given my parents' medical problems. Charity aid is another. Education a third.

Darren gave a good view on Bertie's resignation, and while I may not entirely agree with his "just a man" summary, I do appreciate that there's a lot more to Irish politics than him. Turlogh puts it really well. And back on Darren's blog, Gary offers a comment including

Bertie has done a lot of good for this country, and was very personable to many world leaders. Which in turn gave Ireland a brighter place in the spotlight.

Can you imagine Brian Cowen having the same wit, and charm when met with leaders such as Bush, Brown or Putin?

Which brings us back to personality, to connections, to people and to communicating. All things I think the Fine Gael party don't get their leader to do enough of, or at least don't tell people (like me) about in an engaging, memorable and remarkable way.

Whether or not Mulley's Facebook Group is out to 'achieve' anything, it's worth noting that at the time of writing it has 163 members since last week - a stark contrast to the Young Fine Gael one which has 95 members (live since at least July 2007) and the main Fine Gael group (live since at least March 2007) which has 110 members.

Bertie, take Enda with you.

This country needs people that do. Not just say they will but actually do. It deserves a decent healthcare system, a higher standard of education but also charismatic, trustworthy leaders who are seen to be willing to connect with people, to be honest in their dealings and to get the job done. I don't believe Enda is someone who is getting the job done.

I joined the group and I'm linking to the website. It may not make a difference but in some senses it's better than doing nothing.

Will you?