Enda is now "damaged goods" and this is a definite plus for FF. However the gain is limited by Cowen's obvious shortcomings and close association with the economic crisis. I wonder could FF better capitalise on FG's misfortune if they themselves had a more credible leader. Anybody think it would be a good strategic move for FF to replace Cowen?

A heave in FF?....

you obviously missed the free comic in todays indo......

go out, get a copy and maybe a creme egg...enjoy!....

Who would be capable of replacing Cowen?

Not going to happen - replace him with who exactly?

Lenihan is most obviously placed to bring about a heave but his current health situation isn't exactly going to encourage him to start looking to be Taoiseach. Lenihan is the key player and he won't support a heave by another member of the party. Cowen is safe until if and when Lenihan overcomes his cancer battle, which we all hope he will.

A failed general election would be a different matter of course, but there is no evidence that will happen anytime soon.

Apart from Lenihan, who is unfortunately ill, there is literally no talent whatsoever in the FF party and therefore no candidate who could seriously be considered a contender. A fully fit Lenihan is the only alternative and that is not available.

So Biffo is as good as it gets, I'm afraid.

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A country which refuses to enforce its own laws has no future.

Ohhhhh Nooooo. I forgot the free comics. Damn George Lee anyway.

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Did Rody give back the Audi ?

That's pretty depressing if you are a FFer. I think that if Lenihan was not sick the pressure on him to cause a heave would have been immense but I can't see anyone else. D Ahern? M Martin?
I don't think so.

Eh, it's pretty depressing if you happen to live in Ireland.

Martin Cullen? Dev Óg?? Bev???

Given the depth of talent in the current Cabinet there's not a lot of choice is there?

I don't think Ahern could take the party with him and I don't think Martin wants the job until the economy has picked up. In either instance would Lenihan really support them? There is currently such goodwill towards Lenihan that he could break any attempt to oust Cowen. He could break it before it even started. Quite likely that he would too because he would probably rather, assuming he recovers, wait 18 - 24 months and oust him himself.