Lessons to be learned from outing of Charles Kennedy as heavy drinker

[Vega1447]

The leader of FF and Taoiseach of this Republic is widely and persistently rumoured to drink too much.

Similar rumours about Charles Kennedy (then leader of British Lib Dems) circulated in Britain for a year or more until his outing by Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight in 2002 when Paxman said to Kennedy: "Does it trouble you that every single politician to whom we have spoken while preparing for this interview has said the same thing, 'You are interviewing Charles Kennedy, I hope he's sober'?"

Is there any prospect of a similar question being addressed to Brian Cowan on Irish TV or radio?

[jmcc]

Is there any prospect of a similar question being addressed to Brian Cowan on Irish TV or radio?

On RTE - FF's Pravda? Not a chance.

Regards...jmcc

[Question R24U]

The only journalist who could ask such a question would be Vincent Browne. The rest are subservient lickarses.

We should not have a minister for health who is obese. A minister for employment who has never held a real job. Or a minister for finance who is had no knowledge of economics. All should be open about how much/little they drink.

[The Caped Cod]

I wouldn't be surprised he drinks if he believes for even a second that he or his party may held accountable for their actions.He'd something to stead his nerves.
That said, as long as he shows up for work sober (and I think many would agree that as regards his work, drink is the least of his problems) then it's his own business.

[asset test]

Is there any evidence of this so called excessive drinking on the part of BC? Apart from general ineptitude and lack of leadership ability, I cannot say that I noticed him in any way inebriated in public appearances anyway.

In Charles Kennedy's case I think he was seen to be obviously under the weather on several occasions when in the public eye.

Anyway the private lives of politicians are sacrosanct in this country, so the only time this alleged lifestyle choice will be mentioned in the media is if it impinges on his ability to run the country and do his job. OK I know many will say he is not doing that right now, and I agree, but is that because of his lifestyle? I dunno.

[Vega1447]

Is there any evidence of this so called excessive drinking on the part of BC? Apart from general ineptitude and lack of leadership ability, I cannot say that I noticed him in any way inebriated in public appearances anyway.

In Charles Kennedy's case I think he was seen to be obviously under the weather on several occasions when in the public eye.

Anyway the private lives of politicians are sacrosanct in this country, so the only time this alleged lifestyle choice will be mentioned in the media is if it impinges on his ability to run the country and do his job. OK I know many will say he is not doing that right now, and I agree, but is that because of his lifestyle? I dunno.

I have been told privately by a journo that it is true.

And heavy hints have been dropped in print media - albeit infrequently.

Terry Prone's article Irish Examiner - 2008/12/29: The media should stop covering up for alcohol-addled politicians

was certainly saying that *some* senior pols were boozers.

[Vega1447]

Oxygen.ie - Cowen apologises for F word, but refuses to back down over 'cock-gobbler' comment

[breakingnews]

Being a heavy drinker isn't uncommon in this country.

If he's an alcoholic, that's different.

[Sailor]

I have been told privately by a journo that it is true.

And heavy hints have been dropped in print media - albeit infrequently.

Terry Prone's article Irish Examiner - 2008/12/29: The media should stop covering up for alcohol-addled politicians

was certainly saying that *some* senior pols were boozers.

Prone´s article does not even drop a hint in the direction of Cowen - it has no relevance to this thread. She mentions that some politicians may be a bit fond of the drop and suddenly Cowen, being a politician, is guilty by association ! I hold no brief for Cowen or FF in general but I do believe in fair play !

[CookieMonster]

Is there any prospect of a similar question being addressed to Brian Cowan on Irish TV or radio?

Who can you see asking such a question?

Not a hope.