What are FF options if Lenihan can no longer hold office

RDM_83 again · 02-10-2010 12:36AM #1

Mod's lock this if discussed already but don't think it has

My question is what do you think FF's options are if Brian Lenihan is no longer able to hold office, not looking for a FF bashing thread since there's enough of those already* but think of it from the view point of the member of the party.
He is considered by most people to be the natural leader/best person in FF at the minute, been built up the same way Canny Cowen as genius by sections of the media, he does get "some" positive press which is more than could be said than the rest of the party.
Who's there to replace him either as finance minister if the goverment stands past budget or if not as leader of the party. Presume Cowen would have to go and literally can not think of any one else.
Also any suggestions for future shadow cabinet?

*Now I don't rate Lenihan especially after the mid-night meetings without advisors.

mikemac · 02-10-2010 01:04AM

Micheál Martin maybe, one of the highest profile members they have

I'm certain he'll lead the party one day, he wants the top job but that's a few years off yet.
Probably another leader before Martin gets it

The_Minister · 02-10-2010 01:07AM

If Lenihan steps down we'll have an election - there a good few TDs who haven't walked/****-stirred only because they want him to stay in Finance.

Martin would probably lead in opposition.

RDM_83 again · 02-10-2010 01:36AM

Suppose he would probably be most likely*
Having a leader from one of the urban centres would be an asset certainly though you'd wonder about Dublin where they've lost a lot of support. Any thoughts who'd fill Bertie's "socialist" shoes in his constituency. Don't really here of anybody young and dynamic in the party though to fill the other positions (though I suppose in opposition there is a lot more scope for building a media profile)

*and most appealing to myself having taken a stand on the Israeli passports issue unlike the ministers in Uk and Germany.though stuff like this might come back and bite him

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0207/embassy.html

mikemac · 02-10-2010 02:23AM

Cyprian Brady was elected, Mary Fitzpatrick was not.
I would think one of them would be elected, not sure about two or even zero if the party faces meltdown. But they are well organized in Dublin Central so I think they will get one seat

Senator Paschal Donohue of FG will probably take a seat, he missed out in 2007 and in 2009 for Tony Gregory's byelection

What are FF options if Lenihan can no longer hold office

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