Oversold as an “economic messiah”

FINE GAEL’S big mistake was to sell George Lee as an “economic messiah” who was going to solve all the country’s problems according to Finance Minister, Brian Lenihan.

The “over-selling” of their candidate when he was elected to Dublin-South last June was always going to lead to disappointment for Mr Lee, the minister claimed.

As Fianna Fáil quietly delighted in the loss of what was perceived as their opposition’s biggest star, the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, said it was too early to contemplate a bye-election to fill the seat left vacant by Mr Lee in Dublin South.

“My initial reaction is sympathy on a personal level and to wish him well,” the Taoiseach said, adding it shows how “politics is a tough career”.

Minister Lenihan said Mr Lee’s sudden resignation from politics was a “huge surprise”.

“Fine Gael... sold him as an economic messiah and obviously he accepted their word on that and felt that his messianic economic qualities were not being recognised.”

Politicians from all parties in the Dáil expressed surprise at yesterday’s announcement.

Labour Party Senator, Alex White, who was tipped to take the Dublin South seat until Mr Lee entered the race last May, said he is looking forward to a chance to contest it again. “Any politician looks forward to the opportunity to run for election and hopefully succeed,” he said.

Senator White believes Mr Lee won the seat because his position as a TV personality made him a conduit for the anger and frustration felt by voters. “My fear is his decision will add to that frustration and return people to thinking there is no point in politics at all,” he said.

“For somebody in whom so many people had put so much trust, to simply say after eight months ‘I’m walking away from it’, that will add to people’s cynicism,” Mr White said.

Fianna Fáil Senator and likely candidate in a Dublin South bye-election, Marie Corrigan, said: “Politics is a difficult career path and while progress can be slow, it is possible to make a difference.”

She said Mr Lee had a contribution to make to politics but that “it appears Fine Gael is not an inclusive party”.

“They have already been dismissive of former esteemed party leaders, Alan Dukes and Garret FitzGerald, and now George. It is clear that Fine Gael has no genuine interest in economic policy.”