The Cowen effect: FF support increases

BRIAN COWEN has received an early boost ahead of his election as Fianna Fáil leader with an opinion poll showing support for the party up five points since it became clear he would succeed Bertie Ahern.

The poll also showed the public overwhelmingly believes Mr Cowen would maker a better taoiseach than Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.

But the Opposition last night said Mr Cowen was simply enjoying a honeymoon period and predicted it would not last.

The Sunday Business Post/Red C poll was carried out on Thursday, 24 hours after the Taoiseach announced his departure date.

It showed support for FF at 40% — up five points since a corresponding poll just last week.

That means the party is almost back to the level of support it enjoyed at the general election, when it took 41.56% of the first preference vote.

FG, by contrast, has slipped two points to 28% — again, almost identical to its election vote of 27.32%.

The poll shows Mr Cowen’s personal approval rate is also high. Three out of four people — 74% — regarded him as a “safe pair of hands”, and a similar number — 72% — said he would make a good taoiseach.

Significantly, when asked who would make a better taoiseach, 63% of respondents said Mr Cowen compared with just 24% choosing Mr Kenny.

Opposition politicians, however, suggested Mr Cowen’s favourable ratings were merely a short-term bounce.

“A certain honeymoon period is predictable,” said FG TD Jim O’Keeffe. “They will judge Brian Cowen when he has been in office for some time. He’s not there yet.”

The FF parliamentary party will elect Mr Cowen leader-designate this Wednesday. Mr Cowen was the only candidate to succeed Mr Ahern when the deadline for nominations closed on Saturday.

He will be elected taoiseach on May 7 following Mr Ahern’s resignation, and will then name his tánaiste and finance minister, both positions he currently holds.

Speculation continued yesterday as to the nature of Mr Cowen’s plans for a reshuffle, but it is believed any surgery to the cabinet will be minor.

FG leader Mr Kenny and his Labour counterpart, Eamon Gilmore, congratulated Mr Cowen yesterday on his imminent elevation to the FF leadership, but promised robust opposition.

Mr Gilmore reiterated his call for Mr Cowen to replace Health Minister Mary Harney when announcing his cabinet.

“We badly need a new minister and a new start in health,” said Mr Gilmore.

The Red C poll showed Labour on 11% (no change), the Green Party on 9% (+1), Sinn Féin on 6% (-3), the PDs on 1% (no change), and Independents on 5% (-2).

The poll was taken among 500 voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4%.