Enda ‘European of the year’ in Germany as ratings fall at home

Just days after Angela Merkel declared Ireland to be a special case, it seems Germany thinks Enda Kenny is special too.

The Taoiseach has been selected by the German Magazine Publishers’ Association as their “European of the year”. While his approval ratings are falling in Ireland, they seem to be soaring in Germany.

And it’s ammunition to use against Mr Kenny’s opponents who thought his Government’s version of “vorsprung durch technik” was “vorsprung lurch technik” — lurching from one crisis to the next.

The group, Verband Deutscher Zeitschriftenverleger (VDZ), will present the award to Mr Kenny at a gala in Berlin on Nov 8.

It’s a double of sorts for Mr Kenny, after he appeared on the cover of the European edition of Time magazine recently.

But it could also be a double-edged sword.

Mr Kenny will have far more important business during the trip to Berlin — a meeting with the German chancellor to discuss a deal on Ireland’s bank debt.

While the award may demonstrate the respect for Mr Kenny abroad, it will be of little use at home if he does not return with some tangible sign that a deal is achievable.

The VDZ is the umbrella organisation of German magazine publishers, and is estimated to represent around 90% of the market.

So why do the publishers believe Mr Kenny is the European of the year?

Because of his “strong contribution to Europe and commitment to European ideals both as prime minister and throughout his many years in public life”, the VDZ said.

“This award acknowledges the achievements not only of Enda Kenny but Ireland and the Irish people.”

So it’s just like the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the EU — we can all claim a bit of the credit.

“Ireland’s determined response to the current economic and financial crisis has been widely respected, particularly in view of the genuine hardship being experienced by many Irish people,” the VDZ went on.

“This award, however, also acknowledges the unique contribution which Ireland has made to the European project since its accession in 1973. Despite being located at the western edge of the continent, the green island has always been at the heart of Europe.”

The VDZ said Ireland’s advancement over the last four decades offered a “powerful illustration of the value” of EU membership.

“In these difficult times, Europe benefits from the open, outward-looking character of the Irish state and people and from the calibre of its prime minister, Enda Kenny.”