Grealish move - We need a re-energised opposition

BARACK OBAMA built his candidacy, in public at least, on his great charisma, a fine, resonating baritone voice and the promise of a new America.

He has convinced a great number of voters to be optimistic; he has convinced, it seems, nearly half of his fellow citizens that he can rejuvenate and deliver the American Dream.

In Ireland, where we are facing every challenge America faces except foreign wars, we have an opposition that is nothing like as charismatic, energising, provocative or plausible as Obama.