Poll warning to the would-be Taoiseach

THE serious slide in support for Eamon Gilmore as a potential Taoiseach in this week’s RedC poll is proof that his popularity is based solely on his Dáil performances and the helpful soundbytes given to him by RTÉ.

History has shown us time and time again that while parliamentary prowess and clever soundbytes often make for short-term popularity, they rarely if ever translate into an electoral breakthrough. James Dillon, Dick Spring and Michael Noonan were parliamentarians of the highest calibre who aspired to be Taoiseach but their hopes were dashed because of the organisational weaknesses of their parties.

The poll is a warning to Mr Gilmore that fawning media coverage cannot mask the serious weakness of his party at grassroots level.