Kenny may be shunning debate, but it’s Martin who has nothing to say

WE don’t need a televised debate — or two, or three — to tell us who’s likely to make a better Taoiseach.

The ability to perform under lights, facing a barrage of questioning while trying not to let the side down, is only one aspect — and a small one at that — of what makes a political leader.

I’ve seen taoisigh and senior ministers at close quarters, negotiating with each other and others, trying to make sense of often complex arguments, trying to win battles while maintaining relationships. The good ones couldn’t do what they do on live television. I’ve known politicians who were afraid of nothing, but hated that moment when somebody else’s signature tune heralded another line of questions and interruptions. They hate it most because in the era of television, they’re judged on how they perform in an interview that might last no longer than eight or nine minutes — in a working day that might last 16 hours.