As party leaders drop like flies, Kenny has the edge over Adams

IT’S getting ugly out there in party politics. To say all has changed utterly since last year’s general election would be stretching the point. Still, the last two leaders left standing — Enda Kenny and Gerry Adams — must be hoping the tumbrils will not roll up outside their doors, too. But will they?

Michael McDowell was the first to go (ironically along with his nemesis Joe Higgins). Having lost his seat and led his party to its worst ever performance, he had no choice. Many, probably most, believed the PDs had gone past the point of no return. Their leadership contest was being conducted under most people’s radar.

But what’s this? A faint glimmer of hope? When others were performing the ostrich manoeuvre over the evidence being presented at Dublin Castle, a small voice cried “Enough”. Could Fiona have inherited some of the O’Malley magic? We shall see.