A political columnist by any other name

YOUR Earwicker political column (Irish Examiner, May 15) had an item headlined “Oh my God, they gagged Kenny,” which stated that Fine Gael were ‘complete langers’ and intoned Enda Kenny was gagged by the spindoctors present during his visit to Cork.

As one who was present I agree with Earwicker that the spindoctors did try to cut short questions from the media, but he never stated that Enda Kenny just ignored them and answered all outstanding questions from the hacks.

As for the interest in John Deasy, TD, being added to the ticket irrelevant: Fine Gael has the right strategy in a three-seat constituency and one candidate, Cork-based Simon Coveney.

What a pity Earwicker did not trot along to Patrick Street for the following two hours to see the genuine interaction between Enda Kenny and the people, instead of trotting back to the office.

What a pity also he did not come along later that evening to Cork Greyhound Stadium for the FG European and local election fundraiser where 2,485 members and supporters rapturously applauded Kenny's off-the-cuff speech urging them on to victory in the June elections.

It is obvious the real langer was not with us on Patrick Street.

Joe O'Callaghan,

Riverdale House,

Station Road,

Blarney,

Co Cork.