I was elected to lead, not to be led, says Kelly

Sean Kelly came to Congress 2004 under enormous pressure.

The issue of Rule 42 and debate on the possible opening up of Croke Park, one of the main public planks of his fledgling presidency was gone, while another pet project, a total revamp of the SHC, was under threat; even to get to discussion stage.

Cork were heading the opposition charge. It was a classic confrontation, of the old guard against the new, conservative versus progressive. Cork v Kerry. Frank Murphy against Sean Kelly.