Irish Politics, Current Affairs and Magazine Archive - Politico.ie

Those who waited for ten years for the new beginning with Charlie Haughey, must have begun to wonder by now what the long wait was all about. In the seven months since he has become Taoiseach, Charles Haughey has failed to make any significant impact, on any of the issues on which he was most looked to for leadership and change: the economy, the North and security. But worse than that, he has revealed himself as a weak leader who mistakes public relations gimmicks, for decisiveness and courage.

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Donncha 0 Dulaing was in his element. The centre of attention, thousands cheering. The leader hearing his every word.

"Every year at Siamsa Cois Laoi I do something out of the ordinary! Two years ago I had the distinction of being called a republican by the Irish Times! Well, since this is a republic I suppose we must all be republicans!"

The crowd roared. "And now I'm going to do my something out of the ordinary, and I may never be forgiven for it. Taoiseach! Will ya come up here on stage and s