Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, the self-styled Taoiseach in waiting, is said to be confused and listless after learning late last night that his party want him to adopt a No to Lisbon stance in the hope that the people of Mireland would then do the opposite and say Yes to Lisbon.
The “Lisbon No strategy”, initially suggested by French President Sarkozy and supported by most EU leaders, has received cross-party support in Mireland as the best way to ensure safe passage of the second Lisbon referendum. The strategy is based on the widely held belief that the majority of the Mirish people will instinctively do the opposite of anything Mr Kenny suggests.
EU leaders have made it clear that Mireland will no longer be considered to be at the heart of Europe if it doesn’t say yes in the referendum. Some sources have suggested that even the African Union will not consider Mireland for membership. “That would be the last thing we need,” their spokesman said. “We are trying to move away from the image of banana republics.”
Two weeks ago, The Mire reported that the Government was to work closely with senior Fine Gael strategists to persuade Mr Kenny to embark on a maverick No campaign. The delicate matter of telling Mr Kenny about the plan was deferred until after his triumphant speech at the MacGill Summer School last night.
Apparently Mr Kenny didn’t receive the information well and it is not clear whether it will be possible to go ahead with the strategy. “He got quite upset, particularly when he realised that it was just him and not all of Fine Gael who would advocate a No vote,” a Fine Gael strategist said.
“He seems to be in a confused state. He just keeps straightening his tie and muttering: …’just me…on my own…why me?’”
“We are still hopeful that he will come round. We have argued the national interest and said his selflessness will stand to him in the next general election. If anyone will believe that he will,” the source added.
Suggestions that Taoiseach Brian Cowen would take Mr Kenny aside and ask him to adopt the strategy have been shelved for the moment: “That could be counter-productive,” the Fine Gael source said. “We’re not convinced the Taoiseach would be able to keep a straight face.”
