"Put your faith in Taoiseach" - Offaly FF's rallying cry

A leading Fianna Fáil member in Offaly has urged people to put their faith in Taoiseach Brian Cowen's ability to lead the country through the current recession. Cllr Noel Bourke, chairman of Offaly County Council, said: "I would urge people to have faith in him and to support him. I know Brian Cowen and I know what he is capable of. He is one of the few people who is capable of leading us through this." Cllr Bourke was speaking after this week's latest opinion poll which indicated Fianna Fáil support at an all-time low of 17%. Dissatisfaction with the Taoiseach was also high at 77%, while 75% wanted a change in Government. "I'm disappointed with the opinion polls but it's a difficult time and difficult decisions have to be made," Cllr Bourke told the Offaly Independent. However, he argued the Government was failing to properly explain the reasons for its actions. "I do think the Government needs to communicate in a clearer way as regards explaining why the decisions are being taken and why they will be taken." But the council chairman was adamant the Taoiseach retained the full support of the party in Offaly. "There is no question about that at all. The party is full square behind him in Offaly," he told the Offaly Independent. Cllr Bourke said the same issues would confront any political party which was in power. "Whatever Government is there, the decisions are going to have to be taken." And he said he was confident that if there was public support for the NAMA legislation, the Lisbon Treaty and the budget, the country would be better placed come next year to experience some improvement in the situation. "These are three essential pieces in the overall jigsaw."