Drapier: So it's all over. George Bush is re-elected as president of the US. Drapier, (no lover of Bush), had always the firm idea that he would win again. He was terrific on the stump and always looked as if he was hungry for the votes and for the job. John Kerry never really looked as if he wanted the job, but because he had won the convention, he had to go through the election.
There is no doubt that Bush was beatable, if there was a decent opposition candidate. In a way George W. so dominated the campaign that it was never perceived as a rivalry between himself and Kerry, but rather like a referendum on Bush.
Well, the American people have spoken. Bill Clinton, straight from his operation, went on the hustings one day with John Kerry and there was an extensive programme laid out for the two of them to campaign for the next four to five days. This never happened. There is no doubt that if the two had campaigned together, it would have had a wondrous effect on Kerry's fortunes. Hillary Clinton did not appear either. Of course, it would not have suited either Hill or Bill for the Democrat candidate to win. Hillary will now be groomed for 2008 to be the Democratic candidate.
Bush had the squashed up look of a happy boy as he wove the people round him during each speech. Kerry's running mate, John Edwards, failed to shine. On the other hand, Dick Cheney remained the dependable older man adding weight and solidity to the show-off Bush.
Equally, George Bush rarely appeared without Laura his wife in tow, whereas Kerry seemed to have succumbed to the image makers in the Democrats, who decreed that Teresa Heinz was not to be allowed on the campaign trail, lest her gaffes spoil the show. A mistake, as on the odd occasion when she was with her husband, Kerry looked animated and lively.
There are many interesting lessons from the conduct of the campaign. Provisional votes have replaced the hanging chads as the talking point. It was a mistake to assume that a huge turnout would favour the challenger. In fact, it was the reverse. Kerry got a bounce from winning the debates, but not much as people quickly forgot them.
It seems a cliché to say that the campaign divided the country. Of course it did, but it also energised the US and certainly made democracy seem tangible and real to the people. One hundred and twenty million people voted. That's some organisational and logistical effort. And the second term in the White House will leave George Bush in unbridled mood as he will not have a forthcoming election hanging over him.
This week saw the launch of Nell by Nell McCafferty. The book was launched by Margaret MacCurtin (Sister Ben) in the Great Room in the Shelbourne Hotel. It was a good launch and a good night. Nell was in great form herself and was rapturously greeted by the Sisterhood and just a few brothers. Sister Ben's speech was well crafted and carefully couched and delivered. Just a smattering of politicians - Liz McManus, Mary O'Rourke and Terry Leyden were all that Drapier saw. The book is well written, racy and hugely interesting. Plenty of advance coverage in the Sunday Tribune, and a clever and sensitive interview by Kathy Sheridan with Nell herself on the day of the launch, meant that interest was high.
David Trimble's launch, The Price of Peace by Frank Millar, on Wednesday was quite a different matter. It had plenty of politicians and celebrities and a great earnest air about the whole affair. The launch took place in the Stephen's Green Club.
Drapier's colleagues in the Fianna Fáil party have been talking about the parliamentary party meeting during this week. Social welfare was the issue and members put forward motions which Seamus Brennan, the relevant Minister, answered.
Seamus got a resounding clap when he said he was a socialist at heart.
For the 2½ years he was in the Department of Transport, he never got applause. However, Drapier understand that Seamus should watch out for himself. Apparently, he went into a heavy explanation that he was not his own master with regard to money and was fighting his battles with Finance.
Brian Cowen sat impassively at the top table beside the Taoiseach and did what he does best, glowering and remaining silent. Seamus's comments were not lost on him, however, and it is understood that he was not amused at the way the Minister was already divesting himself of any blame should he not get large wads of money for his Department. Drapier has no doubt but that Brian Cowen will be a good Minister for Finance. He will be his own man and won't suffer fools gladly. The blue skies of Inchydoney and Father Seán Healy hang over the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party and it is expected that there will be some opening of the purses to help the needy.
Brendan Howlin is beginning to assert himself after a long silence. It is believed he has distinct reservations about the Mullingar Accord between Fine Gael and Labour. Memories stir of Brendan Howlin and Michael Smith back in 1994 in a desperate attempt to patch up a floundering Fianna Fáil/Labour Coalition.
What is to be made of the Cian O'Connor affair? Even the authoritative voice of Avril Doyle fails to give any coherence to this almighty mess. Step forward Hercule Poirot! Or perhaps Dr Charlie Bird?