I embedded the economy one below, I am interested to know what people think.

He has clearly struggled to talk directly to people, primarily because his tenor and language have been impenetrable. This is a clear effort to go over the heads of the media and directly to people – has it worked?

He has the right posture, straight into camera delivering full answers but it is worryingly similar to the detached civil-servant langugage we have become used to. Cowen is clearly a work in progress on that level. For the first part of the video below he has to find a voice, only toward the end does he come to answer questions – maybe pracitce will make perfect.

Edit to add: Another email from our dear friend. At least they got the url right this time, though it is still very clunky – who decided the popular questions? Would be nice to see and vote on the questions a-la change.gov, lots of short sentences but no call to action as yet, simply watch a video. Wonder if the forthcoming election spend reform will make reference to online.

Dear friend,

Brian Cowen answers your questionsOver the last two weeks, people from all over the country have been submitting their questions for me through the new Fianna Fáil website. I received over a thousand questions on a vast number of topics. Given the overwhelming number you submitted, I’ve only been able to answer a selection of the most popular questions. I’d like to thank each of you for putting these questions to me.

Most questions concerned the global economic crisis that faces Ireland. I want to share my answers with you so you can best understand how I and my Government intend to lead Ireland out of these difficult times.

Watch my answers here:

http://www.fiannafail.ie/thetaoiseachanswers

I answered questions about our banking system and the limits that the Government is going to place on bankers’ pay and bonuses. I listened and responded to your legitimate concerns about the pension levy we’ve been forced to impose for the good of the country’s finances. I hear the call for the country to pull together in difficult times and ask our political opponents to contribute their best ideas for the good of Ireland and its people. We have to work tirelessly – together.

Take a few minutes to watch my answers to your questions:

http://www.fiannafail.ie/thetaoiseachanswers

I want to lead Ireland out of this recession into a new type of economy – smarter, flexible and more diverse. I’ve got a plan for the next five years that will create new knowledge-based jobs and industries, intensify research and development and make our country the best possible place to start a new business.

I’m optimistic about Ireland’s future. I believe in the ability of the Irish people to work hard and to show our inherent ingenuity to bring us out of this economic crisis. Things will not get better straight away, but over the coming months and years, they will. We need to prepare for and work towards recovery.

I ask you to join me in standing up for Ireland’s future.

Brian Cowen
Taoiseach

Edit by Simon: Also for anyone interested David Trimble is on after us.

Michael McDowell had Liz going up a ladder in Ranelagh and John Gormley came along to push the ladder over or something, while Lucinda Creighton (FG – Dublin South East) got her own ladder out with a poster. What was Liz O’Donnell thinking of doing a lovely girl impression?? (Bloggorah folk- you are welcome..)

Welcome to the Prescott Moment of the campaign which within an hour or so has been youtubed (money changed hands!) and the video editors and creative types amongst you will find the necessary material here, (Raw footage!) here and originally here. We await your efforts!

More reports of being canvassed (I love these because I don’t get canvassed by anyone in the apartment block). Dave talks broadband in rural Cork with FF – and gets blank looks and directions to the internet cafe. FG canvassers are not up to much as far as Bart is concerned and run off fairly quickly – interesting how canvassers are so light on their feet! But then Irish Elections’ Canvasser has all the hints and tips and tops the poll in the canvassing posts!  Harry McGee is quick out of the blocks with his reaction to the debate. More of the secondaries tomorrow no doubt whilst we get the popcorn in for the big one.

Tonight I find that Alex White (Labour- Dublin South) is blogging the canvass – pity he didn’t tell anyone about it until now but anyway more reports from the doorsteps including highly engaged children! (So that’s where the Greens got those lovelies from!) More about children – well the Rock the Vote Kids – and another analysis of the campaign from John Mortell.

Martin Cullen, previously a missing person, (aka electoral liability) has been sighted - and saying that he does things – ‘It’s about delivery – that’s what Martin Cullen does’. (as seen on 9pm News RTE1) Ah yes delivering crap machines and stuff.  And for tonights missing politician – Where is Michael D. Higgins? I miss him – this election needs it’s Michael D moment – we’ve had far too many Michael McD moments! Actually where is any debate on foreign policy?

Not specifically election related – but George Hook now has a blog - am sure someone could dip into a pocket and buy him his own domain name! Maybe those FF HQ people who can thank him for the cushy interview he gave Bertie yesterday!

Many thanks to the women in Beaut.ie for their advice (free!) to Jackie Healy-Rae. Thomas Byrne (FF – Meath East) is giving a shout out to the troops – no sign that there is any weariness out on the canvass Thomas is there?

Finally if anyone in Drumcondra is reading this – send us some photos of today’s direct action against the soil engineers who are doing work on the Metro re-routing – even better send us photos of any FF canvassers – I hear that they are a rare species since locals found out that they were being duped by Bertie and the RPA about the route of the Metro.

Almost the first draft of the historical record on this government (which cannot be helped in the context of the Westminster speech). Still some star-studded video.

Now if only Enda could get Angela and citizen Dave (or even the very supportive John Major).

Fianna Fail Videos
Fianna Fáil Party Political Broadcast – 1,574 Views
Bertie Ahern Opens Fianna Fail Ard Fheis – 1,965 Views
Frank Chambers in his kitchen. – 2,207 Views

Fine Gael Videos
Fine Gael Party Political Broadcast. – 300 Views
In conversation with Enda Kenny. – 1,988 Views
Enda Kenny, man of the people. 2,900 Views

Labour Party Videos
But, are you happy? – 1,313 Views
This is Margaret – 1,995 Views
Labour 2007 Party Political Broadcast – 415 Views
Eric Byrne – Standing With You – 231 Views

Green Party Videos
Ciarán Cuffe Dun Laoghaire to Paris Low Carbon -512 Views
Roderic O’Gorman campaign update – 531 Views
John Gormley at anti-incineration protest – 274 Views
Quentin Gargan on Energy in West Cork – 551 Views

Progressive Democrats Videos
Mary Harney behind her desk asking to put her back in power come election time – 3,516 Views
Michael McDowell Leaders Speech – 314 Views
PD Manifesto Launch – 233 Views

Others
Richard Boyd Barrett from Socialist Workers Party – 335 Views
A.J. Cahill – How kids are treated in Meath East – 399 Views

Satirical Videos
The Real Bertie Part 1 – 3,446 Views
Dan Sullivan’s “You pay taxes so we don’t have to” - 2,371 Views.(Done twice, viewed 1846 times and 525 times)
Paul Lee Fianna Fáil Party Political Ad – 354 Views
The Sorted Party Are On Your Doorstep – 1,898 Views
Political Thicko on Mary Harney – 4,468 Views
Political Thicko on Enda Kenny – 2,807 Views
Bertie Ahern on Dragon’s Den – 13,068 Views
Enda Kenny meets Simon Cowell – 15,583 Views

News Clips
Vincent Browne vs Bertie Ahern – 5,721 Views

Effective though labour’s attack ad undoubtedly is.

I think a little more directness is worthwhile.