People and Politics by Patrick Roberts

Saint Patrick's Day ten best Irish politicians

Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 06:24 AM

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Presidents

1. John F. Kennedy: He had it all, and modern politics is based on his charisma, good looks and style. Indeed, much of the modern America myth making is based on the "Camelot" years.

2. Ronald Reagan: Effortless, easy, comfortable, utterly committed but somehow accessible like no President since.

3. Bill Clinton: A big Irish heart and a success record on Ireland that no President in history enjoyed. Looking better and better in the rear view mirror, too.

4. Barack Obama: Irish on his mother's side from County Offaly. Still unproven, but he sure got our attention with his incredible victory.

5. Teddy Roosevelt: a founder of the American Irish Historical Society in tribute to his mother's Dublin roots. Gave us the modern day conservation of our natural resources movement.

Politicians

1. Edward Kennedy: Lion of the Senate much missed and beloved -- or reviled and disdained depending on your point of view. A giant.

2.Newt Gingrich Singlehandedly created the modern conservative movement with his contract for America. Donegal roots.

3. Tip O'Neill: Big bluff smiling Boston Irishman with a brain like a razor who belied his crumpled image to become a great legislator.

4. Mitch McConnell: "Doctor No" of the Senate who has tied up the Democrats in knots. Canny and wise, he is playing an extraordinary hand.

5. Hillary Clinton: Not Irish, but her work on behalf of peace in Northern Ireland qualifies her. Unlucky not to be President.

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windrider48 | Mar 17, 2010, 10:49 PM EDT

If Barry Obama is still "unproven" how can he be a "best" President? Doesn't "best" means something has beaten out all competitors...and therefore "proven"? Something which will not happen.

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IrishAndProud | Mar 17, 2010, 03:41 PM EDT

I disagree, Searlit. Reagan should not only be on the list (I'm proud he was) but he should be #1. He was a far stronger and more admired President than Kennedy, and was supported by vastly more people, in both elections he ran, in '80 and '84. No one has ever topped that kind of electoral success since then, or has had Reagan's natural appeal and warmth. I do agree with the other posters on here, however: what in heaven's name is B. Hussein Obama doing on this list?

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Verum68 | Mar 17, 2010, 03:07 PM EDT

Where's Senator Robert Kennedy? He clearly belongs on this list and he was the best of all of them.

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JBRAFTREE | Mar 17, 2010, 02:41 PM EDT

Nix on #4 President!!!!

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sdmcguirk | Mar 17, 2010, 02:04 PM EDT

I'd say Bobby Kennedy beats them all.

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Spiritranger | Mar 17, 2010, 12:34 PM EDT

Drop hillary and obama and you've maybe nailed it for Irish-AMERICANS. What about past great Irish-American governors like Bill O'Neil from Connecticut? But tmitch57 is correct, not really IRISH.

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SouthSideIrish | Mar 17, 2010, 11:57 AM EDT

How can you not include Mayor Richard J. Daley of Chicago? The Irishman that gave you JFK as President.

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Searlit | Mar 17, 2010, 11:14 AM EDT

I'm sorry you put Ronald Reagan as # 2. He's the one who deregulated our institutions which paved the way for all the bad financial transactions to happen that have led to the great financial collapse of the world's economies. I wouldn't be bragging about Newt Gingrich or Mitch McConnell either. Politicians like them aren't out to make the world a better place, unfortunately.

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tmitch57 | Mar 17, 2010, 11:12 AM EDT

It should be entitled "Top Ten Irish-American Politicians" as there isn't a single Irishman in the list.

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