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Horev: PM will receive much sympathy from public
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Sympathy for PM rises; concern for age casts doubt

Strategic advisor says Sharon will face reporters within two days and receive much sympathy following his minor stroke; Kadima members convey message of 'business as usual,' while several are concerned PM's age may influence voters and political establishment

What will happen to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Kadima party following the PM's stroke? The question not only concerns his party members, but also has been plaguing his political rivals both right and left-wing.

 

Kadima members are trying to convey a message of "business as usual" and are confident that sympathy towards Sharon will grow. However, they are also concerned that the prime minister's age (78 years) will influence the political establishment and voters.

 

"The prime minister will face reporters within the next two days and receive much renewed sympathy," strategy advisor Lior Horev said. "All the polls prove that the prime minister has no replacement. Just as he told the cabinet secretary at the hospital 'Israel is continuing forward, no?'"

 

"Sharon is sorry for all those years in public as a cold and distanced man. After the dramatic interest in his well-being that we saw at the hospital, throughout the country and world, I am confident his reputation and empathy towards him will grow."

 

"Following the tests and from what I have heard about his situation, I have no doubt that within several days he will continue forward," he added.

 

Besides the exuded optimism Horev has expressed, there are several Kadima members who have deliberated over the question of whether Sharon's health may tarnish Kadima's image, a party based entirely on the reputation of one man. Without him, there is no party.

 

'Everything will be okay within 10 days'

 

Sharon suffered a stroke, not the flu, and Kadima members are already willing to confront those who may claim that a ruling party cannot function with an old and sick leader.

 

Avigdor Yitzhaki, Kadima's director-general

and a close friend of Sharon, did not arrive at the hospital. He tried to remain optimistic.

 

"The man is sick and we must wait for him to recover. We are all familiar with such strokes. Fortunately it was a minor incident, but he will still have to stay in hospital for 48 hours," Yitzhaki said.

 

"It's true that he wanted to go home Sunday night, but he must undergo medical surveillance and tests in order to make sure that he is okay. Then he will need a few more days to rest," he added.

 

"I assume that within a one week to 10 days, if everything is okay, Sharon will return to fully functioning. I assume that everything will be okay," Yitzhaki concluded.

 

A senior Kadima official said "there is no doubt that the health questions will be raised once again, but the MRI test showed that no brain damage was caused."

 

"As things look now, Sharon will return to full functioning within a few days. It's not worse than having the flu," the official added.

 

"Gadi Shamni, the prime minister's military secretary, will be next to his bed. An emergency line will be connected and the prime minister will function to the fullest extent. Our party, as I know it, will continue to operate excellently," he said.

 

"The prime minister will be able to rest in peace for a number of days and will return to lead the party to an election victory," the official concluded. 

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.19.05, 10:44
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