RICHARD BRUTON, the former Fine Gael deputy leader, does not have the charisma or gravitas to lead a political party, according to a leading charisma expert.

While the Oxford-educated economist knew his finance portfolio inside out and "appears genuine, honest and practical", he displays a "disconnect" from people and he prefers to deal with men, the expert claimed.

Nikki Owen is Britain's leading charisma and confidence expert. She is an experienced media commentator and she analysed the recent UK political leaders' TV debates in the UK for Al-Jazeera and other stations.

After news of the Fine Gael leadership heave emerged, the Sunday Tribune asked Owen to analyse footage of Richard Bruton in the Dáil, at a Fine Gael ard fheis and in front of the media.

Her findings suggest the party may have made the right decision in backing Enda Kenny last Thursday.

"Having reviewed some of the footage of Richard Bruton, he conveys that he is a logical, rational thinker who possesses a good grasp of his subject. He appears highly intelligent, genuine, honest and practical.

"At times he appears so caught up in his own knowledge that he disconnects completely from any emotion. This lack of emotional intensity manifests itself by his bland facial expression and quite often monotone vocal tonality."

Bruton supporters claimed last week that if the governor of the Central Bank had to ring the taoiseach at 3am, it would be better for us all if Bruton was answering the call. But Owen's assessment appears to contradict this claim.

"Whilst he is prepared – and I suspect he thoroughly prepares for everything – I imagine he might lack flexibility and struggle if confronted by a question he was not expecting. He might frustrate his peers because of his level of attention to detail and perfecting the plan before taking decisive action. In my view he would make a great deputy, but I wonder if he has the gravitas and charisma to operate as a particularly strong party leader at this point in time."

Echoing sentiments expressed by Irish Times columnist Sarah Carey last week, Owen added: "Bruton indicates a preference for communicating and dealing with men, as evidenced by his emphasis on right-handed gestures. He gives the impression that he knows what he is doing and that the voting public will be in safe hands. Yet his 'palms-up' hand gestures give the impression he is pleading for people to like and accept him."

She also raised questions about Bruton being comfortable in the role of leader.

"Under stress he increases his use of 'help me' hand gestures and his throat constricts, making it hard for him to speak. He is not comfortable as a frontman or a person who is used to being in the public eye. I suspect his extensive knowledge of what a government needs to do is propelling him into this role rather than for any altruistic motives."

She also claimed that Bruton is so focused on getting his facts absolutely right that he "can drain energy from others".