What does Google tell us about our political leaders?

Dan Ariely has a very interesting post on search terms boyfriends and girlfriends use on Google. Dan is the author of the excellent book ‘Predictably Irrational’ which is all about challenging the assumptions we make about rational thought and decision making. I read the book when it came out and it is a very enjoyable and fascinating read.

Thought it would be worthwhile to see what Google reveals about Irish political leaders. You can draw your own conclusions about them but here’s my take aways for each :

Brian Cowen – a figure of fun, not taken seriously. Worrying for a country that needs strong, authoritative leadership.

Enda Kenny – Very much seen as just being a leader of Fine Gael and also a cross dresser?

Eamon Gilmore – All about the politics – could do with going loosening the tie a bit more.

John Gormley – Strong green identity and an association with frogs.

Gerry Adams – Right now for Gerry it’s very little about politics and more about family issues.

And to round it off, there is Bertie Ahern. Not a current leader of course, this is just out of curiousity. It’s mostly the ook now. Bertie Ahern TD is low down on the list of search suggestions.

I have no idea how Google comes up with these results, and maybe your results will be different. Would be interested to know if they are. I’m going to try these search terms again in a month and see if they change.