McDowell's missed opportunity

As he exits public life following the loss of his dail seat and the decimation of the PDs, I found this old letter of mine, published in the Irish Times in February 2001 (pre-Madam era) under the heading "Fine Gael Leadership"

Sir,
It's difficult to see either of the coup leaders as visionaries who will succeed where John Bruton failed - in motivating and mobilising a fairly jaded party.
I suggest Fine Gael take the opportunity to look outside the party for possible leadership candidates.
Let me start the list: Pat Cox and Michael McDowell. -
Yours, etc.,

How could I have got it so wrong (about Michael McDowell)?????