This coming Saturday marks the one year anniversary of the unparalleled revelation by RTÉ about covert bonuses handed to their famed host, Ryan Tubridy – a revelation that sent shockwaves across Ireland. Guarantee you don’t miss our enormous, 72-page, full-colour tribute supplement, designed to commemorate the one year anniversary of the scandal famously known as “Tubsgate”. Not only did this shake our nation, but it also brought some colour to the otherwise uneventful summer of 2023, pushing government affairs into the shadows.
It may have only been a year, but the memories seem farther. This concept was a popular topic of conversation at the recent garden party hosted at the British Ambassador’s residence commemorating the king’s birthday.
During the event, Paul Johnston, the ambassador, recognised the attendance of Caroline Campbell, the inaugural female Director of Ireland’s National Gallery and Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s director general – both hailed for their successful careers in Ireland that bridges the gap between the UK and Ireland.
A year ago at this event, Johnston wished Bakhurst luck on his impending shift to the role of director general at RTÉ and commended Tubridy on his last show as host of Late Late. Little did he predict that Tubridy would soon be making strides in Britain himself.
Just two days following this party at Glencairn, RTÉ released the contentious report. Consequently, their leading artist was off air, spelling an existential crisis for the director general, Bakhurst, and the national broadcaster at large.
Life always surprises us. This includes the ambassador hosting a new taoiseach this year. Simon Harris was seen socialising with guests before hastily leaving for Castlebar, where Maria Walsh and Nina Carberry were about to win the election in Midlands North-West.
Meanwhile, Leo Varadkar, his predecessor, had the leisure to remain and casually interact with Paschal Donohoe and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, among other TDs and Senators who had travelled from Leinster House.
Chris Heaton-Harris, the Northern Secretary, took a break from the UK elections, and Bertie Ahern always expressed his enthusiasm for election discussions, regardless of his lack of interest in the well-garbed Pimms. In attendance were home improver Dermot Bannon, garden maestro Diarmuid Gavin, and Amanda Bone – a key judge on RTE’s Home of the Year show.
An array of international representatives and media personnel, including Eileen Dunne – still enjoying the aftermath of her Dancing with the Stars experience – were present. Nina Carberry’s success suggests it won’t be too long before the former newsreader feels the persuasive touch of a Fine Gael election agent on her glittering attire.
Simon Harris initiated his articulation by noting the opportune intervention of the Child of Prague – the ambassador displayed three plastic figurines at the back entrance on Wednesday evening – which altered the stormy weather into pleasing sunshine ready for the celebrations.
The Prime minister expressed regret over Ireland’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024, but conveyed that everyone was supporting the ambassador’s homeland, Scotland, which was received enthusiastically. He praised King Charles for fostering goodwill between Ireland and Britain, and wished him a speedy recovery from his disease. Subsequently, a tribute was paid to the king and the band played God Save the King.
Paul Johnston was advised to maintain a neutral standpoint due to the ongoing elections in the UK, with the suggestion that his speech be “plain and empty of meaning” which entertained the chuckling diplomats no end. Afterwards, a toast was raised to the President of Ireland and the band played Amhrán na Bhfiann.
As night descended, a bagpiper sounded the departure from the battlements, encouraging the stragglers to find a pub.
And for the record, it is false to suggest that photographers had images of Fine Gael’s Nina Carberry in case she made an appearance at the count centre in Castlebar on Thursday evening.
She only claimed the crown when assured of a certain triumph, with Taoiseach Simon Harris and other prominent politicians of Fine Gael lending their presence to mask any uncomfortable lulls. Loud countryside TD’s sought out Dáil jibes and Simon Harris did not disappoint. Her notable absence from media interaction – corporate-produced upbeat videos and imagery excluded – christened her the unseen contender of the European elections. Still, she silently slipped under the radar, securing a win without any political history or hardly uttering a word throughout her campaign. More of a Ninja Carberry than Nina Carberry, silently creeping upon everyone and taking them by surprise. She certainly shows potential as a skilled politician.
Members of Ireland’s exceptional athletics team had the honour of meeting the Taoiseach at the Government Buildings on Friday. They demonstrated their European Championships medals while receiving advice from him on achieving staggeringly swift paces whilst consuming ice-cream and the accurate method of passing a baton from one Taoiseach to another. Subsequently, he tweeted a picture of himself alongside President Michael D Higgins, located within Áras an Uachtaráin library.
An approaching snap election? They’ve certainly become quite popular currently. Not quite yet, however, many in Leinster House believe it’s likely in October.
On Thursday, heartfelt homages were expressed in the Dáil for Martin Murray, one of the longest-standing and most endearing ushers in Leinster House, who resigned this week. The Ceann Comhairle informed the house about Martin’s career in the newspaper industry besides other ventures before he put on the Kildare Street uniform. In his younger years, he was a zealous footballer and a passionate boxer. It was fortunate his pugilistic skills weren’t needed since his commencement of service. Seán Ó Fearghaíl conveyed wishes for his blissful retirement years with his daughter Aisling and granddaughters Elsie and Evie, his cherished ones. His final assignment was ushering ex-president Mary Robinson from the Upper House on Wednesday post her formal address to Senators.
On a memorable Thursday meeting, Simon Harris pleasantly surprised Martin with a gift of cufflinks to commemorate his retirement.
Across the lively gathering at Fianna Fáil’s parliamentary event in Leinster House a night ago, optimism was undeniable. Despite a slight dip in their seat count at the local Government level, Fianna Fáil emerged triumphantly as the leading party, dashing rumours of their decline. This dominance came as a sting to their principal coalition allies, as Sinn Féin grappled with a ghastly performance.
Further good vibes filled the room in celebrating the achievements of Ireland’s competitors in the European championships. The Tánaiste’s declaration of Ireland securing a silver added to the enthusiasm. The bantering remark from the back, comparing Fine Gael’s position to the silver win, triggered a wave of laughter.
While the South Ireland results kept everyone on tenterhooks, it was established early that Seán Kelly of Fine Gael was comfortably ahead, with their candidate, Billy Kelleher, sure to retain his position. With mounting anticipation, Thursday’s highlight was the debate on whether Mick Wallace would retain his place or if it would be usurped by the unstoppable Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.
Billy, looking as suave as ever, was overhead comparing his feelings to that of a groom waiting at the altar; uncertain whether he’d be better off if his bride arrived, or if she ran off. As it worked out, Cynthia, armed with a generous pile of votes, succeeded in the 20th count. Whether for better or for worse, she will now serve as Billy’s political partner in Brussels and Strasbourg for the incoming five years.
A growing irritation among politicians is noticeable regarding the ‘celebrity’ candidates. These are high-profile contenders who oftenforhave not dedicated time to local activism and grassroots campaigning, much to the annoyance of seasoned politicians.
Noted Fianna Fáil TD, Barry Cowen, hailing from a family with a long-standing political legacy, voiced the sentiments of countless candidates across all political factions during his final impassioned Facebook appeal the night before voting day: “I am neither a sensationalist journalist, nor a shock radio host, a horse racer, or a dancer… I am no Rose of Tralee! I am merely a public servant with a firm commitment and devotion, who over the past 13 years has earned the trust of my community – on a regional, constituency and national scale.”
[ European Election: Mick Wallace misses the mark while Kathleen Funchion (SF), Michael McNamara (Ind) and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) secure the remaining seats in Ireland South ]
This remarkably evokes the essence of Julia-Roberts in the film, Notting Hill.
“I’m an MP, standing in front of the electorate, asking for your approval.”
Barry’s efforts weren’t in vain.
He’s en route to Brussels in the company of Ming (nicknamed after the infamous extraterrestrial despot from Planet Mongo), Ciaran Mullooly (renowned for his tenure as RTÉ regional correspondence), Nina Carberry (former champion horse racer and Dancing with the Stars contestant) and Maria Walsh (former Rose of Tralee winner and re-elected MEP).
Offaly’s Fianna Fáil section organised a grand “welcome back” festivity for their beloved Barry. Quite fittingly, in his local Cowen’s bar in Clara, his birthplace.
His trip to Castlebar was only a fleeting affair.
Tantalising Image
Could Micheál Martin be indulging in some subtle mischief when a peculiar photo came up on his Instagram feed?
This picture seems out of place amidst a host of ordinary snaps featuring the Tánaiste busy on the campaign trail with various candidates. Peculiarly, it features Micheál in what seems like a resting post-campaign stance, engrossed in reading the Daily Mail.
Selecting such a snapshot gives pause for thought. There is no identifiable backdrop in the image, nor does it feature any other personalities.
The newspaper headline from the 6th of June reads: “We’ve Had Enough of the Greens.”
Quite cunning indeed!
A duet of Claires
The world is such a little place, isn’t it?
Two members of the Offaly County Council hail from the same town, bear identical names, and represent the same electoral district. However, each is affiliated with a different political faction. Claire Murray of Fianna Fáil and her namesake from Sinn Féin both call the town of Rhode home and represented the Edenderry electoral area in the council. A coin toss decided the order of their names on the voting ballot, with Claire Murray from Sinn Féin emerging victorious. Claire Murray from Fianna Fáil comfortably landed her seat on the second tally, while her Sinn Féin counterpart secured hers on the final, sixth count.